What is Mobile Digital Art? The term mobile digital art refers to audio and visual creative works produced on wireless and mobile devices such as cellphones, mobile tablets, laptops, and Nintendo DSi.  Of course, this list is not limited to the above.  The term has also been expanded to include other non-conventional art technologies  like the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox Kinect.

Mobile Digital Artists are an emerging and diverse group. The community of artists has grown significantly over the past few years–no doubt, much of this can be attributed to the rapidly developing technologies that now offer the artists the freedom and convenience of time and mobility to strengthen craft and produce more pieces.  (So you might notice that mobile digital artists tend to have extensive portfolios…since the tools are always with us–we have no reason NOT to create!)

Artists come to the medium for many different reasons. You may find those who use it merely as an enhancement tool–a mobile sketchbook to jot down ideas or a camera to capture images that will be put to use with more traditional media (oils, pastels, acrylics).  You might also find artists of traditional backgrounds (like me) who have migrated fully to the medium because it suits their lifestyle, techniques and/or interests.

Artists’ backgrounds range from fine arts, graphic arts, illustration, and photography to music, video production and film.

I am a mobile digital artist. I suppose I would fall under the “fine artist” category–if I was up for a label.  The term most of us use “around the house” is “fingerpainting”, as many of us have grown quite comfy drawing on screens with the tips of our fingers.  I must clarify that I do not draw, paint or trace over photos (I’ve had people ask me this often because).  I draw as I would on a normal sketchpad with a piece of charcoal.  Only, in my lifetime, I will have saved a tree or two…and possibly loads of prep and cleaning time.

To learn more about mobile digital art and the growing community of artists who have migrated to the medium, visit www.iamda.org.  Below are some other resources for your reading enjoyment.  And you’re always welcome to send me questions.  I’m open.