Digital art is no longer a niche interest; it’s a vital part of contemporary visual culture and creative industries. As art teachers, we have the exciting (and slightly overwhelming) task of weaving digital media into our already packed art and design curricula. The challenge isn’t just in teaching it, but in choosing which platforms, apps or software to invest time and training in. There are so many options out there—each promising something new—that deciding what’s right for your students can feel like digital overload.
From professional software like Photoshop and Illustrator, to free online tools, to iPad apps with cult followings, the variety is staggering. And while variety is good, in the classroom, it can also cause a lot of confusion. We need to be thinking not only about what we can teach, but what will genuinely benefit our students as they move into a digital future. It’s not just about art—it’s about preparing them for creative careers that may not even exist yet. That’s a huge responsibility.
Over the past few years, I’ve tested out many different digital art tools, both for my own development and in the classroom. Some are too complex, some are too simplistic, some are wonderful but just not practical in a school setting. After a lot of trial and error, The Arty Teacher has chosen to focus on two key platforms: Adobe Fresco and Photopea.
Inclusivity Matters
Why these two? First and foremost, they’re both free. That means no student is excluded from developing their digital skills due to a lack of access—something I feel really strongly about. Inclusivity matters. But just as importantly, both of these tools include layers, and that’s essential. If students only learn to draw digitally on a single flat canvas, they’re missing out on one of the most powerful features of digital image-making. Layers are fundamental to most professional design workflows, particularly in programs like Adobe Photoshop—which is still the industry standard across countless creative careers. By introducing layers early on, we’re giving students a head start on professional-level digital literacy.
Adobe Fresco is a great entry point for painting and drawing on tablets. It’s user-friendly and has a clean interface, but also has the option to explore more complex tools. If your students are used to drawing on paper, Fresco feels like a very natural step into digital. It includes both raster and vector brushes, giving students insight into two very different ways of working.
Photopea, on the other hand, is a fantastic browser-based alternative to Photoshop. You don’t need to install anything—it works on Chromebooks and PCs—which is a game changer for schools that don’t have iPads or powerful computers. It mimics the Photoshop interface and supports PSD files, so students can even transition directly into Adobe programs down the line. And because it’s free, there are no subscription headaches or licensing issues to worry about.
Now, I can’t talk about digital art without mentioning Procreate. Procreate is truly an exceptional app. It’s powerful, intuitive, and students love it. For those who already use it at home, I think it’s important to encourage them to build their confidence with it. They’re often producing incredibly sophisticated work, and we should absolutely validate that. However, as brilliant as Procreate is, it’s not free—and for many schools, that’s a barrier.
It’s a one-time purchase (which is better than a subscription), but if you’re looking to install it across a class set of iPads, the cost quickly adds up. That said, if you do have a budget for digital tools, there’s good news: Apple School Manager offers a 50% discount when purchasing apps in bulk for educational use. So, if Procreate is your app of choice and funding allows, it’s well worth pursuing through the proper educational channels. Just be aware that students won’t have access to it at home unless they’ve paid for it themselves.
Incorporating Digital Art in the Art and Design Curriculum
Incorporating digital art into the curriculum isn’t about replacing traditional methods—it’s about expanding the range of tools we offer to our students. Sketchbooks and charcoal aren’t going anywhere. But if we want to prepare students for the world they’re growing into, we need to include digital skills in the conversation. That means giving them opportunities to work digitally, to explore how those tools behave differently, and to understand how those skills might one day be useful in fields like animation, game design, product design, or even careers we can’t yet imagine.
As with everything in art education, it’s about balance. Not every school has the tech, the time, or the money to go all-in on digital—but choosing the right platforms can make a huge difference. I hope that by focusing on tools like Adobe Fresco and Photopea, we can give every student access to meaningful digital experiences—ones that build confidence, spark creativity, and open doors.
Let’s keep our eyes on the future while staying grounded in good pedagogy. If you’re already incorporating digital art into your classroom, I’d love to hear what’s working for you. And if you’re just starting out, start small, be curious, and don’t be afraid to learn alongside your students. It’s one of the best parts of teaching art in the digital age.
Popular Digital Art Lessons
Feeling inspired? Why not check out these Adobe Fresco and Photopea art lessons?
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