How Do You Make Something Look Metallic in Digital Art?

Art|Digital Art

When it comes to digital art, one of the most popular elements used are metals. Metallic textures can add a level of realism and sophistication to an artwork, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

However, creating a realistic metallic look in digital art is not always an easy task. Fortunately, there are several ways to make something look metallic in digital art.

Using Textures

Using a texture that has a metallic look is the easiest way to make something look metallic in digital art. Textures can be sourced from various places such as stock images or 3D renders.

It is important to choose a texture that looks realistic and high-quality if you want to create an authentic-looking metallic effect. Once you have found the right texture, you can apply it to your artwork using layer masks or blending modes.

Painting Details

If you don’t want to use a texture, then painting details by hand is another way of making something look metallic in digital art. Start by applying an initial layer of color that has a metallic hue and then add small details such as scratches and reflections with a smaller brush size. This will give your artwork a more realistic and authentic-looking finish.

Using Filters

Filters can also be used to create a metallic effect in digital art. There are many different filters available for various software programs, so it’s important to experiment with different ones until you find one that works best for your project. Some popular filters used for creating metal effects include chrome and gold.

Conclusion

Making something look metallic in digital art is not always easy, but with the right techniques it can be achieved with great results. Using textures, painting details or using filters are all great ways of achieving an authentic-looking metal effect for your artwork.