Digital art in 2025 is all about experimenting, innovating, and finding tools that spark fresh ideas. The right apps don’t just make the process easier—they open doors to styles and techniques you might not have tried before. From glitch effects to 3D sculpting and retro film vibes, these are six art apps I keep coming back to, and think every digital artist should give them a try.
1. Glitch Art Studio – Experimental Visuals Made Easy
Glitch aesthetics have carved out their own space in the art world, and Glitch Art Studio is one of the simplest ways to create them. It lets you distort images, bend pixels, and build unexpected textures that feel raw and futuristic. Anyone familiar with the Salais Brew knows I like incorporating these textures and distortions into artwork that is less polished and more experimental. This app is perfect at producing unique manipulations for digital artists that want to experiment with glitch art.
2. Procreate – The Gold Standard for Digital Drawing
If you’re drawing on an iPad, Procreate is a must-have. The brushes feel natural, the layering system is seamless, and its time-lapse recording makes it easy to share your process. It works just as well for loose sketches as it does for finished illustrations, which is why it’s such a favorite among digital artists. For me, Procreate is where I take all my ideas and distortions to create surreal, glitch art compositions.
3. Nomad Sculpt – 3D Art Without the Learning Curve
Want to dip into 3D art without committing to heavy, professional software? Nomad Sculpt makes sculpting fun and approachable. It feels like working with digital clay—you can build, shape, and texture forms in an intuitive way. It’s a great tool if you’re curious about adding a 3D edge to your work, or if you simply want to experiment with creating characters and objects in a new dimension.
4. Riveo – Bring Motion to Your Artwork
Sometimes static images aren’t enough. Riveo makes it simple to add cinematic motion and effects that make your work come alive, which is convenient in an age where video is popular. I use it when I want to create animated versions of my artwork for social media or experiment with visuals that feel more immersive. It’s one of those apps that instantly adds another layer of creativity without needing advanced animation skills.
5. Unsplash – Inspiration and Resources at Your Fingertips
Every artist needs inspiration, and sometimes you just need the right reference or texture. Unsplash is a massive library of free, high-quality photos that you can use however you like. I use it for several glitch portraits and other surreal artwork.
6. Vintage Camera – Retro Vibes for Modern Artists
Nostalgia has its own aesthetic, and Vintage Camera nails it. The app gives your images that analog warmth—grain, light leaks, and retro film tones—that feels timeless. I use it to create overlays, set moods, or simply add a touch of character to digital pieces. It’s a fun way to blend digital art with retro photography vibes.
How I Blend These Apps in My Workflow
Rarely do I stick to just one app. I typically start with a photo from Unsplash as my base, then bring everything together in Procreate, which I use as my main composition tool. I layer textures and effects from Glitch Studio and Vintage Camera on top of the photo, blending them to create something unique. When experimenting with 3D, Nomad Sculpt comes into play, and Riveo is my go-to for adding motion when I want extra visual interest for social posts.
Mixing tools like these keeps my work playful, flexible, and always evolving. Several of the digital downloads and prints in my shop were created using this exact approach.
Choosing the Right App for Your Style
There’s no single “best art app” for everyone—it depends on your style and goals. A few things to think about:
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Your art focus: Are you more into drawing, experimenting with glitch effects, or exploring 3D?
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Budget: Some apps are free, while others (like Procreate) are one-time purchases.
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Your device: Certain apps are iPad-only, while others are available across platforms.
Start with what excites you most and build from there.
Final Thoughts
The best digital art app is the one that inspires you to create. These six apps have opened new doors in my creative process, and I’m excited to see what they unlock for you. Which app do you swear by? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to try it out!
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