As a digital paper creator, I'm used to people saying, "Huh?" when I tell them what I create and sell. Now, let me tell you all about what digital papers are, how they are made, where to find them, and how you can use them in your creative hobby or business design projects.
*This post contains affiliate links
What Are Digital Papers?
Digital papers, also known as textures, are electronic files (usually JPGs or PNGs) featuring aesthetically pleasing designs, textures, or patterns. These files are widely used in digital art, graphic design, crafting projects, and digital products. Want to spice up your website, make nice Instagram graphics, or start making digital planners? Digital papers are a must to create visual interest and give your designs some texture or patterns. Digital papers offer a convenient and cost-effective way to enhance your projects with unique visuals.
How Are Digital Papers Made?
As a digital paper creator, the process involves using digital tools and software to design captivating textures. I use different painting techniques, layering, and mixing media with, for example, pictures of textured surfaces from the real world to create beautiful backgrounds.
My designs are then converted into high-resolution files that users can download and incorporate into their creative projects. Creating digital papers allows infinite customization possibilities, from realistic watercolor textures to intricate geometric patterns. Digital paper creators often draw inspiration from traditional art forms, textures found in nature, and contemporary trends. I love the look of vibrant colors, glitter, holographic, metallic, and plastic surfaces, so you'll see this in the abstract digital papers I create.
What Are Digital Papers Used For?
Digital papers are used for everything you need a nice abstract, textured, or patterned background for, basically anything you make online where you want to add visual interest. Think text graphics, social media graphics, the covers of e-books, and digital planners as a background for invitations or a booklet for your customers. They can be used for digital scrapbooking or even as desktop backgrounds.
Where to Find Digital Papers
Digital papers are readily available on various online platforms, making them easily accessible to creators worldwide. Websites like Creative Fabrica and Creative Market offer extensive collections of digital papers in diverse styles. Users can find digital papers suitable for different themes, occasions, or artistic preferences when exploring these platforms.
Some creators, including myself, may also have personal websites or shops dedicated to showcasing and selling their exclusive digital paper collections. My product, The Digital Paper Library, is made for color lovers who want a pay-just-once, lifetime commercial license, without having to pay a recurring cost or have limits set on how many end products they can make. I'll tell you more about the importance of having a commercial license if you want to make products for sale later in this blog post.
The Importance of a Commercial License
For individuals looking to use digital papers to create products for sale, paying attention to licensing agreements is crucial. Many digital paper creators offer commercial licenses for their products, granting users the right to use the digital papers in items for resale, such as digital downloads or printables.
A commercial license ensures that you can confidently sell the creations you make with the digital papers you buy, without infringing on intellectual property rights and not worry about being sued. When considering digital papers for commercial use, always review the licensing terms and choose products that align with your intended use. Be aware that some creators on online marketing platforms like Etsy only allow personal use or limited commercial use, which only allows you to sell physical products but not digital ones or the other way around.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, the world of digital papers opens up creative possibilities for designers, creatives, and online entrepreneurs. Understanding digital papers, how they are made, and where to find them can empower creators to elevate their projects with visually stunning elements.
As a digital paper creator, I am passionate about contributing to this vibrant community, offering unique designs that inspire and enhance the creative journey. Remember to explore the vast array of digital papers available online and, when venturing into commercial use, prioritize obtaining the appropriate licenses for a seamless and legally compliant creative experience.
If you want to learn more, you can also check out my post What is a digital texture, which contains some more information, although digital papers and textures are often used interchangeably.