A Survey of Digital Art Practices Among Young Artists in Abuja, FCT

The proliferation of digital tools has opened new creative possibilities for young Nigerian artists, and surveying the scope, motivations, and challenges of digital art practice among emerging artists in Abuja provides valuable baseline data for art education and creative industry development. This study surveyed digital art practices among young artists aged 18 to 35 in Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT, using a descriptive survey design. A structured questionnaire was administered to 150 young artists recruited through the FCT Art Gallery, the Art District Abuja, and online art community platforms. The questionnaire assessed software tools used, digital art genres practiced, revenue generation strategies, formal training background, and perceived industry challenges. Results showed that digital illustration (62 percent), motion graphics (41.3 percent), and digital photography manipulation (38 percent) were the most practised digital art forms. Adobe Photoshop and Procreate were the dominant software tools. Revenue generation through social media commissions was the primary income source for 71.3 percent of respondents. Only 32 percent had received formal digital art training through an educational institution, with the majority self-taught through online tutorials. Platform monetisation uncertainty and intellectual property theft were identified as the most significant industry challenges. The study concludes that digital art practice in Abuja is vibrant but institutionally underserved. Recommendations include digital art studio facilities in tertiary institutions, IP protection education, and social enterprise frameworks linking digital artists with commercial clients in the FCT.

Keywords: digital art, young artists, creative practice, Abuja, digital creative industry