It always seems to feel better when you’re part of a community. This also applies to any serious artist who can enjoy being part of an online art community and interact with other people that understand their experience.
Think of being in the same environment where people go through what you do.
Online art sites enable you to connect with other marketers, add new skills, and expand your abilities in an environment that is always welcoming.
We all know how hard it can be to look for inspiration and even network with other artists.
Some of these communities focus on one particular style of art, while some, accept all forms of creativity.
No matter how you define yourself as an artist, there will always be a place where you will fit!
In this article, we are going to research the 12 best online art communities – their distinct features, which artists appreciate, and how they enable you to improve your skills.
Let’s get to it!
What is an Online Art Community?
An Online Art Community is a digital space where artists connect, share, and grow.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these platforms allow you to present your work, receive constructive criticism, and learn from other creators without the need of a physical gallery.
How Online Art Communities Help Artists Grow
As with any other community out there, an art community exists to bring people together for the purpose of learning, networking and seeking inspiration.
This is how it works:
Meet Other Creatives – Interact with other creatives, complete projects together, or even get hired.
Grow New Skills – Access video lessons, seminars, and evaluations to boost your performance.
Get Exposure – Display your artwork, get reviews, and enhance your credibility.
The Reason Artists Join These Communities
The charm of such communities is that they allow artists to:
Network – Meet other artists, industry professionals or new clients.
Learning Resources – Tutorials, critiques, and workshops to sharpen skills.
Visibility – Share art with a global audience and grow your fan base.
Different Kinds Of Online Art Communities
There are many types of art communities, and they all differ in some way:
Social Networks – Platforms like Instagram and Facebook for sharing and engaging.
Forums – Spaces for in-depth discussions, critiques, and knowledge sharing.
Portfolio Sites – Sites like ArtStation for professional art showcases.
Specialized Communities – Groups focused on specific styles or mediums, like digital painting or watercolor.
With new developments comes new challenges.
Online art communities make it easier to meet, grow, share, and learn as an artist.
So what are you waiting for? Find your baller gang.
Benefits of Joining an Online Art Community
Inspiration and Motivation
Getting fueled by some other creator’s work can get your creative juices flowing.
Sometimes, all the motivation you need is a community that helps you work on fresh ideas while encouraging you to try out new techniques.
A single piece of work can do a lot for someone suffering from an art block.
Build and Refine Your Skills
Many platforms provide step-by-step work along with webinars and live demos for new users.
So, try attending tutorials or workshops.
Ask for constructive feedback or critique from your fellow artists and other professionals to improve upon your work.
Some communities match experienced artists with novice ones as mentors to help them get proper guidance along with career tips to help with growth.
Exposure and Career Growth
Share your work with a wider audience and increase your chances of grabbing attention.
It also helps to get commissions, freelance opportunities and exhibit invites.
Stand out and make a robust portfolio to leave an impression on potential clients and employers.
Networking and Collaboration
Find and reach out to other creators with similar interests and styles as yourself.
Participate in group projects, challenges or collaborate on different pieces of art to broaden your creative constraints.
Grow your social circle with people who understand your artistic experiences and motivate you to do better.
Support and Encouragement
Get a specific helpful backbone that makes your art better.
Look for supportive, motivated spaces that push you to do better.
Participate in talks on different trends, tools and career changes in the art industry.
Top 12 Online Art Communities
If you’re an artist looking for a place to share your work, get feedback, and connect with other creatives, an online art community is a must!
You could be into digital painting, traditional sketching, 3D modeling, or graphic design, whichever, there’s a perfect community waiting for you.
Here’s a list of the 12 best online art communities, each offering something unique:
1. DeviantArt – The Biggest Art Community
DeviantArt is one of the largest online art platforms, welcoming all kinds of artists.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find a place to share your work, join discussions, and even take commissions.
Best for: Anyone looking for a huge, diverse art community.
Cool features: Group discussions, commissions, tons of art styles.
2. ArtStation – The Pro’s Choice
If you’re serious about a career in digital art, ArtStation is your go-to.
It’s a showcase hub for digital artists, concept artists, and illustrators, often used by game and film industry professionals.
Best for: Digital artists who want professional exposure.
Cool features: Portfolio building, networking, job listings.
3. Dribbble – A Playground for Designers
Dribbble is where graphic designers and UI/UX creators hang out.
It’s all about sharing creative designs, getting inspiration, and connecting with potential clients.
Best for: Graphic designers and UI/UX artists looking for freelance work.
Cool features: High-quality portfolios, networking, job opportunities.
4. Behance – Show Off Your Work in Style
Behance, owned by Adobe, is great for artists who want a visually stunning portfolio.
It’s used by creative professionals worldwide to get noticed by potential clients and employers.
Best for: Artists and designers who want professional recognition.
Cool features: Portfolio integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, job discovery.
5. Pixiv – The Home of Anime & Manga Artists
Pixiv is hugely popular in Japan and a go-to place for anime and manga lovers.
If you enjoy drawing stylized characters, fantasy worlds, or comic art, this is your spot!
Best for: Anime/manga artists and Japanese pop culture fans.
Cool features: Fan art, creative collaborations, large anime-loving community.
6. ConceptArt.org – A Place to Level Up
If you take your art skills seriously, ConceptArt.org is the place to get critiques and improve.
It’s a learning-focused platform with discussions on techniques, tools, and career growth.
Best for: Artists who want constructive feedback and skill-building.
Cool features: Critique forums, community challenges, tutorials.
7. WetCanvas – A Haven for Traditional Artists
Love painting, sketching, or working with real brushes and canvas?
WetCanvas is a friendly, supportive space for artists working with traditional mediums.
Best for: Painters and sketch artists who prefer traditional art.
Cool features: Community forums, step-by-step tutorials, resource sharing.
8. CGSociety – The 3D & Digital Art Hub
CGSociety is where 3D artists, game designers, and digital painters gather.
If you’re working on CGI, animation, or digital painting for games or films, this is the perfect place to connect with professionals.
Best for: 3D artists and game designers looking for career opportunities.
Cool features: Networking, industry job listings, community forums.
9. ZBrushCentral – Sculpting Made Social
ZBrushCentral is all about digital sculpting.
If you use ZBrush for character design, creatures, or 3D modeling, this community is packed with tips, tutorials, and inspiration.
Best for: 3D sculptors and ZBrush users.
Cool features: ZBrush tutorials, sculpting challenges, feedback from experts.
10. IllustrationAge – For Illustrators & Comic Artists
IllustrationAge is more than just an art-sharing platform – it’s a place to learn, grow, and build a career.
It offers advice, resources, and networking for illustrators and comic book artists.
Best for: Artists wanting to turn illustration into a career.
Cool features: Career tips, industry insights, community support.
11. Muddy Colors – Pro Advice & Techniques
Muddy Colors is a blog and community for professional illustrators and painters.
It’s packed with art technique discussions, critiques, and industry insights.
Best for: Professional illustrators looking for expert advice.
Cool features: Art discussions, critiques, learning from industry pros.
12. Reddit Art Communities – A Bit of Everything
Reddit has tons of art communities (like r/Art, r/LearnArt, r/DigitalPainting) where you can share your work, get feedback, and join discussions.
Best for: Artists of all levels looking for casual discussions & feedback.
Cool features: Huge variety, different art niches, real-time feedback.
How to Pick the Right Online Art Community
Finding the perfect online art community can help you grow as an artist, connect with others, and even kickstart your career.
Here’s how to choose the best one for you:
1. Match It to Your Art Style and Goals
Your Style Matters – Digital artists thrive on platforms like ArtStation, while traditional artists might prefer Doodle Addicts.
Hobbyist or Pro? – Casual artists may enjoy DeviantArt, while professionals looking for jobs and networking might prefer Behance or CGSociety.
2. Look for an Active and Supportive Community
Choose platforms where people actually engage—more likes, comments, and discussions mean better growth.
A good community provides constructive feedback, helping you improve instead of just getting random likes.
3. Think About Your Career Aspirations
Want to connect with industry pros? Go for ArtStation or CGSociety.
Need career resources? Some platforms offer tutorials, job listings, and workshops to help you level up.
4. Can You Sell Your Art There?
Some platforms let you sell your artwork directly, like Etsy or Redbubble.
If making money from your art is a priority, find a site that supports e-commerce and client work.
How to Get the Most Out of an Online Art Community
Joining an online art community is a great way to grow as an artist, but just signing up isn’t just enough—you need to engage!
Here are some simple ways to make the most of it:
1. Interact with Others
Show love to other artists by liking and commenting on their work.
This helps you build connections and encourages engagement on your own art.
Whether it’s a forum, a group chat, or a thread, participating in conversations helps you learn and feel part of the community.
2. Share Your Work Regularly
Post high-quality images. A clear, well-presented image makes your work stand out.
Keep your portfolio updated. Upload new pieces often to show your progress and keep people interested in your art.
3. Give and Receive Feedback
Leaving thoughtful feedback on someone’s work builds relationships and shows you care about the community.
Constructive criticism helps you improve. Take feedback as a learning opportunity, not just an opinion.
4. Join Challenges and Contests
Taking part in challenges gets your work in front of more people.
Competitions push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow.
5. Network and Build Connections
Connect with fellow creatives for collaborations, inspiration, and support.
Some communities attract industry professionals looking for talent—networking can open doors for commissions and job opportunities.
Conclusion
Being part of an online art community can be a game-changer for any artist.
These platforms help you connect with other creatives, learn new skills, and share your work with the world.
We’ve looked at the best online art communities and how they can boost your creativity, improve your skills, and even open doors for career opportunities.
The key to making the most of them? Stay active, engage with others, and be open to feedback!
No matter your skill level, there’s a community out there for you.
So dive in, connect with fellow artists, and keep growing!