Drawing with code

Digital illustration combines traditional hand-drawn techniques with modern technology, evolving from early algorithmic art to tools such as MacPaint, Illustrator, and Photoshop. The rise of accessible tablets such as the iPad and Wacom further expanded their role in design, entertainment, and fine art. This article explores how digital illustration bridges the gap between traditional and digital art practices, supporting STEAM education. Integrating computer science, visual art, and math, it promotes interdisciplinary learning and computational thinking. Strategies for incorporating digital illustration into STEAM curricula are examined, emphasizing its power to combine creativity with problem-solving. Drawing from the authors’ experiences, the article highlights how digital tools support storytelling, document cultural identity, and enable expressive, hybrid forms that blend photography with digital illustration.