Procreate for Beginners: How to Get Started with Digital Drawing and Painting with Procreate

Procreate Tips for Beginners- How to get started

As a beginner to digital drawing and painting, it can be intimidating to start with a new program like Procreate.

However, with its intuitive interface and powerful tools, Procreate is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with digital art.

Here are some tips for beginners to help you get started with Procreate:

1. Familiarize yourself with the interface: Procreate has a unique interface that may be different from other programs you have used. Take some time to explore the interface and learn about the different panels and menus.
2. Get the Appropriate ProceateTools:
3. Start with the basics: It’s important to start with the basics of digital art when using Procreate. This includes learning about brushes, layers, and color palettes.
4. Experiment with different brushes: Procreate comes with a variety of pre-made brushes, but you can also create your own custom brushes. Experiment with different brushes and find the ones that work best for your art style.
5. Learn about layers: Layers are an essential part of digital art. They allow you to add and edit elements of your artwork without affecting the rest of the image. Learn about how to create, move, and manipulate layers in Procreate.
6. Use the color picker: Procreate has a built-in color picker that allows you to select and save colors for your artwork. Take some time to experiment with the color picker and create your own color swatches.
7. Utilize the transform tool: A transform tool is a powerful tool that allows you to resize, rotate, and distort elements of your artwork. Learn about how to use the transform tool to create interesting effects.
8. Take advantage of Procreate’s gesture controls: Procreate has a variety of gesture controls that allow you to quickly perform common actions. Learn about how to use these gestures to streamline your workflow.
9. Use reference images: Procreate allows you to import reference images directly into your canvas. This is a useful feature for artists who want to create accurate drawings and paintings.
10. Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, digital art takes practice. Spend time experimenting with Procreate and creating new artwork.
11. Try New Things and Enjoy Yourself! : Procreate provides its users with a multitude of tools and features that may be utilized in the process of creating a wide variety of different types of artwork. It is essential not to be afraid of trying new things and experimenting. Keep in mind that the most essential thing is to enjoy yourself..

Familiarize yourself with the interface:

Procreate has a unique interface that may be different from other programs you have used. Take some time to explore the interface and learn about the different panels and menus.

Also, Read: Is Procreate Good for Beginners? The Ultimate Beginners Guide

The user interface of Procreate was developed to be straightforward and simple to understand. The following is a list of the most important aspects that you should become familiar with:

Toolbar The toolbar is positioned at the top of the screen and contains the tools that are utilized the most frequently. These tools include the selection tool, the brush tool, and the eraser tool.

Also, Read: Can I draw with my finger in Procreate?Tips to use your finger to Draw with Procreate

Brush Library: The Brush Library can be found on the left-hand side of the screen and has hundreds of various pre-made brushes that may be used to produce a variety of different effects.

Layers Panel: The layers panel, which can be found on the right-hand side of the screen, gives you the ability to work on various aspects of your artwork in isolation from one another.

Also Read: How to Lock Layers in Procreate to Protect Your Art- All things you need to know

Color Picker: The color picker sits at the bottom of the screen and allows you to choose colors from your artwork or make your own unique colors. You can select colors from your artwork or create your own.

Quick Menu: The Quick Menu is a menu that you may personalize, and it gives you fast access to the tools and settings that are most important to you.

Also Read: How to Use Procreate’s Quick Menu for Faster Art

The preferences menu in Procreate enables you to modify the user interface in a manner that is congruent with the way you work. You have the ability to alter settings such as the options for your stylus, as well as the grid and snap settings.

You can rapidly develop a feel for the Procreate interface and start generating artwork in a more effective manner if you explore the various panels and choices that are available to you here. Don’t be scared to try new things and experiment;

Procreate offers a lot of different options that you may utilize to make some wonderful artwork.

Get the Appropriate ProceateTools:

Yes, having the appropriate Procreate tools can make a big difference in your digital art workflow. Here are some important tools to consider:

Procreate App:

Procreate costs $9.99 USD on the App Store, and there are no additional subscription fees or in-app purchases required to use the app.

Once you purchase Procreate, you have access to all of its features and updates without any extra cost.

It’s worth noting that Procreate is only available for iOS devices and requires an iPad running iOS 13.2 or later, or an iPhone running iOS 14.0 or later. So, if you don’t already own an iOS device, you’ll need to factor in the cost of purchasing one as well.

Also Read: 9+ Best Procreate Courses in 2023 [ Explore the creative possibilities offered by digital art]

iPad

Yes, having an iPad is essential for using Procreate, as Procreate is only available on iOS devices. Procreate is optimized for use on the iPad, with its large, high-resolution screen and support for the Apple Pencil.

Also Read: Is it Worth Buying an iPad for Procreate?

When selecting an iPad for Procreate, consider the following factors:

1. Screen Size: A larger screen size can provide more workspace and make it easier to see details in your artwork. The iPad Pro offers larger screen sizes than other iPad models, ranging from 11 inches to 12.9 inches.
2. Apple Pencil Compatibility: The Apple Pencil is the recommended stylus for Procreate. Not all iPads support the Apple Pencil, so be sure to check if the iPad you’re considering is compatible.
3. Processing Power: Procreate is a powerful app that requires a significant amount of processing power. Consider selecting an iPad with a fast processor, such as the A12Z Bionic or A14 Bionic.
4. Storage Capacity: The size of your Procreate files can quickly increase, so consider selecting an iPad with ample storage capacity. The iPad Pro offers storage options up to 1TB, while other models range from 32GB to 512 GB.
5. Budget: iPads range in price, so consider your budget when selecting an iPad for Procreate. While the iPad Pro offers the best performance and features, it is also the most expensive.

Overall, having an iPad for Procreate is essential for creating digital art using the app. Consider your needs and budget when selecting an iPad model for Procreate.

Apple Pencil: The Apple Pencil is a popular tool for digital artists using Procreate. It offers precise control and pressure sensitivity, allowing you to create fine details and dynamic strokes.

Screen Protector: Since you’ll be using the Apple Pencil on the iPad screen, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality screen protector. This will help protect the screen from scratches and smudges and provide a more natural feel when drawing.

Custom Procreate Brushes: While Procreate comes with a range of default brushes, you can create or download custom brushes to achieve specific effects or styles. There are many online resources for downloading custom brushes, or you can create your own using Procreate’s brush settings.

Also Read: 20 Best Procreate Brushes to elevate your Digital Art

Color Palettes: Procreate allows you to create and save custom color palettes. This is helpful for maintaining consistency in your artwork and achieving specific color schemes.

Also Read: How to Use the Procreate Face Paint Feature?

Backup and Cloud Services: It’s important to back up your Procreate files regularly to avoid losing your artwork due to technical issues or device failure. Consider using cloud storage services such as iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive to ensure your files are backed up and accessible across multiple devices.

By having the appropriate Procreate tools, you can enhance your digital art experience and create more polished and professional-looking artwork.

Start with the basics:

It’s important to start with the basics of digital art when using Procreate. This includes learning about brushes, layers, and color palettes.

The following is a concise summary of the three crucial tools that you mentioned:

Brushes are the digital version of traditional art instruments like pens, pencils, and paintbrushes. Brushes can be used to paint, draw, or sculpt.

Artists have access to a broad selection of brushes in Procreate, including traditional-looking and -feeling brushes as well as more experimental brushes that enable them to create one-of-a-kind effects in their work.

It is essential to practice with a variety of brushes and acquire the knowledge necessary to modify their settings in order to get the desired effect.

The concept of layers is essential to the practice of creating digital art.

They provide artists with the ability to work on various areas of an image without influencing the other elements of the image as they do so.

Because of this, it is much simpler to make modifications and alterations as required. When working in Procreate, you may keep your work organized by creating many levels and then grouping those layers into categories.

Palettes de couleurs: A color palette is a collection of colors that an artist can use in their artwork. Palettes can be purchased or made by hand.

Procreate gives users the option to create their own color palettes in addition to providing a selection of pre-made palettes from which to choose. Understanding how to make good use of color is critical to producing artwork that is both aesthetically beautiful and emotionally moving.

By becoming proficient in these fundamentals, artists will be able to begin exploring the vast array of options that Procreate makes available to them.

Experiment with different brushes:

Procreate comes with a variety of pre-made brushes, but you can also create your own custom brushes. Experiment with different brushes and find the ones that work best for your art style.

In order to find your own distinctive style and produce great artwork using Procreate, one of the best methods to do it is to play around with the many brushes that are available. The following is a list of suggestions on how to get started:

Try out some of the pre-made brushes: Procreate comes with a wide selection of pre-made brushes that range from simple tools like pencils and pens to more complex tools that can imitate the feel of oil or watercolor paint.

Also Read: Procreate glazed brushes – Tips to use Procreate Glazed Brushes right way

If you want to get started quickly, you can try out some of the basic tools like pencils and pens. Experimenting with these brushes will give you a better idea of their capabilities, so get started with that.

Change the settings of the brush: Once you’ve discovered a brush that you like, don’t be afraid to adjust its settings so that they better meet your requirements.

Also Read: Are Procreate Brushes Copyrighted? The facts

You can create more variance in your strokes, for instance, by modifying the brush’s size, opacity, and flow, or by adjusting the pressure curve. Another option is to use multiple brushes.

Make your own unique brushes: Another feature that’s available in Procreate is the ability to make your own unique brushes, which is a fantastic method to build your own personal artistic style.

To make a unique brush, you must first choose a standard brush as a starting point and then play with the many options and textures available.

Also Read: How to Reset Procreate Brushes?

Don’t be afraid to combine different styles: You can make intricate, multi-layered artwork using Procreate because of the program’s ability to support several brushes and layers, which is one of its many strengths.

If you want to create effects and textures that are one of a kind, give different brushes and their combinations a try.

Keep in mind that experimenting while having fun is the best way to determine which brushes are best suited for the style of art you create.

Also Read: How to Flip Your Canvas in Procreate ?

It is important to not be afraid of trying new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what Procreate is capable of doing.

Learn about layers:

Layers are an essential part of digital art. They allow you to add and edit elements of your artwork without affecting the rest of the image. Learn about how to create, move, and manipulate layers in Procreate.

It is true that layers are a fundamental component of digital art, and gaining an understanding of how to make efficient use of them is absolutely necessary for producing high-quality artwork with Procreate. The following are some fundamental pointers to get you started:

Adding a new layer is as easy as tapping the Layers icon in the upper right corner of the screen and selecting “New” from the menu. This will allow you to add a new layer to your project in Procreate. After that, you will be given the option to select the kind of layer that you want to make, such as a standard layer, a reference layer, or a group.

Layers can be moved and rearranged in the Layers panel by dragging and dropping them. Once you have generated numerous levels, you can rearrange them in whatever order you choose by doing.

You can also delete, duplicate, or merge layers by tapping on the layer in question and then picking the corresponding option from the menu that appears.

Changing layer properties: Each layer in Procreate has its own set of attributes that can be altered to affect how the layer interacts with other layers in the image. These adjustments can be made under the “Properties” panel of the layer’s inspector.

For instance, you can change the opacity of a layer to make it more or less translucent, or you can utilize blending modes to produce different effects. Both of these options are available to you.

Layer masking: Procreate’s masking feature is a powerful tool that lets you hide or show elements of a layer. You may use it to create interesting effects. To mask a layer, pick “Mask” from the menu after tapping on the layer you want to mask.

After that, you may use the brushes and erasers to paint on the mask in order to disclose or hide parts of the layer that you have selected.

When you have mastered the fundamentals of Procreate’s layers, you will be able to create complicated, multi-layered artwork that is straightforward to edit and modify as required.

With enough effort, the layering technique in Procreate may be utilized to its utmost potential, allowing you to create amazing works of digital art that are reflective of your personal sense of style and inventiveness.

Use the color picker:

Procreate has a built-in color picker that allows you to select and save colors for your artwork. Take some time of experiment with the color picker and create your own color swatches.

The color picker is, without a doubt, one of the most useful tools in Procreate since it enables artists to choose and store colors specific to their artwork. The following are some pointers on how to make optimal use of the color picker:

The color picker may be accessed by tapping on the color circle that is located in the upper right corner of the screen. This will bring up the color picker. This will open the Color panel, which shows the currently selected color in addition to a wide variety of other alternatives.

Color selection: To select a color, tap on the circle representing the color in the Color panel, and then use the color wheel to select a hue. After that, you can fine-tune the color by using the saturation and brightness sliders, respectively.

Adding colors to swatches: When you have decided on a color, you can add it to your swatches by touching and holding on to the color circle, then selecting “Add to Swatches” from the menu that appears. After that, you’ll be able to give the color a name and add it to a group of custom swatches.

Utilizing color palettes: Procreate also provides a variety of pre-made color palettes that you may use to speed up your workflow.

These palettes can be found in the Presets menu. Tap the Palettes icon located in the top left corner of the screen to gain access to the palettes, and then select a palette from the list to utilize.

You will be able to design stunning color schemes that are harmonic and attractive if you master the color picker in Procreate.

These color schemes will boost the overall effect of your artwork. Don’t be afraid to try out new color combinations and design your very own bespoke swatches to showcase your one-of-a-kind sense of style and perspective.

Also Read: How to Use Airplay with Procreate the Easy Way?

Utilize the transform tool:

A transform tool is a powerful tool that allows you to resize, rotate, and distort elements of your artwork. Learn about how to use the transform tool to create interesting effects.

The transform tool in Procreate is a very powerful tool that allows you to resize, rotate, and distort components of your artwork. The following are some suggestions on how to make efficient use of the transform tool:

The transform tool may be accessible by tapping on the wrench symbol located in the top left corner of the screen and selecting “Transform” from the menu that appears. This will allow you to use the transform tool.

To resize an element, first,, choose the one you wish to resize, and then use the handles to alter the size of the element that you selected. You can also input specific dimensions by using the numeric fields that are provided.

Rotating an element requires first selecting the element, and then using two fingers to rotate it in the opposite direction.

You can also enter a specified rotation angle by using the rotation slider that is located in the Transform panel.

To distort an element, first,, select the element you want to distort, and then make use of the warp slider included in the Transform panel.

You may utilize this to produce intriguing effects such as curved or wavy lines if you put some effort into it.

The element that you want to flip must first be selected before you can utilize the flip options in the Transform panel. You can flip an element either horizontally or vertically.

When you have mastered the transform tool in Procreate, you will be able to create unique compositions as well as creative effects to apply to your artwork and manipulate its components. Don’t be scared to try out a variety of transformations and see what kind of unique effects you can produce with them!

Take advantage of Procreate’s gesture controls:

Procreate has a variety of gesture controls that allow you to quickly perform common actions. Learn about how to use these gestures to streamline your workflow.

Yes, Procreate has a variety of gesture controls that allow artists to quickly perform common actions without needing to navigate menus or use the stylus. Here are some tips on how to use gesture controls effectively:

Also Read: Can I draw with my finger in Procreate? Tips to use your finger to Draw with Procreate

1. Two-finger tap: The two-finger tap gesture is used to undo the last action. This is a quick way to fix mistakes without having to navigate menus.
2. Three-finger tap: The three-finger tap gesture is used to redo the last action. This is useful if you accidentally undo something you didn’t mean to.
3. Pinch and zoom: The pinch and zoom gesture is used to zoom in and out of the canvas. This is useful for working on small details or for getting an overview of the entire image.
4. Swipe left or right with three fingers: Swiping left or right with three fingers allows you to quickly switch between the last used brush and eraser. This is a quick way to switch between tools without having to navigate menus.
5. Hold and drag: Holding and dragging with one finger allows you to move or duplicate a layer. This is useful for rearranging elements or creating multiple copies of an element.

By mastering Procreate’s gesture controls, you can streamline your workflow and work more efficiently. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different gestures and see which ones work best for you.

Use reference images:

Procreate allows you to import reference images directly into your canvas. This is a useful feature for artists who want to create accurate drawings and paintings.

It is true that artists who desire to create realistic drawings and paintings can benefit tremendously by making use of reference photos within the Procreate program.

The following are some pointers on how to make efficient use of reference images:

To import a reference image into your canvas, tap the wrench symbol located in the top left corner of the screen, and then pick “Add” from the menu that appears. After that, choose “Insert a Picture” and locate the picture you wish to make use of on your computer.

Resizing and positioning: Once you have imported a reference image, you may use the transform tool to resize and position it on the canvas.

Also Read: How to Stop Quality Loss When Resizing in Procreate

Once you have done this, you can continue working with the image. Because of this, you will have the ability to simply compare your artwork to the reference image and guarantee that it is accurate.

When working with layers, it is recommended that you place the image you will be using as a reference on a separate layer.

This will allow you to easily turn the layer on and off as required. You also have the option of modifying the opacity of the layer to change the degree to which the reference image is seen.

Also Read: How to Make a Transparent Background in Procreate

You can use the reference image as a guide for tracing if you’re having trouble getting the dimensions or details of an object right. If this is the case, you can utilize the tracing tool.

Simply create a new layer on top of the layer containing the reference image, then use the brush tool to draw over the object you want to trace.

Also Read: How to Use the Symmetry Tools in Procreate ?- the Ultimate Procreate Tips

Getting rid of the reference image Once you have finished creating your artwork, you can either delete the layer that contains the reference image or conceal it before exporting the final image.

You will be able to create more realistic and accurate artwork in Procreate if you make use of reference photos in the app.

You shouldn’t be scared to use reference photos as a guide for your artwork; instead, you should experiment with new ways of incorporating them into your workflow.

Practice, practice, practice:

Like any skill, digital art takes practice. Spend time experimenting with Procreate and creating new artwork.

Absolutely! When it comes to refining your talents as a digital artist with Procreate, practice is really essential. The following are some pointers that will help you improve your practice:

Choose your objectives: Determine your objectives for each practice session, such as becoming an expert with a new brush or technique, gaining experience with a new color palette, or enhancing your comprehension of how layers work.

Experiment: You shouldn’t be hesitant to try out new things, therefore don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools, brushes, and methods.

Experimenting with new things can help you find fresh ways to approach your artwork and push the boundaries of your creative potential.

Put yourself to the test: Try your hand at some more difficult and intricate pieces of artwork in order to force yourself out of your artistic comfort zone.

This can assist you in improving your talents and broadening the range of techniques in your toolbox.

Request comments: Make your artwork available to be viewed by other artists and solicit their critical criticism. This can assist you in determining areas that require improvement and provide you with insightful feedback from the viewpoints of others.

Have a positive attitude and keep yourself motivated by praising yourself for success, rewarding yourself for regular practice, and reminding yourself of the benefits of ongoing practice.

Do not become disheartened with your artwork if it does not turn out precisely as you had envisioned it in the beginning since it is important to keep in mind that practice makes perfect.

If you continue to work on improving your digital art skills through practice and experimentation, you will observe progress over time.

Wrapping Up Note:

In conclusion, Procreate is an app that can be used to create great digital artwork, and it is one that is both powerful and adaptable.

If you start out your journey with Procreate by following these suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to producing incredible artwork in no time at all