Lesson Overview
Welcome to the first lesson of "Mastering Procreate: From Novice to Proficient Artist." In this lesson, we'll introduce you to Procreate, a powerful digital art application designed specifically for iPad. We'll explore its capabilities, understand the digital art workflow, compare it to other digital art applications, and get you started with your first canvas.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a solid understanding of what Procreate can do and how it fits into the digital art landscape. You'll also create your first canvas and be ready to start your digital art journey.
Learning Objectives
- Understand Procreate's capabilities and limitations
- Recognize the key components of a digital art workflow
- Compare Procreate to other digital art applications
- Create your first canvas with appropriate settings
Procreate App Icon
Procreate's Capabilities
What is Procreate?
Procreate is a powerful digital art studio designed specifically for iPad. Created by Savage Interactive, it has become one of the most popular and respected digital art applications available today. Procreate combines powerful features with an intuitive interface, making it accessible to beginners while offering the depth that professional artists need.
Drawing & Painting
Procreate offers hundreds of customizable brushes for sketching, inking, painting, and more. The pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition of the Apple Pencil allow for natural, responsive strokes that closely mimic traditional media.
Portability
As an iPad app, Procreate offers the freedom to create anywhere. Its optimized performance means you can work on complex, multi-layered artwork without lag or performance issues, even on the go.
Non-Destructive Workflow
With features like layers, masks, and blend modes, Procreate allows for a non-destructive workflow. This means you can experiment freely without permanently altering your original artwork.
Animation
Procreate includes animation tools that allow you to create frame-by-frame animations directly in the app. You can preview your animations in real-time and export them as animated GIFs or MP4 files.
Typography
The text tools in Procreate allow you to add and manipulate typography in your artwork. You can use system fonts or import custom fonts to create unique typographic designs.
Export Options
Procreate offers various export options, including PSD (Photoshop), PDF, JPEG, PNG, and more. This makes it easy to integrate Procreate into your existing workflow or share your work across different platforms.
Limitations to Consider
While Procreate is incredibly powerful, it's important to understand its limitations:
- iPad Only: Procreate is exclusively available for iPad, so you'll need an iPad to use it.
- Canvas Size Limitations: The maximum canvas size is determined by your iPad model's RAM. More powerful iPads can handle larger canvases with more layers.
- No Vector Tools: Procreate is primarily a raster-based application. While it has some vector-like capabilities, it doesn't offer true vector drawing tools like Adobe Illustrator.
- Limited Text Editing: While Procreate does include text tools, they're not as robust as dedicated design applications like Adobe InDesign.
Digital Art Workflow
Understanding the Digital Art Process
Creating digital art follows a process similar to traditional art, but with unique advantages and considerations. Understanding this workflow will help you approach your projects more efficiently and effectively.
Concept & Planning
Begin by defining your project's purpose and gathering inspiration. Sketch rough thumbnails to explore compositions and ideas before committing to a final direction.
Pro Tip
Create a new Procreate canvas specifically for thumbnails and concept sketches. Use a simple brush like the 6B Pencil to quickly iterate through ideas.
Canvas Setup
Create a new canvas with appropriate dimensions and resolution for your project. Consider the intended use of your artwork (web, print, animation) when choosing these settings.
Pro Tip
For print work, use 300 DPI. For web or screen display, 72-150 DPI is usually sufficient. Higher resolution means more detail but also larger file sizes and fewer available layers.
Sketching & Composition
Create your initial sketch on a dedicated layer. Focus on composition, proportions, and the overall structure of your artwork before adding details.
Pro Tip
Lower the opacity of your sketch layer once you're ready to start adding color or details. This makes it easier to see your new work while still using the sketch as a guide.
Linework & Base Colors
Create clean linework on a new layer above your sketch. Then add base colors on separate layers beneath your linework to establish the foundation of your color scheme.
Pro Tip
Use Alpha Lock on your linework layer if you want to color your lines without affecting their shape. Use Clipping Masks for coloring to ensure colors stay within the lines.
Shading & Details
Add depth with shadows and highlights. Build up details gradually, working from large forms to small details. Use layers to separate different elements for easier editing.
Pro Tip
Try different blend modes for shadow and highlight layers. Multiply works well for shadows, while Screen or Add can create effective highlights.
Refinement & Effects
Polish your artwork by refining details, adjusting colors, and adding any special effects or textures. This is where your artwork really comes to life.
Pro Tip
Use Adjustment layers to fine-tune colors without permanently altering your artwork. Experiment with Gaussian Blur for depth of field effects.
Export & Share
Once your artwork is complete, export it in the appropriate format for its intended use. Procreate offers various export options to suit different needs.
Pro Tip
Always save your original Procreate file (.procreate) even after exporting. This preserves all your layers and allows you to make changes later if needed.
Comparing Procreate to Other Applications
How Procreate Stands Out
Understanding how Procreate compares to other digital art applications can help you determine when to use it and how it fits into your broader creative toolkit.
| Feature | Procreate | Adobe Photoshop | Clip Studio Paint | Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | iPad only | Desktop, iPad | Desktop, iPad, Android | Desktop, iPad |
| Price | One-time purchase ($9.99) | Subscription ($20.99/month) | One-time purchase or subscription | One-time purchase ($49.99) |
| Learning Curve | Low to Medium | High | Medium to High | Medium |
| Brush Engine | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Good |
| Vector Support | Limited | Limited | Limited | Excellent |
| Animation | Basic | Via Timeline | Excellent | None |
| Performance | Excellent | Good | Good | Very Good |
| Best For | Digital painting, illustration, concept art | Photo editing, complex compositions | Comics, manga, animation | Vector illustration, graphic design |
When to Choose Procreate
Procreate is an excellent choice when:
- You want a portable digital art studio
- You prefer an intuitive, streamlined interface
- You're focused on illustration, concept art, or digital painting
- You want professional-quality tools without a subscription
- You're a beginner looking for an accessible entry point to digital art
When to Consider Alternatives
You might want to explore other applications when:
- You need advanced vector illustration tools
- Your work requires complex photo manipulation
- You're creating professional print layouts
- You need advanced animation capabilities
- You require desktop-specific features or workflows
Exercise: Setting Up Your First Canvas
Now that you understand what Procreate can do, let's get hands-on experience by creating your first canvas. This exercise will familiarize you with the initial steps of the digital art workflow and help you get comfortable with Procreate's interface.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open Procreate
Tap the Procreate icon on your iPad to launch the application. You'll be taken to the Gallery view, which displays all your artwork.
Procreate Gallery Screenshot
Step 2: Create a New Canvas
Tap the "+" icon in the top right corner of the Gallery. This will open the canvas creation menu.
New Canvas Menu Screenshot
Step 3: Choose Canvas Dimensions
Procreate offers several preset canvas sizes. For this exercise, select "Screen Size" to create a canvas that matches your iPad's dimensions. This is a good starting point for general practice.
Canvas Dimensions Screenshot
Step 4: Customize Canvas Settings (Optional)
If you want to customize your canvas, tap "Create Custom Size" and adjust the width, height, DPI, and color profile according to your needs. For now, the default settings are fine.
Custom Canvas Settings Screenshot
Step 5: Create the Canvas
Tap on your selected canvas size or tap "Create" if you've customized the settings. Procreate will generate your new canvas and open it in the drawing interface.
New Canvas Screenshot
Step 6: Explore the Interface
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the main elements of the interface:
- Top right: Brush, Smudge, Eraser tools, and Layers panel
- Top left: Gallery, Actions, Adjustments, Selection tools
- Left side: Brush size and opacity sliders, Undo/Redo buttons
Interface Elements Screenshot
Step 7: Save Your Canvas
Procreate automatically saves your work as you go, but it's good practice to name your canvas. Tap the wrench icon (Actions) in the top left, then tap "Canvas" and "Rename". Enter a name for your canvas and tap "Done".
Rename Canvas Screenshot
Challenge: Create a Simple Drawing
Now that you have your canvas set up, try creating a simple drawing to get a feel for the brushes and tools:
- Select the Brush tool from the top right menu
- Choose a brush from the Brush Library (the 6B Pencil in the Sketching category is a good starting point)
- Experiment with different brush sizes using the left sidebar slider
- Draw a simple shape or doodle on your canvas
- Try using the Eraser tool to make corrections
- Experiment with the Undo and Redo buttons
Don't worry about creating a masterpiece—this is just to help you get comfortable with the basic tools and interface.
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, we've introduced you to Procreate and its capabilities as a digital art application. We've explored:
- Procreate's key features and limitations
- The digital art workflow from concept to completion
- How Procreate compares to other digital art applications
- How to set up your first canvas and begin exploring the interface
You now have a solid foundation for understanding what Procreate can do and how it fits into the digital art landscape. In the next lesson, we'll dive deeper into navigating the Procreate interface and learning essential gestures that will help you work efficiently.