https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/5-tips-to-improve-drawing-in-procreate • Posted by Tonya
As excited as I was to start learning Procreate, actually using it felt overwhelming. There were so many options and whenever I tried to draw anything it felt as though I had no control and, to me, everything looked bad. It was as though I was learning to draw all over again. I had learned the ins and outs of the app but actually creating something on it was a different story.
As excited as I was to start learning Procreate, actually using it felt overwhelming. There were so many options and whenever I tried to draw anything it felt as though I had no control and, to me, everything looked bad. It was as though I was learning to draw all over again. I had learned the ins and outs of the app but actually creating something on it was a different story.
Here are a few things I found helped getting use to using Procreate a little easier: 1. Limit brushes Procreate comes loaded with 130 brushes plus the ability to make your own brushes. It sounds so cool, until it isn’t because of too many choices! I remember I didn’t learn to draw with a ton of pens and pencils. I learned by using just one or two. So why not try that same approach in procreate! Personally, I chose the technical pencil for sketching and the fine tip pen to outline with. Once I felt more comfortable I tried other brushes here and there. For me it was really helpful to get to know a few brushes at a time. And really, we usually tend to stick to our favorite pens and pencils anyway!
2. Draw simple shapes and repeat This is the drawing approach I learned from Alisa Burke and it is applicable to any new medium. Draw a simple shape - circle, square, triangle, whatever you like. Repeat it again and again. Fill up your page and you have a pattern!
3. Use simple subjects Once you become comfortable with simple shapes, find an object you love. It can be anything. This time for me on procreate, I chose cupcakes. Practice your choice multiple times. Add a new detail or a new brush each time.
4. Streamline brushes One thing that was most frustrating, and still can be, is when with some brushes my lines would come out squiggly or jagged. I had no idea why. My hand isn’t perfectly steady but with pen and paper it is not that noticeable. I tried changing line sizes yet some pens remained squiggly. Thankfully, I took a Skillshare class where the teacher gave me a tip. She said to go into the brush settings and turn up the streamline feature. This change makes the brush more receptive and was very helpful.
5. Just go for it Practice all you can and enjoy it! Digital drawing is something new. It can be a lot of fun when you just relax and know that with time and practice things will improve! What are your secrets for learning Procreate or digital mediums?!