10 Essential Tips: Stunning Procreate Portfolio

Published on 11 July 2023 9 min read

1. Get Familiar with Procreate

4. Practice with Procreate Brushes

7. Create Dynamic Compositions

9. Stay Consistent in Your Practice

Creating a stunning Procreate portfolio is an exciting journey that allows artists to showcase their skills and creativity. It's like a visual resume that tells your story through your art. It's not just about having excellent art skills, but also about understanding how to use Procreate effectively, choosing a unique art style, experimenting with colors, and being consistent in your practice. Let's take a look at 10 essential tips to make your Procreate portfolio stand out.

1. Get Familiar with Procreate

Before you start building your Procreate portfolio, it's important to understand the ins and outs of the Procreate app. This app is packed with tools and features that can help you create stunning artwork. Here are a few things you should focus on:

Brush Library: Procreate comes with an extensive brush library. These brushes can be customized to suit your needs. Knowing when and how to use each brush can enhance the quality of your artwork.
Gestures: The app supports various gestures to speed up your workflow. For instance, a three-finger swipe down will bring up the copy-paste menu while a quick pinch will zoom in or out of your canvas.
Layers: Understanding how to use layers in Procreate can be a game changer. Layers allow you to work on different parts of your artwork separately, without affecting the rest of your image.

In the beginning, you might feel a bit overwhelmed with all these features. But don't worry, the more you use Procreate, the more comfortable you'll become with it. And remember, even the best artists in the world had to start somewhere.

As you get more familiar with Procreate, you'll find that you can do more than just draw and paint. You can create animations, use advanced blending modes, add text to your artwork, and much more. All these features can help you create a Procreate portfolio that is not just visually appealing, but also shows your versatility as an artist.

2. Choose Your Art Style

Art is subjective, and what appeals to one person might not appeal to another. That's why it's so important to develop your own unique art style. Your art style is like your fingerprint—it sets you apart from other artists and makes your work instantly recognizable.

When you're first starting out, you might be tempted to mimic the art styles of artists you admire. While it's fine to draw inspiration from others, it's crucial to develop your own unique style. This originality is what will make your Procreate portfolio stand out.

But how do you find your art style? Here are a few tips:

Experiment: Try out different art styles. See what you enjoy and what you're good at. Your art style should be a reflection of your personality, so don't be afraid to let your true self shine through your artwork.
Learn: Take art classes, read art books, and study the works of different artists. The more you learn about art, the more you'll understand what you like and don't like, which can help you hone your own style.
Practice: As with anything, practice makes perfect. The more you draw and paint, the better you'll get. Over time, you'll start to see patterns and themes in your work, which can help you identify your art style.

Remember, finding your art style is a journey, not a destination. It can evolve over time as you grow as an artist. The important thing is to keep creating and pushing yourself to try new things. That's how you'll develop an art style that's uniquely yours and make your Procreate portfolio truly stand out.

3. Build a Diverse Portfolio

A Procreate portfolio is like a visual resume—it shows prospective clients or employers what you can do. If all your work looks the same, they might question your versatility. That's why it's important to build a diverse portfolio.

But what does a diverse portfolio look like? Here's what you should consider:

Variety of Subjects: Don't limit yourself to just one subject. Try your hand at landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and more. This shows that you're versatile and can handle a wide range of commissions.
Different Mediums: Procreate has a variety of brushes that mimic different mediums, like watercolor, oil paint, and charcoal. Experiment with these to show your comfort and flexibility with different media.
Various Styles: While you should have a distinct art style, it's also a good idea to show that you can work in different styles. This can be especially helpful if you're looking to work in industries like publishing or animation, where your ability to mimic different styles can be a valuable asset.

Remember, your Procreate portfolio is your chance to show the world what you can do. Don't be afraid to push yourself and try new things. The more diverse your portfolio, the more opportunities you'll open up for yourself.

4. Practice with Procreate Brushes

One of the most exciting features of Procreate is its collection of brushes. There's an entire world within your iPad just waiting for you to explore. But, like any tool, it takes practice to master them.

Procreate's brushes are divided into several sets, including artistic, calligraphy, elements, and more. Each set contains a unique assortment of brushes designed to mimic the real-world behavior of various mediums. The better you understand how each brush functions, the more effectively you can use them in your art.

Here's how you can get started:

Experiment: Spend some time trying out different brushes. Scribble, doodle, and paint without the pressure of creating a finished piece. This is your time to understand the nuances of each brush—the way it moves and reacts to pressure and tilt.
Study: Look at your favorite works in Procreate. What kind of brushes do you think the artist used? Try to replicate their techniques in your own practice.
Create: Once you're comfortable with a brush, use it in a piece. Aim to create a finished work using the brush techniques you've practiced.

Regular practice with Procreate brushes not only enhances your skills but also adds depth to your Procreate portfolio. It shows potential clients and employers that you have a deep understanding of the tools at your disposal, increasing your chances of being hired.

5. Experiment with Colors

Color is more than just a visual component in your artwork—it's a powerful tool that can evoke emotions and tell stories. The palette you choose can set the mood of your entire piece.

Procreate provides an impressive range of color tools, making it easier for you to experiment and find the perfect hues for your art. Let's take a look at how you can make these colors work for your Procreate portfolio:

Understand color theory: Gain a basic understanding of color theory. Knowing how colors interact with each other and what they symbolize can help you make deliberate, meaningful choices in your art.
Use the color wheel: Procreate’s color wheel is a handy tool. It helps you choose complementary, analogous, or monochromatic color schemes for your art.
Experiment with color palettes: Don’t stick to the same set of colors for every artwork. Try out different color palettes to add variety to your Procreate portfolio.

Colors can make or break your design. It's important to understand how to use them effectively. With the right color choices, your Procreate portfolio can be a vibrant showcase of your unique artistic style.

6. Make Use of Layers

The layering feature in Procreate is a game-changer. It can help you work on different parts of your artwork separately without disturbing the rest. With clever use of layers, you can transform your Procreate portfolio into a work of art that stands out.

Here's how you can get the most out of this feature:

Understand the basics: Start by understanding how layers work. You can think of them as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. What you draw on one layer won't affect the others, unless you want it to.
Organize your layers: It's easy to lose track when you're dealing with multiple layers. Keep your work tidy by naming your layers and grouping related ones together.
Use layer masks: Layer masks allow you to hide or reveal parts of your artwork without permanently erasing anything. This gives you more control and flexibility when you're working on complex pieces.

Remember, layers are your friends. The more you use them, the more you'll appreciate their value in creating intricate and detailed designs for your Procreate portfolio.

7. Create Dynamic Compositions

While creating a Procreate portfolio, it's key to focus on the composition of your artwork. A dynamic composition can be the difference between a piece of art that's interesting and engaging, and one that's flat and unremarkable.

Here are some tips on how you can create more dynamic compositions:

Rule of Thirds: This is a fundamental rule in visual arts. Imagine your canvas is divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal and vertical lines. The idea is to place your subject along these lines or at their intersections for a balanced and visually appealing composition.
Vary Sizes: By varying the sizes of objects in your artwork, you can create a sense of depth and interest. Smaller objects naturally appear further away, while larger ones seem closer.
Use Diagonals: Diagonal lines create movement and tension in your artwork. They can lead the viewer's eye across the canvas and make your art more dynamic.

Remember, a well-composed artwork can attract viewers and hold their attention, making your Procreate portfolio more compelling and memorable.

8. Learn from Others

Another valuable step in building a standout Procreate portfolio is learning from others. The world of art is vast and diverse, full of unique styles and techniques waiting for you to explore.

Here's how you can learn from others to improve your Procreate portfolio:

Study Other Artists: Look at the work of artists you admire. Try to understand their style, techniques, and how they use colors and shapes. What makes their work stand out? What can you learn from them? But remember, it's about getting inspired, not copying.
Join Art Communities: There are many online communities where artists share their work and discuss techniques. Platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and ArtStation can be great places to start. You can learn a lot from the feedback and discussions in these communities.
Attend Workshops: Participating in workshops or online classes can give you insights into new techniques and styles. Plus, you'll get to interact with other artists and perhaps even make some new friends!

By learning from others, you can bring fresh ideas and techniques into your own art, greatly enhancing the quality of your Procreate portfolio.

9. Stay Consistent in Your Practice

Consistency is the secret ingredient for creating a stunning Procreate portfolio. You might have heard the saying, "Practice makes perfect." Well, in the world of digital art, it's more like, "Practice makes progress."

Here are some tips to help you stay consistent in your practice:

Set a Routine: Whether it's an hour every morning or a day each week, set aside a specific time to work on your Procreate portfolio. This regularity will not only improve your skills but also help you develop a coherent style.
Take on Challenges: Participate in art challenges or daily prompts like Inktober or Doodlewash. These activities can push you out of your comfort zone and help you create a diverse collection of work.
Keep a Sketchbook: Carry a sketchbook with you and draw whenever you have a free moment — waiting for a bus, during lunch breaks, or while watching TV. This habit can help you improve your skills and generate ideas for your Procreate portfolio.

Remember that progress might be slow at times, but every bit of practice brings you closer to your goal. So, keep at it, and soon you'll see your Procreate portfolio grow in both quantity and quality.

Now that you've put in the effort and created a stunning Procreate portfolio, it's time to share it with the world! Sharing your work can open up new opportunities, garner valuable feedback, and even help you connect with other artists.

Here are some ways you can share your Procreate portfolio:

Online Platforms: Websites such as Behance, Dribbble, and ArtStation are popular platforms where you can showcase your Procreate portfolio. Don't forget to include a good description of your work and the techniques you used.
Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest are great places to share your artwork. Using relevant hashtags can help your work reach a wider audience. Be active, engage with your followers, respond to comments, and you might even build a community around your work.
Local Art Shows: Participating in local art shows or community events can help you gain exposure and meet other artists face-to-face. This could lead to collaborations, learning opportunities, and even potential clients.

Remember, it can be intimidating to put your work out there, but don't let fear hold you back. After all, art is meant to be seen. So, go ahead and share your Procreate portfolio with the world. Who knows? Your next big opportunity might just be a share away.

If you enjoyed our "10 Essential Tips: Stunning Procreate Portfolio" blog and want to further enhance your portfolio skills, don't miss the workshop "Creating a Portfolio for Graduate School" by Ciarra K. Walters. This workshop will provide you with invaluable tips and insights on how to create an impressive portfolio that will set you apart in your graduate school applications.