5 Expert Tips for Creating Stunning Procreate Sketches
Contents
1. Get Familiar with Procreate
2. Start with Simple Sketches
3. Develop Your Own Style
4. Use Layers Effectively
5. Share and Get Feedback
Creating beautiful procreate sketches doesn't just happen overnight—it's a journey of discovery, practice, and, of course, creativity. This blog post is your handy guide to navigating this exciting journey. With these five expert tips, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning procreate sketches that truly stand out!
1. Get Familiar with Procreate
Before you even put pencil to digital paper, you need to get to know your workspace. Procreate, a leading digital art software, is packed with a multitude of features and tools that can help you create impressive sketches. Let's break it down:
Explore the Interface
You can't create procreate sketches if you're scrambling to find the right tool or feature. Spend some time exploring the Procreate interface. Look around, click on icons, open up menus—get comfortable with where everything is. For example, your brushes are on the right, while your layers panel is on the left. The more familiar you are with the interface, the smoother your sketching process will be.
Learn the Tools
Procreate comes loaded with a variety of tools to aid your sketching journey. Familiarize yourself with the basics first: the sketching, inking, and painting brushes. Once you've got a handle on those, feel free to explore more specialized tools. For instance, the smudge tool is great for blending colors, while the selection tool allows you to move and transform parts of your sketch. Remember, every tool is a potential game-changer for your procreate sketches.
Master the Gestures
Procreate's gesture controls are a hidden gem. They can speed up your workflow and make sketching more intuitive. Some of these might seem strange at first—like a two-finger tap to undo or a three-finger swipe for the copy-paste menu—but once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder how you ever sketched without them. So, make it a point to learn and master these gestures.
Getting familiar with Procreate is your first step towards creating stunning procreate sketches. Once you've explored the interface, learned the tools, and mastered the gestures, you're ready to dive into the actual sketching process. But remember, this is just the beginning. Each of these elements is a vast topic in itself, and there's always more to learn and discover!
2. Start with Simple Sketches
Creating stunning procreate sketches is like building a house—you don't start with the fancy decor, you start with the foundation. In sketching terms, this means starting with simple, basic sketches. Here's how you can lay a solid foundation for your Procreate art journey:
Practice Basic Shapes
Every sketch—no matter how complex—is basically a combination of simple shapes. Circles, squares, triangles—you name it. By practicing these basic shapes, you're building the muscle memory you need for more complex Procreate sketches. So, grab that digital pencil and start practicing. Don't worry about making the shapes perfect—just focus on getting comfortable with drawing on your device.
Experiment with Colors
Colors can make or break your procreate sketches. Start by simply playing around with the color wheel in Procreate. Notice how colors interact with each other, how they can set mood, and how they can bring your sketches to life. Don't be afraid to try bold color combinations. This is your canvas, and you're free to paint it any color you want!
Create Your Own Brushes
One of the best things about Procreate is the ability to create your own brushes. Think of brushes as your tools for putting your imagination onto the canvas. You can customize everything from the shape and grain of the brush to its dynamics and behavior. Creating your own brushes not only gives you more control over your sketches, but it also adds a unique touch to your work that sets it apart.
Starting with simple sketches is a key part of your journey to mastering Procreate. It's where you build your skills, learn the ins and outs of the software, and start to develop your own unique style. Remember, every pro artist started with simple shapes and colors—it's from these humble beginnings that truly stunning procreate sketches are born.
3. Develop Your Own Style
Now that you've got a handle on the basics, it's time to start developing your own unique style. This is where your Procreate sketches start to take on a life of their own. Remember, your style is your artistic fingerprint—it's what sets your work apart from the sea of digital artists out there. Here's how you can start carving out your own niche in the Procreate community:
Study Other Artists
Think of your favorite artists. What is it about their work that draws you in? By studying their techniques, you can find inspiration for your own Procreate sketches. But remember, studying doesn't mean copying. It's about understanding their approach and then applying it in your own unique way. So, next time you're scrolling through your favorite art blog or gallery, take a moment to really study the artwork. What colors do they use? How do they use light and shadow? You might just find your next big inspiration!
Experiment with Different Styles
Developing your style isn't about sticking to one thing—it's about trying different things until you find what resonates with you. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different styles in your Procreate sketches. One day you could be creating a photo-realistic landscape, the next you could be doodling cute cartoon characters. Who knows, you might surprise yourself and discover a style you never thought you'd enjoy!
Create Consistency in Your Work
While it's important to experiment, having some consistency in your work can help establish your personal style. This doesn't mean all your Procreate sketches need to look the same. It's more about having a consistent theme or element in your work—like a certain color palette, a particular subject matter, or a specific drawing technique. This consistency is what will make your style recognizable and memorable.
Developing your own style is a journey, not a destination. It's an ongoing process of exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. So, keep an open mind, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun with your Procreate sketches. Who knows where your artistic journey will take you next?
4. Use Layers Effectively
Just like the perfect cake, the secret to a great Procreate sketch is in the layers. They help you manage different parts of your artwork without affecting the rest, making it easier to experiment and correct mistakes. Let's dig into some effective ways to use layers in your Procreate sketches:
Understand Layer Types
First things first, understanding the different types of layers in Procreate can be a game-changer. There are three main types: Pixel layers, for your standard drawing and painting; Adjustment layers, for applying effects like brightness, contrast, or hue; and Clipping Mask layers, for applying textures or patterns to specific parts of your sketch. By knowing how to use these layers, you can add depth and complexity to your Procreate sketches.
Learn to Organize Layers
When you're working on a complex sketch, things can get messy quickly. That's where layer organization comes in. By naming your layers and grouping related ones, you can easily navigate your canvas even when you have dozens of layers. So, whether it's the background or the tiny details in the eyes, you know exactly where to find it. Plus, it makes editing your Procreate sketches later much easier.
Master Layer Blending Modes
Ever wondered how to get that dreamy glow or dramatic shadow in your Procreate sketches? The answer lies in layer blending modes. From Multiply for creating shadows, to Overlay for enhancing colors, to Lighten for creating highlights—mastering these modes can open a whole new world of possibilities for your artwork. So, play around with different modes, and see how they transform your Procreate sketches!
Remember, layers are your friends. They give you the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and still produce stunning Procreate sketches. So, take some time to understand them, organize them, and play around with blending modes. You'll be amazed at how much they can elevate your digital art.
5. Share and Get Feedback
Creating Procreate sketches is an exciting journey of self-expression and learning. But there's one final step: sharing your work and getting feedback. This is how you grow as an artist, discover new perspectives, and connect with others who share your passion. Let's explore some ways to do this:
Join an Online Community
Online communities are a great place to share your Procreate sketches. There are plenty of platforms where artists gather to share their work, give feedback, and inspire each other. Communities like the Procreate Artists Facebook group, or subreddits like r/Procreate are filled with artists of all skill levels, eager to support and learn from each other. Sharing your work here will provide you with a variety of viewpoints, which can help you see your work in new ways.
Share Your Work Regularly
Consistency is key in many areas of life, and sharing your Procreate sketches is no exception. Regularly sharing your work helps you track your progress, build a following, and get consistent feedback. Whether it's once a week or once a day, find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. You'll be surprised at how much you can improve in a short time.
Ask for Critiques and Advice
Don't be shy about asking for critiques and advice on your Procreate sketches. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you improve quickly. Just remember to be open-minded and respectful of other people's opinions—after all, art is a very personal thing, and everyone has a unique perspective to offer.
So there you have it—sharing your work and receiving feedback is a vital part of improving your Procreate sketches. It might seem scary at first, but remember, every artist starts somewhere. And who knows, your work might inspire someone else to start their own Procreate sketching journey!
If you're eager to improve your Procreate sketching skills, don't miss the workshop 'Learn How to Draw in Procreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experts alike, offering valuable techniques and insights to help you create stunning Procreate sketches like a pro.