Expert Tips for Navigating the Procreate Community Forum

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

In the vibrant world of digital art, the Procreate forum can feel like stepping into a bustling city with its own unique layout, culture, and networking opportunities. To help you navigate this bustling online metropolis, this post will provide expert tips and practical insights. Let's begin by understanding the terrain.

1. Get Acquainted with the Forum Layout

The Procreate forum is like a vast library filled with shelves of books—you just need to know where to find the ones you're interested in. So, let's initiate our journey by understanding how to navigate this expansive digital space.

Exploring the Main Page

Think of the main page of the Procreate forum as the city center. It's where you'll find the most general information, and it's your gateway to all the sub-forums. It's a place where you'll see the latest discussions, updates, and creative work from community members. Here are some key features:

Search bar: You can use it to find specific topics, artists, or techniques.
Discussion categories: These are like different neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe and focus. For instance, you might find a category dedicated to Procreate brushes or another one for showcasing art.
Featured posts: These are like the city's billboards, highlighting the most popular or relevant discussions.

Digging Deeper into Sub-Forums

Sub-forums are like the alleyways branching off from the main street, each offering its unique charm. They are categorized by specific topics, such as brush techniques, artwork showcases, or problem-solving discussions. When you dive into a sub-forum, remember to:

Read the rules: Just like visiting a new city district, it's important to understand the local rules to ensure a smooth experience.
Interact: Sub-forums are great places to ask questions, share knowledge, and engage with the Procreate community.

Navigating User Profiles

User profiles on the Procreate forum are like the business cards of the digital art world. They give a snapshot of the artist, their work, and their activity within the community. When visiting a user profile, consider:

Profile picture and bio: These give you a quick idea of the artist's style and personality.
Recent posts and activity: This section lets you see the user's contributions to the Procreate forum, providing insights into their knowledge and engagement.

Now that you've got a grip on the layout of the Procreate forum, let's move on to making your own mark in this digital art city!

2. Create an Engaging Profile

Creating an engaging profile is like setting up your storefront in the bustling digital city of the Procreate forum. It's your chance to show off your artistic flair and make a great first impression. Let's get to it!

Choosing an Eye-Catching Avatar

Your avatar is your visual handshake in the Procreate forum. Here are a few tips on making it stand out:

Express yourself: Use the avatar to showcase your art style or something you love. It could be a mini self-portrait, a beloved character, or an emblem of your favourite art tool.
Clarity is key: Remember, avatars appear small on the screen, so make sure your design is clear and recognizable at a glance.
Keep it current: As your style evolves, your avatar should too. Updating it periodically can reflect your artistic growth.

Writing a Captivating Bio

Your bio is a small window into your artistic world. It tells others what you do, what you love, and what you bring to the Procreate community. Here's how to craft a compelling one:

Be authentic: Let your personality shine. Whether you're a pun-loving comic artist or a serene landscape painter, let that come through in your bio.
Highlight your skills: Are you particularly good at creating lifelike textures or conjuring fantastical creatures? Mention these in your bio to attract like-minded artists or those who want to learn from you.
Keep it concise: Bios are usually short, so make every word count. A little wit or a dash of intrigue can make your bio memorable.

With a captivating profile in place, you're all set to start building your network on the Procreate forum. Let's see how to do that next.

3. Build your Network

Building a vibrant network in the Procreate forum is like cultivating a lush garden. It takes time, patience, and a good dose of interaction. But the result? A thriving community of like-minded artists who inspire and propel each other forward. Ready to get started?

Making First Connections

Just like in a physical meet-up, making the first move can feel a bit daunting. But remember, everyone's there to connect, create, and share. Here are a few ways to make your first connections:

Introduce yourself: A simple hello can go a long way. Tell others a bit about you and your art. You might be surprised at how many people share your interests.
Join the conversation: Don't shy away from hopping into ongoing discussions. Whether it's about the latest Procreate features or a trending art style, your input is valuable.
Reach out: If an artist's work resonates with you, let them know. A kind word can open up doors for meaningful connections.

Engaging with Others' Creations

Appreciating others' art is a surefire way to build bonds in the Procreate forum. Here's how to engage constructively:

Show appreciation: If a piece of art moves you, don't hold back your praise. Artists pour their heart into their work, and your words can be a great morale booster.
Offer constructive criticism: If asked for, provide feedback that's helpful and kind. Remember, the goal is to help the artist grow, not to discourage them.
Ask questions: Curious about a technique or a tool used in a piece? Go ahead and ask. It's a great way to learn and to show your interest in their work.

Sharing your work on the Procreate forum can be a thrilling and enriching experience. It's your chance to showcase your craft, gather feedback, and inspire others. Here's how to do it right:

Be open: It's perfectly normal to feel nervous about sharing your work. But remember, the Procreate community is supportive and encouraging. Embrace vulnerability—it's an integral part of the creative process.
Ask for feedback: Be open to criticism—it's one of the best ways to improve. You can gain fresh perspectives and uncover blind spots you might have missed.
Share your process: Not just the final piece, but the journey too. Talk about your inspiration, your challenges, and your triumphs. It makes the creation more relatable and engaging.

Now that we've covered how to build your network, it's time to delve into the exciting world of challenges and competitions in the Procreate forum. Ready?

4. Participate in Challenges and Competitions

Participation in challenges and competitions is a surefire way to fuel your creativity, hone your skills, and gain visibility in the Procreate forum. It's like a rollercoaster ride—thrilling, fun, and filled with learning opportunities. Ready to hop on?

Finding Relevant Competitions

Finding the right competition can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. But with these tips, you'll be able to zero in on the ones that align with your style and interests:

Explore different categories: The Procreate forum hosts an array of challenges and competitions across various art styles and themes. Keep exploring until you find your fit.
Consider your interests: Love landscapes? Intrigued by ink? Choose competitions that align with your interests. You'll enjoy the process more, and your passion will shine through in your work.
Check the rules: Each competition has its own set of rules—submission dates, themes, techniques. Make sure you're aware of them before you start working on your piece.

Participating Effectively

Participation is more than just submitting your work. It's about being an active part of the process. Here's how to participate effectively:

Plan your work: Before you dive into creating, take a moment to plan. Sketch out your ideas, choose your color palette, decide on your techniques—it’ll make the process smoother.
Respect deadlines: Nothing dampens the spirit of competition like a missed deadline. Start early and set a schedule to ensure your work is ready on time.
Engage with other participants: Don't forget to interact with your fellow artists. Share your progress, discuss challenges, and appreciate their work. It's a great way to build community spirit.

Now that you're ready to make a splash in the Procreate forum's challenges and competitions, let's move on to learning from the experts. Excited to discover their secrets?

5. Learn from the Experts

With the Procreate forum being a hub of artistic talent, there's so much to learn from the seasoned professionals that call this place home. Just as a young lion learns to hunt by observing the pride, so too can you pick up techniques and tricks from the forum's top artists. Ready to step into the virtual classroom?

Following Industry Leaders

Following industry leaders on the Procreate forum can be a game-changer for your artistic journey. Here's why:

Gain inspiration: Seeing the work of seasoned artists can spark new ideas and motivate you to push your boundaries. It's like having a constant stream of creative fuel at your fingertips.
Learn new techniques: Observe the techniques used by these professionals. From brush strokes to color blending, there's a wealth of knowledge to be gained.
Get industry insights: Being in the loop with the latest trends and techniques in the industry can help you stay relevant and ahead of the curve.

Studying Successful Creations

Success leaves clues. By studying the work of successful Procreate forum artists, you can learn a lot. Here's how:

Dissect the artwork: Look beyond the finished product. Pay attention to the layers, the brush choice, and the color palette. Every detail can teach you something.
Understand the story: Art tells a story. Try to understand the narrative behind successful pieces. It can help you create more engaging and meaningful work.
Apply what you learn: Don't just admire—apply. Take what you learn from these creations and incorporate it into your own work.

Asking for Tips and Tricks

Don't be shy about asking for advice or tips on the Procreate forum. You'll find that most artists are more than willing to share their knowledge. Just remember to be respectful and appreciative, and you'll find doors opening for you.

So, are you ready to soak up some wisdom from the experts on the Procreate forum? Remember, every master was once a beginner. So, start learning, start creating, and who knows? Someday, you might be the expert imparting wisdom to the next wave of Procreate artists.

If you're looking to expand your knowledge and skills in Procreate, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Procreate Basics: Making Digital Art' by Sameera Maruvada. This workshop will not only enhance your understanding of the Procreate community forum but also provide you with the essential techniques to create stunning digital art using the Procreate app.