Master Procreate Pocket in 5 Steps for Digital Art

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Embarking on your digital art journey doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and a pinch of creativity, you can start creating masterpieces in no time. One such tool is Procreate Pocket, a powerful digital art app designed for your pocket-sized device. But how to use Procreate Pocket to bring your artistry to life? Let's walk through it together, step by step.

1. Get the Procreate Pocket App

First things first, you'll need to get the Procreate Pocket app on your device. It's a simple two-step process:

Download from the App Store

Head over to the App Store on your iOS device and type "Procreate Pocket" in the search bar. Tap on the app and press the "Get" button to download it. Remember, Procreate Pocket is not a free app, but it's worth every penny for the features and flexibility it offers.

Install on your Device

Once the download is complete, the app will automatically install on your device. Look for the Procreate Pocket icon in your app gallery—it's a black square with a rainbow-colored circle. Tap on it, and you're all set! Now, you know how to get Procreate Pocket on your device, and you're one step closer to creating your first digital artwork.

2. Familiarize with the Interface

Now that you have Procreate Pocket installed, let's get to know the interface. It may seem a little daunting at first glance, but trust me, once you know your way around, it's as easy as pie.

Understand the Tools Panel

At the top of the screen, you'll find the tools panel. Here's what each icon does:

The brush icon: This is where you choose your brush style and size.
The smudge icon: Use this to blend colors on your canvas.
The eraser icon: Does exactly what you think it does—it erases!
The layers icon: It's like your magic wand, allowing you to work on different parts of your artwork separately.
The color picker: Choose any color you can dream of right here.

Navigate the Layers

One of the great things about digital art is working with layers. In Procreate Pocket, you'll find the layers panel on the right side of the screen. Tap on the plus sign to create a new layer. Want to change the order of your layers? Just press, hold, and drag to rearrange. Remember, the top layer is always the one visible on your canvas. So now, you not only know how to use Procreate Pocket, but you've also got the hang of its interface. Ready to test the waters?

3. Practice Basic Strokes

Great, you're getting the hang of the interface, aren't you? Now, let's move on to the fun part—making your first strokes. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if your first few strokes aren't exactly as you imagined. You'll get there!

Use the Brush Tool

The brush tool is your best friend when it comes to creating art in Procreate Pocket. You can select it from the tools panel. Once selected, you'll be able to choose from a whole range of brushes. From sketching pencils to paint brushes, and even textures like noise and spray paints—you'll find it all here. Try them all out and see which ones you like best. It's all about finding what works for you.

Adjust Pressure Settings

Did you know that you can change how hard or soft your brush strokes are? That's right, with Procreate Pocket, you have control over the pressure settings. You can access this by tapping on the selected brush in the brush library, then sliding the "Pressure" slider. The higher the value, the harder the stroke. This is a particularly useful feature when you're shading or adding depth to your artwork. So, don't forget to experiment with this feature as you practice your strokes. After all, knowing how to use Procreate Pocket effectively involves understanding all its features, right?

4. Create your First Artwork

Alright, now that you've got a handle on the basic strokes, it's time to put those skills to use. Let's create your first piece of digital art with Procreate Pocket! Exciting, isn't it?

Choose a Subject

First things first, you'll need to decide what you want to draw. It could be anything—a person, a landscape, an animal, or even an abstract design. There's no right or wrong, it's all about what inspires you. Remember, this is your art, so let your creativity run wild. Once you've chosen your subject, you can use the sketch tool to create a rough outline. This will serve as a guide when you start adding details and colors.

Apply Colors

Once you're happy with your sketch, it's time to bring it to life with colors. In Procreate Pocket, you can access the color panel from the top right corner. It's filled with a rainbow of colors for you to choose from. You can adjust the brightness and saturation, and even create custom color palettes. Start by applying the base colors, then gradually add shadows and highlights to create depth. You'll be amazed at how much difference a bit of color can make. And voila—you're well on your way to mastering how to use Procreate Pocket!

After all that hard work, you’ve finally finished your first masterpiece with Procreate Pocket. So, what's next? Well, it's time to show it off to the world and save it for posterity. Here's how:

Export in Desired Format

First, let's talk about saving your work in the format you want. Procreate Pocket supports a variety of file formats such as JPEG, PNG, and even PSD for you Photoshop enthusiasts out there. To save your artwork, simply tap on the wrench icon, then select 'Share'. From here, you can choose your desired format. Tip: If you want to continue working on your piece later, make sure to save it as a Procreate file. This way, all your layers and progress will be preserved.

Now, for the fun part—sharing your art with others. Procreate Pocket makes it easy to share your work on social media. Again, go to the wrench icon, select 'Share', and then choose the social media platform where you want to post your art. Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, the choice is yours. Go ahead, hit that share button, and let the world see what you've created. Who knows, you might inspire someone else to learn how to use Procreate Pocket!

And there you have it, folks! A simple, step-by-step guide on how to use Procreate Pocket to create and share your digital art. Remember, like any other skill, practice makes perfect. So grab your device, fire up Procreate Pocket, and let your creativity flow. Happy drawing!

If you're eager to dive deeper into digital art creation using Procreate Pocket, don't miss the workshop titled 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to Procreate, providing you with valuable tips and techniques to enhance your digital art skills.