Procreate Tutorial: Create Stunning Digital Art Step-by-Step

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Let's dive into the realm of digital art together, as we explore the power of Procreate, a leading digital art platform. This procreate tutorial step by step guide will equip you with all you need to know to create stunning, eye-catching digital art. From getting started to mastering advanced techniques, we've got you covered.

1. Getting Started with Procreate

For any journey, the first step is just as significant as the last. It's the same with your Procreate journey. Let's get you started on the right path.

Download Procreate

The first step in our Procreate tutorial step by step guide is, of course, getting the Procreate app. You can download it directly from the Apple Store on your iPad. Remember, Procreate is exclusive to iOS, so make sure you have a compatible device.

Navigating the Interface

Once you have Procreate on your device, it's time to familiarize yourself with the interface. It's user-friendly and intuitive. Here's a quick breakdown:

Gallery View: It's the main screen where you'll find all your artworks.
Toolbar: Located at the top, it houses options like brush, eraser, layers, and more.
Slider: This is for adjusting brush size and opacity.
Color Puck: It's for selecting and adjusting colors.

Setting Up Your Canvas

Now that you're familiar with the interface, let's set up your canvas. Tap on the plus sign in the top right corner of the gallery view, and select your desired canvas size. Feel free to experiment with different sizes until you find what works best for you. Remember, the larger the canvas, the fewer layers you can use. So, balance is key here.

2. Basic Tools and Functions

Now that we're familiar with the Procreate interface, let's explore some of its most powerful tools. These are the tools that you'll be using regularly throughout this procreate tutorial step by step guide.

Understanding Brushes

Brushes are the heart and soul of Procreate. There are a wide variety of brushes available, each with its unique texture and behavior. You can access them from the Brush Library in the toolbar. From sketching to painting, there's a brush for every stroke you want to make. Here are some categories you'll find:

Sketching: Ideal for initial drawing or sketching. These brushes replicate the feel of traditional drawing tools.
Inking: These are perfect for creating clean lines and details.
Painting: If you want to create a painted effect, these brushes are your go-to.

Exploring Layers

Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. They allow you to work on individual elements of your artwork without affecting the rest. You can add, delete, hide, and rearrange layers as per your need. One thing to remember: the number of layers you can use depends on your canvas size — the larger the canvas, the fewer layers you can have.

Using Colors

Procreate offers a robust color system. The Color Puck, located in the top right corner, lets you choose and adjust colors. There's also a color wheel for more specific selection, and you can save your favorite colors in the palette for future use. Want to replicate a particular shade? The eyedropper tool makes it a breeze. Simply press and hold on the color you want to sample, and voila — you have it on your brush.

3. Step-by-Step Creation Process

With the basic tools under your belt, you're now ready to start creating. This Procreate tutorial step by step guide is designed to take you through the entire art creation process, from sketching to coloring. Let's get started!

Sketching Your Art

Every masterpiece starts with a simple sketch. Using the Sketching brushes, begin by creating a rough outline of your artwork. Remember to use a new layer for your sketch — this way, you can easily tweak it without affecting the rest of your work. Don't be afraid to make mistakes at this stage; this is just your blueprint!

Lining and Detailing

Once you're happy with your sketch, it's time to add some details. Use the Inking brushes to trace over your sketch and add crisp lines. This step can be quite therapeutic — take your time and enjoy the process. And remember: it's all about progress, not perfection.

Coloring and Shading

Now comes the fun part: adding color! Choose your colors from the Color Puck or your saved palettes, and start filling in your art. You can use different layers for different colors — this makes it easier to make changes later on. Once you're done with the base colors, add shading to give your artwork depth and dimension. Shading can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, right?

4. Procreate Advanced Techniques

Now that you've mastered the basics, let's delve deeper into the realm of Procreate. This section of our Procreate tutorial step by step guide will introduce you to some of Procreate's more advanced features. These techniques can help take your artwork to the next level. Ready to level up? Let's go!

Working with Textures

Textures can add a whole new dimension to your digital art. By incorporating textures, your piece can go from flat to fab in no time. Procreate offers a variety of texture brushes, each giving a unique effect. Try out different ones and see which ones tickle your fancy. Remember, experimentation is key in art!

Creating Custom Brushes

Did you know you can create your very own brushes in Procreate? Well, you can! Custom brushes can be a game-changer, allowing you to tailor your tools to your specific needs. To create a custom brush, head to the brushes panel and click on the '+' icon. Then, you can adjust the settings to your liking. Voila — your very own custom brush!

Using Adjustment Layers

Adjustment layers can be your best friend when it comes to refining your artwork. These magical layers allow you to make changes to your art without permanently altering the original layers. You can adjust the colors, add effects, and even change the layer's blend mode. And the best part? If you're not happy with the changes, you can just delete the adjustment layer — no harm done!

As we wrap up this Procreate tutorial step by step, let's focus on the final steps of your digital art journey — completing and sharing your masterpiece. After all, art is for sharing, right? So let's dive into how you can put the finishing touches on your work and share it with the world.

Final Touches

Before you declare your artwork complete, take some time to review it with a critical eye. Look for any areas that might need a bit more detail or a splash of color. Don't forget to check your lines and shading for consistency. Lastly, consider adding a signature to the corner of your artwork. It's like the cherry on top of a sundae, the final touch that says "I made this."

Exporting Your Art

Once you're satisfied with your creation, it's time to save it. Procreate offers several exporting formats, including JPEG, PNG, and even PSD for Photoshop users. To export your work, simply click on the wrench icon, select 'Share' and choose your preferred format. Now your art is ready to make its debut!

Finally, we're at the most exciting part of our Procreate tutorial step by step — sharing your artwork with others. Whether you want to showcase your work on social media, send it to a friend, or even print it out for a local art show, sharing your creation can be incredibly rewarding. So go ahead, share your art with the world and let it inspire others. After all, isn't that what art's about?

If you enjoyed this step-by-step Procreate tutorial and are eager to learn more about creating stunning digital art, check out the workshop 'Procreate Basics: Making Digital Art' by Sameera Maruvada. This workshop will provide you with even more techniques and tips to help you master the Procreate app and unleash your full creative potential.