Are you curious about diving into the world of digital drawing but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! So many of my artistic friends have reported downloading the app Procreate and being so excited to start — only to find that the app is a bit confusing for the absolute beginner.
The good news? Digital drawing is totally accessible — it’s fun, beginner-friendly, and packed with creative possibilities — but there is a bit of a learning curve (which is totally possible to get past!).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from choosing the right tools to trying out your first project. Let’s unlock your creative potential in Procreate!
Why Try Digital Drawing?
Digital drawing has revolutionized the art world, making it easier than ever to bring your ideas to life and add to your creative practice. Here’s why you should give it a try:
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No Mess, No Stress: Say goodbye to spills, smudges, and clutter. Digital tools let you create clean, vibrant art anytime, anywhere. It's also SO easy to pick up and get started — no prep work necessary!
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Endless Supplies: You’ll never run out of colors or brushes — Procreate and similar apps give you unlimited options at your fingertips. It's truly amazing how much these digital brushes seem to mimic artists tools, and paired with the pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil, you'll be blown away at how much it feels like drawing IRL.
- Creative Freedom and Speed: Experiment without fear — this is my absolute favorite part, and I didn't have any idea how much my art making practice and my personal portfolio would explode! Made a mistake? Tap "undo." Want to try something new? Add a layer! Creating an ease to your art making really releases any panic of messing up, giving you space for experimentation.
My Favorite Digital Tools, Explained:
Starting your digital drawing journey is as simple as gathering a few essential tools. While some equipment is an investment up-front, they go a long way in adding value to your art practice!
1. Apple iPad
Not all iPads are created equal for drawing, but several models are perfect for beginners:
- iPad Pro (for those who want advanced performance).
- iPad Air (a great middle ground).
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Standard iPad (budget-friendly but still incredibly effective)
- These are the ones we make available for our in-person students at Bloomery Art Co. — check out one of our in-person workshops if you're local to the Lehigh Valley, PA!
2. Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is a must-have for precise, pressure-sensitive drawing. Pair it with your iPad to unlock its full potential, and honestly the possibilities are endless for your art making.
Often I have students (or parents of my teen students) ask if the Apple Pencil is really worth the investment as compared to a stylus — my answer is a resounding yes! It has pressure sensitivity, meaning that it responds to the artist's touch, creating a thin light line for light pressure and a thick line for strong pressure. The Apple Pencil is the closest you can get to using an actual real-life artist's tool. I haven't yet found a comparable drawing stylus in my many years of using the iPad for digital art.
3. Procreate App
Procreate is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly apps for digital drawing. It’s incredibly easy to use, but absolutely powerful enough for professional artists. I've made most of my client projects with Procreate, including my two illustrated Crayola coloring books, by harnessing the app's power!
There are other drawing apps available, such as Adobe Fresco or ibisPaint — some of my students in the past have reported enjoying these programs for various reasons, but an overwhelming amount of others agree that Procreate is by far the best out there.
Bonus Accessories
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Paper-like Screen Protectors:
One of the biggest complaints I hear from someone who dislikes drawing on a screen is that the glass is too slippery. A matte “paper-like” protector can make drawing feel more natural, as it gives a slight bit of texture to the screen. The slight drag of your Apple Pencil tip on the protective screen cover is a game changer! -
iPad Case with Stand Option:
Of course you want your investment protected — that's why you absolutely need a protective case! The best cases I've owned have a magnetic flap that can also prop the iPad up in the back as a stand. Some of my students enjoy drawing with the iPad propped up at an angle, but my personal preferred drawing position is flat on the table. However, I do use the stand when viewing my art or showing others, so I do find it handy to have that option. -
Drawing Glove:
These are my most asked about iPad accessory! I cannot draw without my tablet glove — it provides protection on the sides of my hand so there is no drag or accidental taps. If you're serious about drawing, you simply must have a few of these on hand (pun intended). -
Apple Pencil Case:
There are many options for sleeve cases for your Apple Pencils, but I personally like one that's wider and weighted. I find my hand cramps up less during long drawing sessions, as I'm not gripping as hard as the thin tool. This relaxes my hand and allows those beautiful lines to flow!
Your First Steps in Procreate
Opening Procreate for the first time? Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks! Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Create a Canvas
Tap the “+” icon to start a new canvas. For beginners, try the default size and experiment from there. As you grow in your art practice and needs, you'll be able to customize your canvas size, color profiles, and DPI (dots per inch).
Step 2: Explore Brushes
Procreate comes pre-loaded with a wide variety of amazing brushes that mimic artist's tools! Try a few to see which ones feel right, noticing the way it responds to the pressure of your hand.
My favorite Procreate brushes include:
- “6B Pencil” for sketching
- “Dry Ink” for rougher inking with a little bit of texture
- "Studio Pen" or "Syrup" for a clean pen line with swells of thick and thin
- "Monoline" (under the Calligraphy category) for a clean liner
Step 3: Play with Layers
Think of layers like sheets of tracing paper stacked on top of each other. Use layers to separate different parts of your drawing, like a sketch, outline, and coloring. When in doubt, add a layer — it allows you to test an idea above the artwork that you have created, which opens up your ability to experiment without fear!
Step 4: Undo Mistakes
Made an error? Just tap the screen with two fingers (at the same time) to undo. A three-finger tap is your redo gesture. It’s that simple!
Beginner-Friendly Tips for Digital Drawing
- Practice Daily: Even 10 minutes a day can help you improve quickly.
- Explore Tutorials: There are countless free Procreate tutorials online to guide you! Just check out YouTube for endless educational content — some of my favorites are Bardot Brush for fun, simple projects and guidance, or Gal Shir for soothing drawing time lapses because I learn a ton just from watching his process.
- Start Simple: Focus on basic shapes and techniques before tackling complex designs. Before you know it, you'll be applying more complex concepts, because experimentation is so simple and easy to undo!
- Experiment Freely: Don’t be afraid to try new brushes, colors, or techniques. Mistakes are part of learning, and it's easy to embrace them within this amazing app.
You’re Ready to Start Drawing!
Digital drawing opens up a whole new world of creativity, and the best part is — you’re in control. With the right tools, a little practice, and plenty of curiosity, you’ll be creating art you’re proud of in no time.
Ready to dive deeper? Yeah you are!
Check out Bloomery Art Co.'s in-person workshops for absolute beginners — they're great for showing you all the steps with an expert instructor to answer all your questions. We also have programs for teens to draw digitally!
