Procreate Bootcamp

Using Procreate professionally for illustration has completely changed the way I work. But it hasn't always been easy.

When I look back on my early drawings and even some of the work, I can see some overuse of texture and a drawing line that comes from being able to trace instead of focussing on keeping it freehand. You could say the same for using the lightbox too much. But with the iPad, you can erase all the tiny mistakes and pull right into detail and it can give your work a stilted look. They talk about this on the fabulous The Goodship Illustration Podcast

Learning from others has been key. With a program as versitile as Procreate you have to see how other artists organise their space and workflow and use what works for you. I’ve learnt a huge amount from Lisa Glanz and her use of texture, pattern and brushes. But in my most recnt book I’m pairing back on that and using my knowledge of watercolour. It continues to surprise me how user-friendly and versitile Procreate can be.

A few years ago I embarked on creating a library of pattern designs. Another huge learning curve. It turns out that there’s a lot more to creating patterns than you first think. Creating patterns for wrapping paper is completely different to wallpaper, for example. Fabric for curtains is often bold and and has a linear feature, but fabric for children’s clothes needs varied and small motifs that can be viewed from any angle.

This is where Procreate can really rock. The way you can move the screen around and zoom in and out of your canvas mean you can see your pattern from different directions and test how well it works. It’s addictive and wildly creative. I’ve created a few patterns for different clients and it’s always a joy.

So, if you’ve read this far and you’re curious to learn more about what your ipad can do for you. I’m running a workshop! It’s small group, but there are a few spots left.