Procreate for Beginners: 8 Must-Have Brushes for iPad Artists
What is Procreate, and why is it the top choice for digital artists? If you've ever admired stunning iPad illustrations on Instagram or Pinterest, chances are t
What Is Procreate — And Why Do Digital Artists Love It? If you've ever stopped to admire breathtaking iPad artwork on Instagram or Pinterest, there's a good chance it was made with Procreate. Developed by Australian studio Savage Interactive and launched in 2011, this drawing app has become an indispensable creative tool for digital illustrators, designers, and artists worldwide. Procreate is a one-time purchase (around USD $12.99) with no monthly subscription, yet it delivers power that rivals desktop illustration software. Paired with an Apple Pencil, it offers a drawing experience that feels remarkably close to pen on paper. Whether you're a complete beginner or a traditional artist making the leap to digital, Procreate deserves a place in your toolkit. Core Features Explained: Everything You Need to Know About Brushes and Layers Opening Procreate for the first time can feel overwhelming — the interface is packed with tools. But once you grasp a handful of core concepts, you'll be up and running quickly. Brush Studio: Procreate ships with over 200 brushes covering pencil, watercolor, oil paint, spray paint, and more. You can fine-tune opacity, size, and flow, or create entirely custom brush textures. Many illustrators download third-party brush packs to replicate the unique feel of traditional media. Layers: Similar to Photoshop's layer system, Procreate supports multi-layer compositing with blend modes like Multiply, Screen, and Color Burn. A good habit to build early: keep your sketch, line art, and color fills on separate layers so edits stay non-destructive. Time-lapse Recording: Procreate automatically records your entire drawing session. When you're done, you can export a speed-paint video — perfect for sharing your process on social media. ColorDrop: Drag a color from the palette directly onto any closed area to flood-fill it instantly. Combined with the "Continue Filling" option, this dramatically speeds up the coloring stage. Gesture Controls: Two-finger