12 Mistakes Beginners Make in Procreate (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting your Procreate journey is like opening a magical sketchbook—so many possibilities, so much fun! But let’s be honest, every artist stumbles a bit in the beginning. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this post, we’ll chat about common beginner mistakes (I’ve all been there!) and share some simple tips to help you avoid them.

When I first started using Procreate, it felt like stepping into a world of endless creative possibilities—and a few overwhelming moments too! Trust me, I’ve made my fair share of beginner mistakes, and that’s okay! In this post, I’m sharing the most common hiccups I faced (and how I fixed them) so you can skip the frustration and enjoy creating. Grab your stylus, and let’s turn those little hiccups into creative victories! 🎨✨

12 Mistakes Beginners Make in Procreate (and How to Avoid Them)

Here are some of the common mistakes beginners make in Procreate and how to avoid them:

1. Ignoring Layers

Mistake: Drawing everything on a single layer, making edits and adjustments difficult. Oh, I’ve been there—drawing everything on a single layer and then realizing I need to fix something…oops! It’s like trying to separate spaghetti after it’s cooked. Layers are your best friend! Use them to keep everything organized and make edits a breeze. 🎨✨

Solution: Use multiple layers for different elements (e.g., line art, colors, background) and name them for easy management. Embrace the magic of layers! Use separate layers for line art, colors, and your background—it’s like keeping everything in its own little drawer. Bonus tip: give them clear names, so you’re not hunting for “Layer 47” later! 🌟✨

2. Using the Wrong Canvas Size

Mistake: Choosing a small canvas size or low resolution, leading to pixelated artwork. Uh-oh, starting with a small canvas or low resolution can leave your artwork looking pixelated and sad when you try to resize it. It’s like trying to stretch a tiny photo to fit a poster—yikes! 🎨💔

Solution: Go big from the start! Choose a resolution of at least 300 DPI for crisp, clean details and pick a canvas size that fits your project (like A4 or 8×10 inches for prints). Your future self will thank you! 🖌️✨

3. Not Exploring Brush Settings

Mistake: Sticking to default brushes without understanding their settings or customizing them. It’s easy to stick with the default brushes, but that’s like using one crayon out of a big, colorful box! You’re missing out on all the magic Procreate brushes can offer. 🎨💡

Solution: Experiment with brush properties like opacity, size, and texture to find the best fit for your art style. Dive into those brush settings! Play around with opacity, size, and texture to discover what works best for your style. It’s like creating your own magic wand for art! 🖌️✨

4. Overusing the Undo Button

Mistake: Constantly relying on undo instead of refining technique or using tools like erasers or adjustments. We’ve all been there—undo, undo, undo! It’s tempting to rely on that magic button, but overusing it can keep you from improving your skills. It’s like hitting rewind instead of learning the dance steps! 🔄✨

Solution: Practice patience and use the eraser or smudge tools to fix minor errors instead of undoing every stroke. Take a deep breath and use tools like the eraser or smudge to tweak those little mistakes. It’s all part of the process—and your skills will grow with every stroke! 🖌️✨

5. Overcrowding the Canvas

Mistake: Adding too many details or elements, making the composition overwhelming. Getting carried away with details is so easy—it’s like adding every topping to your pizza until it’s too much to enjoy! Overloading your composition can make it feel messy and overwhelming. 🍕🎨✨

Solution: Plan your layout with thumbnails and focus on balance and simplicity. Start small with thumbnails to plan your layout, and keep it simple. Think of it as giving your artwork room to breathe—balance is key to making it shine! ✨🖌️

6. Skipping the Color Palette Setup

Mistake: Choosing random colors without a cohesive palette, leading to mismatched results. Picking colors at random can leave your art looking a little chaotic, like mixing all the paints together and getting muddy brown. A cohesive palette makes all the difference! 🎨✨

Solution: Create or download a color palette before starting your artwork to maintain harmony. Start with a color palette! You can create one yourself or download a pre-made set to keep your artwork looking harmonious and polished. It’s like setting the mood for your masterpiece! 🌈🎨✨

7. Not Locking Layers

Mistake: Oh no, accidentally drawing on the wrong layer or messing up a finished one is like stepping on a freshly painted floor—oops! 🎨😅

Solution: Lock your layers once they’re done! It’s like putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your hard work, keeping it safe and sound. 🛡️✨

8. Ignoring Reference Images

Mistake: Drawing from memory without visual references, leading to inaccuracies. Drawing from memory can feel like guessing a recipe—you might miss key ingredients! Without references, your art can lose accuracy and detail. 🎨🤔

Solution: Use Procreate’s Reference Tool or import images for inspiration. It’s like having a cheat sheet to make your work shine! 🖼️✨

9. Not Utilizing Gestures

Mistake: Relying solely on the toolbar, which slows down the workflow. Sticking to the toolbar for everything can feel like walking when you could be biking—so much slower! 🚶‍🎨

Solution: Master Procreate gestures! Pinch to zoom, two-finger tap to undo, and three-finger swipe to clear. It’s like leveling up your art speed game! 🖌️✨

10. Overlooking File Export Options

    Mistake: Exporting in the wrong format (e.g., JPEG instead of PNG for transparency). Exporting in the wrong format can be a bummer—it’s like baking a cake but forgetting the frosting! Missing transparency or editability can ruin your final piece. 🎨🙃

    Solution: Pick the right file type! Use Procreate files for edits, PNG for transparency, and JPEG for quick sharing. It’s the recipe for success! 🖼️✨

    11. Avoiding Perspective Grids

      • Mistake: Freehanding a complex scene without a perspective grid can make your artwork look like a funhouse mirror—full of wonky proportions! 🎨🤪
      • Solution: Use Procreate’s Drawing Guide to set up a perspective grid. It’s like giving your art a solid foundation to build on! 🏗️✨

      12. Forgetting to Adjust Brush Opacity

        Mistake: Using full-opacity brushes for everything can make your art look a bit harsh, like coloring with a marker when you wanted a soft pastel effect. 🎨😅

        Solution: Lower the brush opacity! It’s the secret to smooth shading and beautiful blending, adding depth and finesse to your work. ✨🖌️

        Starting with Procreate is a learning curve, but with these tips, you’ll be creating stunning digital art in no time. Remember, every artist starts somewhere—so be patient and enjoy the process. Happy creating! 🎨✨

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