Getting Started With Procreate
Beginner-Friendly Tips to Start Your Procreate Journey with Confidence
A Little Note from Me to You…
Hello there!
If you’ve ever looked longingly at your iPad during nap time, wishing you could create something—a doodle, a pattern, a peaceful moment—but then got overwhelmed by all the brushes, buttons, and tools... you are so not alone.
This post is your soft start into digital art using Procreate. No pressure. No perfection. Just simple, heart-led steps you can take in the quiet cracks of your day.
Let’s walk through this together—with gentle guidance, a sprinkle of fun, and that warm encouragement we both need.
Set Yourself Up Simply (No Fancy Tools Needed)
Before you dive into creating, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need—without the overwhelm.
1. Just the Essentials
You only need:
An iPad that supports Procreate
A stylus (like the Apple Pencil)
The Procreate app (one-time App Store purchase includes free updates)
✨ That’s it. No subscription. No scary tech setup.
2. Make It Nap-Time Friendly
Keep your materials close by—maybe even in a little “mama art basket” so it’s easy to grab when you get a window of quiet. I keep mine in the diaper basket i have next to the bassinet.
💬 "If it’s accessible, it’s doable." – My go-to reminder on busy days.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Play
You don’t need a project. You don’t even need a plan. Your only job? To open the app and explore. Take the tiny step into just opening your Procreate app to build that habit.
“You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.”
Try These Beginner-Friendly Steps First
Opening Procreate for the first time can feel like opening the cockpit of a spaceship. But these four little actions? They’ll help you land softly.
1. Start a New Canvas
Tap the + in the top right and select Screen Size—a comfy place to begin. I tend to like using 3000x3000 px aka 10inches x 10 inches depending what's easier for you to think of your canvas size. (don't worry you can always resize later)
2. Pick a Gentle Brush
Try the Monoline Brush under Calligraphy. It’s smooth and beginner-friendly—perfect for simple strokes. It's also great for outlining and making coloring pages!
3. Add Color That Makes You Smile
Tap the color circle (top-right) and choose something that sparks joy—yes, even hot pink counts. My advice is to pick 4-6 colors you like and make 1-2 of them neutral colors, a offset of white or black. Using white or black can be too intense so i always pick a slight creame white or a dark navy blue for my blacks and whites.
4. Play with Layers
Think of them like clear, stackable sheets. Tap the “two squares” to explore them without fear. Layers are the best because you can stack your colors and if something doesn't work on one layer you can just click that uncheck box and it will make it invisible without you needing to erase and start all over.
You could print a tiny “first brush strokes” tracker to keep by your iPad—just a sweet little place to mark the days you opened Procreate and gave it a go.
Embrace a Playful, Pressure-Free Practice
This is where we shake off the “shoulds” and create from the heart.
1. Draw What You Love
Your baby’s pacifier, a cup of tea, a flower from your walk—no masterpiece needed, just a smile. When I'm feeling stuck i just look at my little kiddos and see what they are up to and draw what's in their hand or on their clothes.
2. Tap Undo Freely
Made a squiggle you don’t love? Two-finger tap and—poof—it’s gone. Like magic. My favorite part of digital art is the ability to undo!
3. Save Your Wins
When you’re done, tap the wrench > Share > Save as PNG. That tiny sketch? It’s proof that you showed up!
Try my free Procreate Mood Board Template to help turn little sketches into real ideas. It’s a gentle next step for when you’re ready.
Friend, you are not behind. You are not too late. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.
This is your creative nap-time nudge. Your gentle entry into the art world you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you draw for 3 minutes or 30, every stroke counts.
📥 Want the one-pager version of this guide?
Download it, print it, pin it to your wall, or tuck it inside your iPad for easy reminders.
👉 [Grab Your Free Copy Here] (insert link)
💌 You don’t need to do it all. You just need to start.
And every time you do—even in the smallest, simplest way—you’re showing your little ones (and yourself) what it means to be brave, creative, and true.
So go play. 🎨💕
I’m cheering for you always.
With simple joy,
Aysa
