In recent years, Procreate has emerged as one of the most beloved tools among illustrators, designers, and hobbyist artists alike. Whether you're a professional creator in downtown Toronto or a curious beginner picking up an iPad for the first time, chances are you've heard the buzz around this sleek, powerful app.
But what exactly is Procreate? Why has it gained such popularity in both art schools and freelance circles? And if you're considering diving into digital art, how do you actually start using it?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes Procreate so powerful—and why it's more than just another drawing app.
What Is Procreate?
Procreate is a digital illustration app designed exclusively for iPads. Created by Australian developer Savage Interactive, it’s known for combining professional-grade functionality with a user interface that’s surprisingly intuitive—even for beginners.
Unlike desktop software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, Procreate is optimized for touch and stylus, making it ideal for sketching, painting, and animating on the go.
Key features include:
- Customizable brushes that mimic real-world media like watercolor, charcoal, ink, and oil
- Layer-based editing, with blend modes, masks, and grouping
- High-resolution canvas sizes suitable for print or animation
- Time-lapse recording, allowing you to replay your entire process
- Animation Assist, for frame-by-frame animation
And best of all? It’s a one-time purchase of under $20 CAD, with no subscriptions.
Why Artists Are Choosing Procreate
1. It Feels Like Traditional Drawing
Procreate’s responsiveness is one of its most praised aspects. When paired with an Apple Pencil, the brush pressure, tilt, and flow create a drawing experience that feels incredibly close to paper.
For Toronto-based artists used to sketching in notebooks or plein air drawing in High Park, the transition to digital can be surprisingly smooth.
2. It’s Mobile-Friendly
You don’t need a laptop or a drawing tablet. With just an iPad and a stylus, you have a complete art studio in your bag. This has been a game-changer for urban creators who sketch on commutes, in cafés, or during life drawing sessions across the city.
3. It Scales with You
Procreate is beginner-friendly but not shallow. As your skills evolve, the app offers advanced features like:
- Custom brush creation
- CMYK export for print design
- Scriptable automation using Apple Shortcuts
- Professional file exports (PSD, TIFF, PNG, GIF, MP4)
This makes it suitable for both casual creatives and full-time illustrators working on books, branding, or concept art.
Works by Loish, the most famous illustrator in the Procreate community
How Does Procreate Compare to Other Apps?
For most beginners and illustrators, Procreate offers the best balance between affordability, performance, and creative control.
What Can You Create with Procreate?
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few popular uses in Toronto’s creative community:
- Illustration – Editorial, children’s books, album covers
- Freelance design – Logos, posters, social media content
- Fine art prints – Digital paintings for Etsy or gallery shows
- Custom portraits – A top request on platforms like Instagram and Etsy
- Short animations – Perfect for animated stickers, loops, or GIFs
- Social media art – Procreate’s time-lapse and export tools are ideal for creators on TikTok or YouTube
Whether you're an OCAD student, a self-taught artist, or a designer looking to expand your skillset, Procreate opens up new creative avenues with minimal technical friction.
How to Start with Procreate: Tools You’ll Need
Here’s a basic checklist for beginners:
✅ iPad – Most models work, but iPad Air, Pro, or newer models are ideal
✅ Stylus – Apple Pencil (Gen 1 or 2 depending on your iPad model)
✅ Procreate App – Download from the App Store (~$19.99 CAD)
✅ Screen protector (optional) – Matte ones simulate paper texture
✅ Cloud backup – Use iCloud or Google Drive for saving your files
Tip: If you're based in Toronto, local Apple resellers or second-hand tech stores like Factory Direct or Canada Computers sometimes offer student discounts or refurbished models.
How to Learn Procreate (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Learning Procreate doesn’t have to mean watching 100 YouTube videos. Here’s a recommended learning path:
1. Play First – Open the app, select a brush, and just experiment. Procreate rewards exploration.
2. Master Layers – Learn how to work with multiple layers for non-destructive editing.
3. Understand Brushes – Learn how pressure, opacity, and blending affect brush behavior.
4. Try a Project – Create a small illustration, a self-portrait, or even a sticker design.
5. Seek Feedback – Join Procreate Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or local Toronto sketch communities to share your work and get input.
Want a structured learning path? Some local art schools and workshops in Toronto (like LoveFunART in North York) offer Procreate-based courses for beginners, focused on hands-on illustration, brush control, and animation basics.
Want to Learn Faster? Try a Beginner-Friendly Procreate Course in Toronto
If you're based in Toronto and want expert guidance, LoveFunART’s Procreate course offers a hands-on, structured path to help you master the app with confidence.
What You'll Learn
Over 5 sessions (2.5 hours each), you’ll go from basic tools to finished digital illustrations and simple animations:
1. Getting Started with Procreate
Learn the interface, layers, brush basics, and canvas setup
2. Colour & Composition
Explore palettes, gradients, and the logic behind colour harmony
3. Brush Control & Detailing
Learn how to add texture, lighting, and depth using digital brushes
4. Creative Projects
Finish a personalized illustration using Procreate’s full toolset
5. Intro to Animation
Create a frame-by-frame animated GIF using Procreate’s timeline tools
- Total beginners with no digital art experience
- Traditional artists looking to switch to iPad illustration
- Students preparing for art or design school portfolios
- Creatives who want to use Procreate professionally or as a side hustle
Location & Format
- In-person: North York Studio – 5635 Yonge St. Unit 202
- Online: Remote learning option also available
- Schedule: Weekends, 10:00am – 4:00pm (Flexible for online)
- Course Fee: $599 + 13% HST
How to Register
-
Online Registration
Go to www.lovefunart.ca → “Procreate - Digital Drawing Online Class” course. All major cards accepted. -
E-transfer Option
Send to LoveFunART01@gmail.com
Set password to "1234" or "123456", and in the message include:
- Full name
- Class time
-
Your email
Don’t forget to add 13% HST
All you need is an iPad, Apple Pencil, and the Procreate app. Let your creative journey begin—one stroke at a time.
Final Thoughts: Creativity Is Now at Your Fingertips
Procreate has changed the way we think about drawing—removing the boundaries between tools, space, and imagination. Whether you're sketching casually or building a professional portfolio, your iPad can become the gateway to creative freedom.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to start exploring digital art, this is it. You don’t need a full studio. You just need curiosity, a screen, and a little guidance.
So go ahead—start a new canvas today. And if you need help along the way, we’re here to guide you.
Because creativity doesn’t wait—and neither should you.