Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Simon Foster

'What do I do first? Learn how to use Procreate or learn how to draw?'

Why not do both? And why not learn from a successful pro who's being using digital art software for decades? Why not learn how to draw using both traditional and digital techniques? Why not use never before seen techniques that harness the power of the digital age to speed up your art journey?

Read more

'What do I do first? Learn how to use Procreate or learn how to draw?'

Why not do both? And why not learn from a successful pro who's being using digital art software for decades? Why not learn how to draw using both traditional and digital techniques? Why not use never before seen techniques that harness the power of the digital age to speed up your art journey?

Enroll on my latest, most ambitious course and find out just how well I can answer these questions for you. I've been a designer/illustrator for over 35 years. I used the first Apple computers capable of creating digital art. I've spent thousands of hours working in various design studios, worked with hundreds of clients and used many, many digital art programs. I've produced art and design for a who's who of top businesses. You may also have seen my artwork on games that have been number 1 all over the world.

I'm also the author of Procreate: Solid Foundations which occupies the number 1 slot out of all the Procreate courses on Udemy. Now I'll teach you to draw using Procreate.

'I can draw fairly well but how do I transfer what I know to a digital art app?'

Please, take the time to read the next couple of sentences because they are at the very core of the course philosophy. I will be teaching you time honoured techniques that most artists will recognise when they learned to draw. But over the years I have also developed those ideas plus invented new techniques that harness the power of digital technology. Traditional artists will see techniques they know. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But I promise you this - you will see drawing techniques here that no one has ever seen before. Over the years I've developed many strategies to practice digital art, meet deadlines, maximise the potential of digital art, and work in ways that simply aren't possible with traditional media.

Drawing is the cornerstone of art. Being able to see something and reproduce that image on a screen is what this course is all about. I cover drawing basics, making marks efficiently, volumetrics, perspective, shading etc.

By the end of the course you will have mastered various effective drawing techniques, traditional and digital. You will gain the confidence to tackle your own art projects, and one day soon you may well be looking at one of your own creations and thinking 'That looks fantastic. I did that...'

Enrol now. Don't forget you have the 30 day money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Learn how to draw using Procreate from someone who knows what's important and knows how to teach. Feel free to check out the ratings and reviews of my other courses. I've brought the past 8 years of making these courses to this one, and I feel that this course is my best yet. So get ready to be an artist. Get ready to make your work shine.

I'll see you on the course,

Simon

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn to draw using digital media
  • Use traditional and modern methods to learn to draw
  • Learn to see at the world the way an artist sees it
  • How to construct a drawing
  • Perspective
  • Shading

Syllabus

Our Very First Steps
Hello and welcome!
New iPad day! New Apple pencil day!
Setting preferences in Procreate
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Combines traditional drawing techniques with digital methods, which allows learners to build a strong foundation in art while exploring the capabilities of Procreate
Includes introductory lessons on setting preferences and using basic tools in Procreate, which helps new users get acquainted with the software
Explores techniques for maximizing the potential of digital art and working in ways that are not possible with traditional media, which may be useful for artists looking to expand their skill set
Covers drawing basics such as making marks efficiently, volumetrics, perspective, and shading, which are essential for building a strong foundation in drawing
Features techniques that the instructor claims have never been seen before, which may appeal to artists looking for innovative approaches to digital drawing
Requires learners to have an iPad and Apple Pencil to fully participate in the hands-on exercises, which may be a barrier for some students

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive digital drawing with procreate

According to students, this course offers a largely positive experience for those looking to learn digital drawing using Procreate. Learners appreciate the clear and engaging instruction provided by the experienced instructor, noting that he effectively breaks down potentially complex topics into understandable steps. The course successfully blends traditional drawing fundamentals with practical Procreate techniques, making it suitable for both complete beginners and those transitioning from traditional media. Many highlight the hands-on projects and exercises as particularly helpful for applying concepts and building confidence. While the pace is considered excellent for beginners, a few more experienced artists found some sections moved slowly. Overall, students feel they gained a solid foundation in drawing and feel more comfortable using Procreate for creative projects.
Excellent pace for newcomers, potentially slow for others.
"The pace is perfect for absolute beginners like me, allowing time to practice."
"I appreciated the slow and thorough explanation of each step."
"While great for beginners, some parts felt a bit drawn out if you had prior experience."
"If you already know some drawing basics, you might find the initial modules review material."
Adequate Procreate tool usage for drawing exercises.
"Learned enough about Procreate brushes and layers to get started with drawing."
"It focuses on drawing, but teaches you the necessary Procreate tools as you go."
"Covers the essential Procreate features relevant to the drawing process taught."
Provides a strong base in drawing fundamentals.
"This course gave me the foundational drawing skills I was missing, even digitally."
"From lines to perspective, it covers the basics needed to actually draw."
"I finally understand volumetrics and shading in a way I didn't before this course."
"It's not just about Procreate features, it's about learning how to see and draw."
Hands-on exercises build skills and confidence.
"The projects are well-designed and directly help you practice the techniques taught."
"Drawing the puppy was a great way to pull everything together and see real results."
"Working through the examples made concepts like shading and perspective much clearer."
"The exercises are practical and reinforce the lessons effectively."
Successfully combines traditional and digital drawing.
"Loved how the course integrates classic drawing principles with modern digital tools like Procreate."
"Finally, a course that teaches *drawing* using digital tools, not just button-pushing."
"Bridging the gap between traditional art and Procreate is done brilliantly."
"Learning techniques I knew traditionally and seeing how they apply digitally was super helpful."
Instruction is clear, knowledgeable, and motivating.
"The instructor is fantastic, makes learning complex topics easy and engaging. His personality shines through."
"Simon is a truly gifted teacher who explains everything clearly and with enthusiasm."
"His method of teaching is incredibly effective and I found myself motivated to keep practicing."
"I loved the instructor's energy and ability to simplify concepts. It felt like learning from a friend."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn to Draw in the Digital Age with Procreate with these activities:
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Build a strong foundation in drawing fundamentals before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'.
  • Work through the exercises in the book, focusing on contour drawing and negative space.
  • Practice the techniques daily for at least 30 minutes.
Practice drawing straight lines and ellipses
Reinforce the fundamental skills of drawing straight lines and ellipses to improve accuracy and control in Procreate.
Browse courses on Straight Lines
Show steps
  • Open Procreate and create a new canvas.
  • Practice drawing straight lines using different brushes and techniques.
  • Practice drawing ellipses of varying sizes and orientations.
Create a digital sketchbook
Practice drawing regularly and experiment with different techniques learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Create a new Procreate file to serve as your digital sketchbook.
  • Dedicate time each day to draw in your sketchbook, experimenting with different brushes and techniques.
  • Focus on practicing the concepts covered in each module of the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Perspective drawing exercises
Master perspective drawing to create realistic and immersive digital artwork.
Show steps
  • Review the lessons on one, two, and three-point perspective.
  • Find reference images of buildings or landscapes.
  • Practice drawing these scenes using the appropriate perspective techniques.
Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter
Deepen your understanding of color and light to enhance your shading and create more realistic drawings.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter'.
  • Read the chapters on color mixing and light direction.
  • Experiment with applying these concepts to your digital drawings in Procreate.
Create a series of character portraits
Apply the drawing techniques learned in the course to create a cohesive series of character portraits.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme for your character portraits (e.g., fantasy characters, historical figures).
  • Sketch out the basic shapes and proportions of each character.
  • Refine the details and add shading to create depth and dimension.
  • Experiment with different brushes and techniques to achieve a unique style.
Help other students in the discussion forums
Reinforce your understanding of the course material by explaining concepts to others.
Show steps
  • Regularly check the course discussion forums.
  • Answer questions from other students, providing clear and helpful explanations.
  • Share your own tips and techniques for drawing in Procreate.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Draw in the Digital Age with Procreate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Digital Painter
A Digital Painter creates artwork using digital tools and software instead of traditional media like oils or acrylics. This course provides training in the use of digital art software. The course focuses on both traditional and digital techniques to improve the user's art. The course teaches the student to see the world the way an artist sees it.
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates images for a variety of media, including books, magazines, websites, and advertising. They often work with traditional and digital tools to bring ideas to life visually. This course helps build a foundation in essential drawing skills, both traditional and digital, which are crucial for any illustrator. The course covers drawing basics, making marks efficiently, volumetrics, perspective, shading and more, all of which equip the learner to handle diverse projects. The course's emphasis on innovative digital techniques particularly suits the modern illustrator's workflow.
Concept Artist
A Concept Artist develops visual representations of ideas for media like video games, film, and animation. This role demands a strong grasp of drawing, perspective, and shading to effectively communicate designs and environments. This course helps a concept artist to see the world the way an artist sees it, and harnesses the power of digital technology to maximize their potential. The course's focus on perspective, volumetrics, and digital drawing in Procreate are directly applicable to the daily tasks of a concept artist, where quickly iterating ideas and producing compelling visuals is key.
Comic Book Artist
A Comic Book Artist creates the artwork for comic books and graphic novels, including character design, panel layout, and inking. This course helps artists to create compelling comics with lessons in shading, drawing, and perspective. Furthermore, the course's exploration of digital drawing methods in Procreate is directly relevant to modern comic book creation, streamlining the workflow and enabling unique stylistic choices.
Freelance Artist
A Freelance Artist works independently, taking on various art and design projects for different clients. This course provides a freelance artist with a new set of skills that can be used to draw, shade, and create perspective when making compelling artwork. The course is a great way for a freelance artist to build their portfolio.
Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist visualizes scripts for film, television, or animation by creating a sequence of drawings that outline the action and camera angles. Proficiency in drawing and perspective is essential for effectively communicating the narrative flow. Taking this course can directly impact a storyboard artist's work by honing their skill in drawing and perspective. The course provides instruction in techniques to create drawings, offering a blend of traditional methods and time-saving digital approaches in Procreate.
Visual Development Artist
A Visual Development Artist works in animation and film to create the overall look and feel of a project, including character designs, environments, and color palettes. This course has new methods that are useful to a visual development artist. The course helps the student learn to draw with both traditional and modern methods.
Texture Artist
A Texture Artist creates the surface details and visual properties of 3D models for video games, film, and animation. This course gives texture artists the lessons needed in Procreate to create stunning textures, and how to view the artistic world. Furthermore, the course's teachings in perspective, shading, and volumetrics will enable the texture artist to add depth and realism to their models.
Animator
An Animator brings characters and objects to life through a sequence of drawings or computer-generated images. This course can help animators create compelling works through its lessons on the fundamentals of drawing. Additionally, the course's emphasis on digital techniques in Procreate can streamline the animation process and enable the creation of unique visual styles.
Muralist
A Muralist designs and creates large-scale artworks directly on walls or other permanent surfaces. A muralist can leverage this course to generate stunning designs that leverage the power of Procreate. The course can also help muralists build a solid base in the fundamentals of art. The course teaches the student to see the world the way an artist sees it.
Character Designer
A Character Designer creates the visual appearance of characters for various media, including animation, video games, and comics. This role requires a strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, and visual storytelling. This course may be useful for aspiring character designers, since it covers drawing basics and techniques useful for creating characters. The course uses Procreate, a leading digital art program, and teaches new techniques that are very useful.
Graphic Novelist
A Graphic Novelist creates full length narratives through sequential art. Visual storytelling proficiency is crucial, along with skills such as character design and environment depiction. This course may be especially helpful to someone who wishes to become a graphic novelist. The course provides the skills necessary to produce exciting scenes and environments. The course uses Procreate, a leading digital art program, and teaches new techniques that are very useful.
Tattoo Artist
A Tattoo Artist creates permanent designs on clients' skin using needles and ink. This course may be useful for tattoo artists, because it teaches them to see the world the way an artist sees it and how to create stunning art in Procreate. This course focuses on both traditional and digital techniques to improve the user's art.
Industrial Designer
An Industrial Designer combines art, business, and engineering to design and develop manufactured products. This course provides industrial designers with skills that are useful in creating designs. The course teaches modern and traditional techniques for design, and also teaches the student to see the artistic world.
Surface Pattern Designer
A Surface Pattern Designer creates repeating patterns for use on various products, such as textiles, wallpaper, and packaging. Learning about new methods to create compelling art may be useful for surface pattern designers. Some specific topics are drawing basics, making marks efficiently, volumetrics, perspective, and shading.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn to Draw in the Digital Age with Procreate.
Classic for learning to draw. It focuses on perceptual skills and techniques to see the world in a way that makes drawing easier. It's particularly helpful for beginners who struggle with translating 3D objects onto a 2D surface. This book provides a strong foundation for the drawing techniques taught in the course.
Delves into the science and art of color and light, essential for creating realistic and believable digital paintings. It covers topics such as color mixing, light direction, and atmospheric perspective. While not strictly a drawing book, understanding color and light is crucial for effective shading and creating depth in your drawings. This book valuable resource for taking your digital art to the next level.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser