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Grow as a Digital Artist with a Digital Sketchbook
This article will tell you why a digital sketchbook is essential for all beginner digital artists.
Getting started with digital art can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at a blank screen wondering where to begin. But here’s the good news: just like traditional art, practice makes perfect. And one of the best ways to practice is by creating a digital sketchbook. Imagine having an endless supply of paper at your fingertips, ready for you to experiment with new ideas, techniques, and styles. This isn’t just a tool for drawing; it’s a playground for your creativity. Let’s explore how you can set up a digital sketchbook in Procreate and use it to enjoy your digital art journey
Practice Your Digital Art with a Sketchbook
Every artist knows the value of a sketchbook. It’s a personal space where you can doodle, scribble, and jot down ideas without the pressure of creating a finished piece. For digital artists, a sketchbook serves the same purpose, but with a few added perks. Unlike traditional sketchbooks, a digital one never runs out of pages, and you can experiment with colors, brushes, and layers without the mess.
Regular practice in your digital sketchbook helps build muscle memory, improves your understanding of digital tools, and allows you to explore different styles. Plus, it’s an excellent way to document your progress over time. By sketching regularly, you’re training your brain to think creatively and your hand to execute those ideas fluidly. It’s the secret weapon that many successful artists swear by.
What Is a Digital Sketchbook?
A digital sketchbook is exactly what it sounds like; a digital version of a traditional sketchbook. It’s a file or a series of files where you create sketches, doodles, and practice drawings using a digital art app like Procreate. Just like a paper sketchbook, it’s a place for experimenting, brainstorming, and practicing your skills without worrying about perfection.
The beauty of a digital sketchbook is in its flexibility. You can create as many pages as you want, erase and redo with a few taps, and even organize your sketches into different folders or projects. This makes it easier to track your growth as an artist and revisit ideas whenever you want. It’s your personal, infinite canvas that grows with you.
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How to Use a Sketchbook
Using a sketchbook, whether digital or traditional, is all about letting go of expectations. This isn’t the place for polished pieces or perfect drawings; it’s where you should feel free to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them. Start by setting aside time each day to sketch something—anything. It could be a quick doodle, a study of an object, or a rough draft of an idea you want to develop later.
In your digital sketchbook, take advantage of the tools available. This is the perfect time to learn about your digital art software. Play around with different brushes, experiment with color palettes, and try out new techniques. Use layers to separate different elements of your sketch, which allows you to edit and refine your work without starting from scratch.
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Don’t be afraid to fill your sketchbook with unfinished pieces or random ideas. The goal is to keep your creative juices flowing and your hand moving. Over time, you’ll find that this practice not only improves your technical skills but also helps you develop a unique style and voice as an artist.
How to Create a Digital Sketchbook in Procreate
Creating a digital sketchbook in Procreate is simple and customizable to your needs. Start by opening Procreate and creating a new canvas. You can set the canvas size to match the dimensions of a traditional sketchbook page, or you can choose a custom size that works best for you.
Once your canvas is ready, use the “Page Assist” feature to organize your sketches into a digital sketchbook format. Page Assist allows you to work on multiple pages within a single file, mimicking the experience of flipping through a traditional sketchbook. To enable this, go to the “Actions” menu (wrench icon), select “Canvas,” and then toggle on “Page Assist.”
Procreate Page Assist
Procreate’s Page Assist feature is a game-changer for digital sketchbooks. Once enabled, you’ll see a small thumbnail view of each page at the bottom of your screen. This will make it easy to navigate between sketches. From here, you can start sketching on each page, adding new pages as you go. As you continue to fill your digital sketchbook, you’ll have an organized collection of your sketches that you can easily access and review.
Page Assist isn’t just about organization; it’s also about workflow. You can duplicate pages to try different versions of a sketch without losing your original idea, or rearrange them to see your progress in a different order. It’s a fantastic tool for artists who like to see their work evolve over time.
Additionally, you can export your entire sketchbook as a PDF or a series of images, making it easy to share your progress or keep a backup. With Page Assist, your digital sketchbook becomes a dynamic, flexible space where you can truly let your creativity run wild.
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Best Digital Sketchbook App
While Procreate is a powerhouse for digital sketching on the iPad, it does come with a price tag that might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a free, high-quality alternative, Sketchbook by Autodesk is a fantastic option.
Sketchbook by autodesk
Sketchbook by Autodesk is known for its user-friendly interface and robust set of features, making it a favorite among both beginners and professionals. It offers a wide range of brushes that mimic traditional media, allowing you to create everything from detailed pencil sketches to vibrant watercolor paintings. The app is also incredibly responsive, ensuring a smooth drawing experience with minimal lag—perfect for those quick sketches or more detailed pieces.
One of the standout features of Sketchbook is its layering system, which gives you the flexibility to build up your artwork in stages, just like in Procreate. This is particularly useful for beginners who are still getting comfortable with digital tools, as it allows for easy editing and experimentation.
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Another benefit of Sketchbook is its compatibility across multiple devices, including tablets, smartphones, and desktops. This means you can start a sketch on your tablet and finish it on your desktop without missing a beat. Plus, because it’s free, you can dive right in without any financial commitment, making it an ideal starting point for anyone new to digital art.
Overall, Sketchbook by Autodesk is a powerful, versatile tool that holds its own against paid apps like Procreate. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a reliable digital sketchbook on a budget, Sketchbook is a top choice that won’t disappoint.
12 Digital Sketchbook Ideas for Beginners
Staring at a blank page can be daunting, so here are 12 ideas to get you started with your digital sketchbook:
- Daily Doodles: Commit to drawing something every day, even if it’s just a simple shape or pattern.
- Character Design: Create a series of characters, experimenting with different styles and personalities.
- Nature Studies: Sketch plants, animals, or landscapes to practice observation and detail.
- Portrait Practice: Draw faces from photos, focusing on different angles and expressions.
- Color Experiments: Play with different color palettes, testing how colors interact and affect mood.
- Object Studies: Pick everyday objects and sketch them in various positions and lighting.
- Hand Studies: Practice drawing hands in different poses, as they’re often challenging but important to master.
- Comics and Storyboards: Create short comic strips or storyboards to practice visual storytelling.
- Style Exploration: Try out different art styles, from realism to abstract, to see what resonates with you.
- Texture Studies: Experiment with creating different textures using Procreate’s brush library.
- Lettering Practice: Work on hand-lettering skills by sketching out quotes, phrases, or alphabets.
- Collage Sketches: Combine different elements like photos, textures, and sketches to create digital collages.
These ideas are just a starting point. The key is to keep experimenting and filling your digital sketchbook with whatever inspires or interests you.
Draw with Me and Start Filling Your Sketchbook Today!
Start your digital sketchbook today! It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to practice, experiment, and grow as an artist. With tools like Procreate or the free Sketchbook by Autodesk, you’ll have endless creative possibilities at your fingertips. Over time, you’ll find your own rhythm and style, and your confidence as a digital artist will skyrocket. Don’t wait—start sketching and watch your skills soar!