Learn to Use Procreate: Design and Illustrate a Bear Character

Learn how to use Procreate to illustrate a bear character from start to finish.

Picture book illustrator Nina Rycroft will show you the basics in Procreate while showing you how to design and illustrate a fun picture-book-style bear. In this class, you will learn how to use reference, sketch an animal character, adding layers of colour, texture and detail, creating your very own digital masterpiece!

You will learn:

• the basics in Procreate
• how to create a ‘Winsor and Newton’ watercolour palette
• how to build up shadows, highlights, texture and detail
• how to export and organise your files

You will need:

• an iPad Pro (I'm using my 12.9-inch iPad Pro) and Apple pencil (or something similar)
• A matte screen protector on my iPad
  this is optional, but I've found that the 'tooth' of the matte screen protector makes the drawing experience similar to that of drawing on paper.

Make sure to download the handouts

• Winsor and Newton screenshot that I used in class. However, you're more than welcome to use your own watercolour swatches to create a colour palette.
• the bear cub reference that I used in class
• my bear line illustration (I highly recommend that you try your hand at illustrating an animal character BEFORE downloading my illustration). :)

Interested in character design? 

Below is my series of Skillshare classes that walk you through the entire process of how to illustrate a character from start to finish. Use this series to either brush-up on a particular skill or work your way through, for a comprehensive guide.

Nina's Skillshare Character Design Series

1. Face Facts: Beginners Guide to Drawing a Self Portrait
2. Face Shapes: Draw a Series of Character Using Simple Shapes 
3. 101 Guide to Drawing Eyes
4. Emoji Me: The art of Facial Expression
5. How to Draw the Head From Every Angle: Part One
6. How to Draw the Head From Every Angle: Part Two
7. How to Draw the Head From Every Angle: Part Three
8. Draw a Circus of Characters: Exploring Body Shape and Proportion
9. Draw a Circus of Movement: Simple Techniques to Bring Characters to Life
10. Draw a Circus of Line & Gesture: Design a Picture Book Character From Start to Finish
11. Watercolor Magic: One Character Five Ways
12. Illustration Masterclass: Exploring Technique and Style
13. Learn to Use Procreate: Design and Illustrate a Bear Character
14. • NEW • Animal Character Design for Picture Book Illustrators: Techniques and tips for designing characters with a narrative