Paper Cutout Mandala
Okay, so today we’re mixing two things I love — a paper cutout look and a mandala vibe. And oh my gosh, this project is SO fun. It’s one of those where you just go with the flow, let your shapes happen, and end up with something super delicate and beautiful. You’re not aiming for perfection here, we’re layering, carving, erasing, and creating something totally unique and totally you. Just trust the process, okay? It’s gonna be magical.
Brushes used:
- Monoline
- Studio Pen
Canvas Size:
- 2500 x 2500 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Setting up radial symmetry for perfect mandala balance
We use Procreate’s radial symmetry guide to get those lovely balanced shapes without stressing, it’s like drawing one petal and getting eight for free! - Adding soft, layered shadows for a paper cutout feel
By duplicating layers, using alpha lock, Gaussian blur, and multiply mode, we make those layers pop with depth. Hello, dreamy shadow magic. - Carving details with the eraser like real paper art
The eraser isn’t just for fixing, we use it like a blade to “cut” our shapes and make things look super delicate and detailed, just like real cut paper. - Keeping things tidy with grouped layers
We keep things organized by grouping each shape layer with its shadow, so your canvas doesn’t turn into chaos while you’re layering away. - Letting go and designing from instinct
Honestly? The best part is just trusting your gut. No need to copy anything exactly, your mandala will be unique, and that’s exactly the point.
Glowing Flower
In this fun and easy tutorial, we’re taking a simple flower photo and turning it into a dreamy, glowing illustration—step by step. I’m working on a nice square canvas, and I’ve got a handy little brush pack ready (linked for you, of course). We’ll be layering petals, playing with color, and using some of Procreate’s glow effects to really make this flower shine. Super relaxing, super satisfying. You can follow along with my photo or bring in your own favorite bloom!
Brushes used:
- Studio Pen
- Light Brush
- Glitter Streak Brush
- Confetti Brush
- Light Pen
- Soft Brush
Canvas Size:
- 3500 x 3500 pixels
Key Skills Learned:
- Outlining petals with smooth strokes
Using the Studio Pen, we gently trace the shape of each petal keeping the lines clean and flowy. - Building depth with layered colors
We stack soft color layers underneath our line work to build the flower from the inside out, one petal group at a time. - Creating that signature glow
By duplicating our layers and playing with Bloom and Gaussian Blur, we give the petals that dreamy, magical glow effect. - Adding soft highlights with the light brush
We gently brush the tips of the petals with soft highlights in matching tones to boost contrast and softness at the same time. - Finishing with sparkles and glowy touches
We sprinkle in some subtle sparkles and light dots, and even add a soft glow underneath for that final pop of magic.
Neon Animal Art
Bring your favorite animal to life with a bold neon twist in this easy step-by-step Procreate tutorial. Whether you’re drawing your own pet or using the provided cat photo, I will walk you through creating glowing line art with dynamic color and depth. I will show you exactly how to use layering, color blending, and effects to create striking neon art, even if you’re new to Procreate. You’ll finish with a glowing result that’s ready to share, and maybe even be inspired to try more animal designs.
Brushes used:
- Studio Pen
- Soft Brush
Canvas Size:
- 2300 x 3000 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Importing and preparing a reference photo
You learn how to import an image, resize or reposition it, lower its opacity, and prepare it for tracing. - Layered linework for stylized illustration
You trace major outlines using Studio Pen at varying sizes and opacities, switching brush size to emphasize shape and flow. - Alpha Lock & color blending for depth
By locking linework layers and applying gradients with the Soft Brush, you add dimensional neon color effects without straying outside the lines. - Creating a neon glow using blending modes and blur
You duplicate line layers, apply “Add” blend modes, and use Gaussian blur at different levels to create glowing, layered neon light. - Final bloom effect for polish
Using the Bloom feature adds an extra touch of radiant glow, enhancing the neon look and finalizing the artwork for sharing.
Paper Cutout Ghost
In this Procreate tutorial, you’re going to create an adorable paper cutout ghost in Procreate, packed with fun tricks and tips! Even if you’ve seen plenty of tutorials, this one’s a must-watch. Not only will you learn how to add realistic shadows and textures, but you’ll also end up with a super cute ghost illustration that’s perfect for Halloween. Ready to start? Let’s go!
Brushes used:
- Studio Pen
- Monoline Brush
- 6B Pencil
- Soft Brush
Canvas Size:
- 2500 x 2500 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Symmetry Tool Setup: Activating and editing the symmetry guide for efficient, mirrored drawing on both sides of your canvas
- Creating Paper-Cut Shadows: Duplicating layers, using Gaussian blur, and adjusting opacity to simulate layered paper-cut shadows
- Customizing Brush Strokes: Using the studio pen to achieve smooth, crisp lines and leveraging the eraser for precision when refining shapes
- Layer Organization & Clipping Masks: Strategically grouping and using clipping masks to add depth, highlights, and control over shadows
- Creating Easy 3D Effects: Learn how to easily give round candies a 3D look
- Texture Application: Adding a realistic paper texture on top of the illustration for a final polished touch
Paper Cutout Scarecrow
It’s time for some paper cutout fun again! We’ll create this cute fall themed scarecrow together. I hate it that Summer is over, but this gal sure improves my mood 🤪
Brushes used:
- Basic Sketcher
- Studio Pen
- Soft Brush
- Spackle it!
- Shader
- Corrugated Iron
- Rosette
- Diagonal
- Tessellated
- Micropio
- Thespot
- Campy
Canvas Size:
- 2500 x 2500 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Building shapes with simplified geometry: Start with circles, rectangles, and triangles to form the scarecrow and pumpkins, keeping shapes blocky for a cut-paper aesthetic
- Creating layers for depth: Use multiple layers for individual elements like hair, clothes, and accessories to easily manage and manipulate shadows and textures
- Refining sketches with opacity: Lower the opacity of your rough sketch to trace over cleaner lines on a new layer, refining shapes and adding details
- Adding realistic shadows and highlights: Apply Gaussian blur and shift shadows slightly to create the illusion of paper layers
- Using texture brushes for a handcrafted feel: Incorporate brushes like Diagonal and Rosette to give the artwork texture and make each paper piece feel unique
Felt Landscape
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a colorful, felt-inspired landscape in Procreate. It’s a fun and easy process, and I’ll guide you through every step. With two brand-new brushes from the Procreate Treasure Chest, you’ll build textured hills, mountains, clouds, and more. By the end, you’ll have a soft, fabric-like design that you can apply to all sorts of projects. Grab your iPad, follow along, and let’s get creative!
Brushes used:
- Felt Texture Brush
- Blotchy Felt Brush
- Tinder Box Brush
- Oberon Brush
Canvas Size:
- 2000 x 2300 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Creating felt-like textures: Use the Felt Texture and Blotchy Felt brushes to simulate fabric textures
- Building shapes with layers: Separate layers for hills, mountains, and other elements allow for easier texturing and shadow effects
- Adding realistic shadows and highlights: Utilize multiply and screen layers to add depth, adjusting opacity for subtle blending
- Using Alpha Lock for precision: Apply textures and colors directly to specific shapes using Alpha Lock
- Incorporating stitching details: Add stitch effects around hills and water edges for a finished felt look
Stained Glass Sunset
Brushes used:
- Monoline Brush
- Wet Sponge Brush
Canvas Size:
- 2500 x 2500 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Creating Perfect Shapes: Draw perfect horizontal lines and circles by holding your pen in place and tapping one finger on the screen
- Using the Drawing Guide: Enable and customize the drawing guide to create symmetrical designs effortlessly
- Layer Management: Work with multiple layers to separate elements and maintain control over each part of your drawing
- Applying Alpha Lock: Lock layers to paint within the boundaries of your shapes, adding texture and color variations easily
- Adding Texture with Brushes: Use the Wet Sponge brush to add texture and color variety, giving a realistic stained glass effect
Paper Cutout Hills
Brushes used:
- Monoline Brush
- Soft Brush
- Studio Pen
Canvas Size:
- 2500 x 2500 pixels
Skills Learned:
- Managing Layers: Efficiently use and organize multiple layers, including merging and duplicating to save space
- Creating Shadows: Apply Gaussian Blur and Multiply blending mode to create realistic shadows for a 3D effect
- Using the Selection Tool: Utilize the Selection Tool to create precise shapes and color fills
- Symmetry Drawing: Implement the Drawing Guide’s symmetry feature for creating symmetrical elements like trees
10 Easy Drawing Ideas
Brushes used:
- Dry Ink Brush
- Monoline Brush
- Medium Nozzle
- Wet Sponge
- Wash Brush
- Glowing Brush
- Round Brush
- Soft Brush
- Light Pen
- Old Beach Brush
- Studio Pen
- Tinder Box Brush
- Eaglehawk Brush
Canvas Size:
- 2500 x 2500 pixels
Projects:
- Creating a Colorful Animal Portrait: Learn to transform a photo of your pet into a vibrant, expressive artwork using a color-changing brush technique
- Designing Glowing Stars: Master the art of drawing and glowing star-filled skies, incorporating color dynamics and layer blending modes for a luminous effect
- Crafting an Abstract Watercolor Piece: Explore abstract art by creating random lines and filling them with watercolor brushes for a relaxing painting session
- Drawing a Cute Cat with Symmetry Tool: Utilize Procreate’s Symmetry tool to draw an adorable, perfectly symmetrical cat, enhancing it with colors and shadows
- Making a Minimalistic Tree: Discover how to use selection tools and layer masks to create a stylized, minimalistic tree with a calming aesthetic
- Drawing Black and White Planet Doodles: Delve into drawing various planets with unique textures and rings, adding depth and interest to a cosmic scene
- Painting a Simple Watercolor Landscape: Learn to layer washes of color to form a serene landscape, complete with clouds and a sun, on a textured paper effect
- Creating a Cute Bee Illustration: Combine basic shapes and Procreate’s drawing guides to create a charming bee, surrounded by flowers and clouds
- Building Stylized Watercolor Houses: Use artistic brushes to construct colorful, stylized houses, adding windows, doors, and trees for a whimsical village scene
- Crafting a Colorful Little Monster: Experiment with shapes, colors, and layers to bring to life a unique monster, filled with personality and whimsy