I sometimes wonder whether the people who create YouTube tutorials realise quite how many people are sitting at home, following along with them, quietly thinking, ‘Oh! So THAT'S how you do it!’
I certainly hope they do. Because some of the artists and creators I've discovered online have given me something far more valuable than a few Procreate tips. They've given me the confidence to have a go.
They have taken skills they've spent years developing and generously shared them with complete strangers. And in doing so, they've helped people like me take a passion that was only a vague idea and actually do something with it.
I think that's rather wonderful and kind. Particularly as their tutorials on YouTube are FREE!
So, the creators I'm sharing today have all helped me in different ways. Some have taught me how to use Procreate. Others have helped me improve my drawing. All of them have inspired me to keep going, keep practising and keep believing that it's never too late to learn something new.
I’ve included my attempt at each tutorial… be kind, I’m a new starter! Yes, I know they’re not perfect, and I’ve made mistakes. But wow, I’d never imagined I could produce anything even 10% as good! So, I don’t actually care, as I can improve with practice... and I've learned a ton of skills along the way!
TatyWorks
I love creators who make digital art feel playful rather than intimidating.
Art should be enjoyable. It should encourage experimentation. And occasionally it should allow for complete creative chaos.
My friend suggested I take a look at Tatyworks and her tutorials, when I first started drawing last Autumn, as she thought it would suit me and my own style. And she was right. I took the plunge and attempted one of her YouTube lessons (link in the YouTube thumbnail). The first one I tried wasn't actually the one I've posted an image of, it was another, but I started working my way through them as they taught me so much.
Tatyworks quickly become a source of inspiration because each tutorial encouraged exploration and creativity rather than perfection. And the way she explained everything was so clear and easy, she quickly gave me the confidence to try other creators' tutorials. I soon became addicted!
Here's my attempt... spot what's missing? Yes, the cat... like most cats, it decided it didn't want to appear at the window and wandered off... Typical!
Artsy Lola Co
Oh wow… watercolour! I’ve always wanted to create a watercolour image and have failed spectacularly using the traditional paper and paint technique. About 40 years ago, I went with a work friend to an art class and had a go at painting a tiger in watercolour. It was hilarious and comical, and not even my very supportive, kind and encouraging friend could not stop herself laughing at it. Along with everyone else in the class, I think.
So, 40 years later, I thought I’d try on Procreate having heard about Artsy Lola’s tutorials (I think Artsy Lola was recommended on one of Happy Fox's courses – if so, thank you Happy Fox!). The tutorials are easy to follow, and the end result is unbelievable, as in ‘did I really do that??’
The only drawback? The food images look so realistic that it makes me hungry and I’m then compelled to stuff my face with croissants, crepes and blueberry pies. What I’ve gained in Procreate skills, I’ve also gained in pounds and inches. That’s not even a lie… maybe I should try drawing lettuce leaves...
Art with Flo
I suspect many Procreate users have found themselves saying:
‘I'll just watch one tutorial.’
Forty-five minutes later, you've downloaded another brush, started a new project and added three more videos to your watch list.
Art with Flo MADE me do that! Full addiction to these tutorials because they are so cute and clever, and so easy to follow. She gives wonderfully clear, step-by-step instructions that make complicated techniques feel achievable.
One of the things I appreciate most is that the tutorials don't make you feel as though you need to be an experienced artist before you begin, even though the end image looks unachievable to a novice like me.
You simply start. And that's often the hardest part.
I’ve loved every tutorial and finished item, but I think my favourite will always be this snowman. It looks like it should be a Christmas card.
James Julier Art Tutorials
Talking of snowmen, I came across this tutorial from James Julier and I immediately fell in love with it! The imagery, the lighting, the glow of little lights on a winter's night. In fact, lighting is often a key factor in James’s tutorials, I’ve found (listen to me, sounding like I know arty language…which I absolutely don't!) and it looked so impossible to recreate, but somehow I did.
I find every one of James’s tutorials icalming and relaxing, and I love watching how he builds the images up so gradually. It’s a reminder that beautiful artwork doesn't appear by magic.
It's built one line, one brushstroke and one small decision at a time.
Which is rather comforting when you're sitting there staring at your own drawing and wondering why your cat suddenly appears to have six legs and looks more like a squashed potato.
And last but definitely not least - Charly Clements
I’ve only just discovered Charly and, after just one tutorial, I signed up to her online course (which I’ll cover in another blog).
Charly’s style is by far the closest to the style I aspire to create, because i love that type of imagery. The colours, the brushes she uses, the simplicity of the images created… I’m a bit addicted, and I know it is this style I’m most likely to expand on in my own art , including for my seamless patterns.
The key message for me, from Charly’s work, is that images don’t have to be over complicated. I thought I had to make animals I draw 100% anatomically correct. But, I don’t. I can make them cute and full of character without all the intricate detail.
My favourite part of her tutorials is exploration of brushes I wouldn't normally use - like crayons, for example. And also, the difference that applying something so simple as 'noise' can change an image entirely, with just a quick sweep of a brush.
Do give her tutorials a try - they're really good fun and so simple to follow.
The greatest lesson these tutorials have taught me?
You don't have to get it right the first time. Or the second. Or, if you're anything like me, perhaps even the fifteenth.
You simply have to keep showing up.
I've learnt that artistic ability isn't something you're necessarily born with or without.
It's a skill. And like any skill, it improves with practice.
That's incredibly good news for people like me, who are enthusiastic, curious and often convinced they've forgotten how to hold a pencil properly.
So, a huge thank you to these creators, and all the others, who share their skills with those of us willing to learn.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for making tutorials. And thank you for helping complete beginners believe that they can learn something new. Like me, someone in their late fifties who's discovered that learning new creative skills is far more fun than she ever expected and can now confirm that it’s never too late to start...
This Week in the Sketchbook
Current obsession: Learning one new thing at a time.
Most-used phrase: ‘I'm sure that wasn't supposed to happen.’
Creative confession: I still occasionally draw on the wrong layer. Actually, more than occasionally
Biggest lesson: Progress beats perfection every single time.