You will begin to use Procreate with an introduction to the most important aspects of the app, including hand gestures, brush preferences, and tool navigation. You will also see how to set up your document to record a time-lapse video of your work in progress.

For me, collecting references is an important part of the build-up to your art. I go through my method for collecting and organizing my research while discussing some examples of portraiture. You’ll search through typography, color, and more, to get a full visual sampling for your project.

Start creating your thumbnail sketches by incorporating the visual elements of your research, putting as many ideas as possible into play. This is when you’ll explore composition, to create an ideal shape hierarchy and prepare the groundwork for a perfectly balanced composition.

Next, begin to draw your portrait using your references, with me guiding you through my step-by-step process to build the structure. Then, add color to your portrait illustration, while looking at some shortcuts I use to add and change color options on Procreate. Learn how to create abstract shapes by chopping and rearranging letters, giving the full command to your creativity.

Move on harmonizing your composition, by merging your layers, adding drop shadows, shapes, texture, and more. Discover how to add the final touches to your illustration with Photoshop, how to export your image, and prepare it for print.