Every artist develops their own unique workflow over time. Today, I want to share my process for creating digital artwork, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final polished piece. While tools and techniques may vary, I hope this insight into my creative process inspires your own.
Stage 1: Inspiration and Thumbnails
Every piece starts with an idea. Sometimes it's a fleeting image in my mind, other times it's inspired by something I see in the world around me. I keep a sketchbook (both physical and digital) where I jot down quick thumbnail sketches – small, rough compositions that capture the essence of an idea without getting bogged down in details.
"The thumbnail stage is crucial. It's where you experiment freely without the pressure of creating a finished piece."
Stage 2: The Rough Sketch
Once I've settled on a thumbnail, I move to Procreate on my iPad. I love Procreate for its intuitive interface and powerful brush engine. At this stage, I:
- Set up my canvas at the final resolution I want
- Create a rough sketch layer using a pencil or ink brush
- Focus on composition, proportions, and overall flow
- Keep it loose – this isn't the final line art yet
Stage 3: Refining the Lines
With my rough sketch as a guide, I create a new layer and begin refining the line art. This is where I:
- Clean up proportions and anatomy
- Add details and define forms
- Vary line weight to create depth and emphasis
- Erase and redraw sections until they feel right
Tools I Use
For line art, my go-to brushes in Procreate are the Studio Pen and Technical Pen. They give me the control I need while maintaining a natural, hand-drawn feel.
Stage 4: Color and Shading
Color is where the piece really comes to life. I typically:
- Create a base color layer beneath my line art
- Block in major color areas without worrying about shading
- Add a multiply layer for shadows
- Use overlay or screen layers for highlights and special effects
- Adjust colors using hue/saturation until the palette feels cohesive
Stage 5: Final Details and Polish
The final stage is all about refinement. I zoom in and out frequently, checking:
- Are the colors working together?
- Does the composition guide the eye where I want it to go?
- Are there areas that need more detail or simplification?
- Does the piece convey the mood and emotion I intended?
Export and Share
Once I'm satisfied with the piece, I export it at high resolution. I usually save:
- A full-resolution version for prints or professional use
- A web-optimized version for social media
- The original Procreate file with all layers intact
Final Thoughts
Remember, there's no "right" way to create digital art. This workflow has evolved through lots of trial and error, and it continues to change as I learn new techniques and discover new tools. The most important thing is to find a process that works for you and allows you to create freely.
Don't be afraid to experiment and break your own rules sometimes – some of my favorite pieces came from happy accidents when I deviated from my usual process!