Is Colored Pencil settings for Procreate worth it if you’re shopping in Comics & Graphic Novels?
Quick answer
| Best for | Procreate 5 users on iPad who want a professional-grade colored pencil texture for sketches and comic layouts. |
| Skip if | You are using a non-iOS device, don’t use Procreate 5, or are looking for pre-made artwork files. |
| Price | $3 |
| Format | Custom brush settings + pressure curve reference image |
| One-line take | A low-cost way to replicate a working comic artist’s specific pencil feel without spending hours tweaking defaults. |
What you’re actually buying
If you’ve ever tried to mimic the look of traditional colored pencil in Procreate and ended up with a result that feels either too smooth or too chaotic, you know the frustration of dialing in the right brush settings. Most users settle for the default “Pencil” brush because tweaking the opacity, texture, and pressure response is a time-sink that rarely yields consistent results. Clayton Henry’s colored pencil settings for Procreate solves this by handing you the exact configuration he uses for his own professional work. It’s not a generic preset; it is a specific tool designed to replicate the grain and pressure sensitivity of physical colored pencils on a digital canvas.
For $3, you aren’t just getting a file; you are getting a workflow shortcut. The package includes the customized pencil settings compatible with Procreate 5 on iPad and iPad Pro. Crucially, it also includes a picture of the pressure curve settings. This is a significant detail because the pressure curve is often the “secret sauce” that makes a digital pencil feel responsive rather than flat. By providing the visual reference for the curve, Clayton ensures you can accurately replicate the feel of the brush, not just the look. This is the same pencil setup he uses for digital colored pencil sketches and, notably, for layouts on professionally drawn comic book pages.
The value here lies in the specificity. You are buying a proven setup that has survived the rigors of commercial comic production. Whether you are working on a personal sketchbook project or laying out a graphic novel, having a brush that behaves predictably under pressure saves you from the “digital mush” that plagues many digital artists. It’s a small investment that removes a layer of technical friction, allowing you to focus on the drawing itself rather than the tool. (Colored Pencil settings for Procreate)
Why it’s on our radar
This product stands out because it bridges the gap between hobbyist digital art and professional comic production. Most brush packs are designed for general illustration or concept art, but this specific set is tuned for the particular needs of colored pencil work in a comics context. The inclusion of the pressure curve reference image is a rare touch that shows a deep understanding of how Procreate brushes actually function under a stylus. It’s a niche solution for a specific problem: getting that authentic, textured pencil look without spending hours in the brush editor.
The fact that these are the exact settings used for professional comic book layouts adds a layer of credibility that generic brush packs lack. It suggests a level of refinement and reliability that matters when you are working on pages that need to be consistent and clean. For artists in the comics and graphic novels space, this is a practical tool that aligns with their specific job-to-be-done. (Colored Pencil settings for Procreate)
What actually matters
When evaluating a $3 brush pack, the primary check is compatibility. Ensure you are running Procreate 5 on an iPad or iPad Pro, as these settings are optimized for that specific version and hardware. If you are on an older version of Procreate or a different tablet, the settings may not import correctly or may behave unexpectedly. (Colored Pencil settings for Procreate)
Secondly, consider your workflow. If you are already happy with your current pencil brushes and don’t struggle with the “digital look,” this may not be necessary for you. However, if you find that your current brushes lack the texture or pressure response you need for colored pencil sketches, this is a direct fix. The pressure curve image is a key component here; take a moment to compare it with your current settings to see if the difference justifies the update.
Finally, keep in mind that this is a settings file, not a collection of artwork. You are buying the tool, not the output. If you are looking for pre-made colored pencil textures or layers to drop into your work, this is not that product. It is a brush configuration that you will use to create your own art.
Mid-check
If you’re ready to upgrade your Procreate pencil experience with a setup proven in professional comics, you can See current options.
FAQ
Do I need Procreate 5 specifically? Yes, these settings are customized for Procreate 5. While some settings might import into other versions, the behavior and compatibility are guaranteed for Procreate 5 on iPad and iPad Pro. (Colored Pencil settings for Procreate)
Is this just a brush file? It includes the brush settings and a reference image of the pressure curve. There is no artwork included, so you are getting the tool to create your own colored pencil effects.
Can I use this for comic layouts? Yes, Clayton Henry uses these exact settings for layouts on his professionally drawn comic book pages, making them well-suited for that specific application. (Colored Pencil settings for Procreate)
Bottom line
For $3, the Colored Pencil settings for Procreate offer is a low-risk, high-utility addition to any Procreate artist’s toolkit, especially those working in comics or detailed sketching. It removes the guesswork from brush tuning and provides a professional-grade feel that is hard to replicate manually. If you’ve been struggling to get the right pencil texture in Procreate, this is a straightforward fix.