Is Painting in Procreate Tutorial worth it if you’re shopping in Drawing & Painting?
If you’re looking to learn how to paint portraits digitally in Procreate but feel stuck on where to start, Painting in Procreate Tutorial from Cats_artdiary offers a structured path for $16. It’s not just a vague guide — it’s a specific course that breaks down techniques like shading with layer modes, finding references, and achieving a traditional painting look in a digital format. The question is whether the deliverables match your current need, and whether this is the right stack for your learning curve.
Quick answer
| Best for | Anyone who wants a clear $16 deliverable and will match the stack to a job they have this week. |
| Skip if | You need free tools only, a fully custom build, or something that doesn’t match the deliverables on the live page. |
| Price | $16 |
| Format | Learn how to paint portraits digitally in Procreate |
| One-line take | Worth a look at $16 if the live page’s deliverables match your job. |
What you’re actually buying
Painting in Procreate Tutorial is a $16 course that includes a 28-minute video tutorial with captions, a PDF cheatsheet, a lineart layer in Procreate for practice, and two skintone palette files. It’s designed for anyone who wants to learn how to paint portraits digitally in Procreate — with a focus on techniques like shading, layer modes, and reference sourcing.
The course doesn’t just give you a video; it includes actionable layers and palettes that you can use immediately. The lineart layer is especially useful for practicing — you can colour or render it in Procreate, which makes it a great tool for beginners or those looking to refine their skills. The PDF cheatsheet is a handy reference for techniques covered in the video, and the two skintone palettes are pre-built for convenience, saving you time in setting up your own.
What stands out is how specific the tutorial is. It doesn’t just cover the basics — it dives into how to use multiply, add, overlay, and luminosity layers to shade and add light to a painting. It also explains how to find references and the four types of references the instructor uses, which is a rare and practical detail for those learning to paint digitally.
The course also includes Procreate default brushes (included) or Cat’s Essential brushpack (optional), giving users flexibility depending on their needs. Additionally, it provides a 28-minute tutorial video with captions, making it accessible for learners who prefer visual instruction. The lineart layer and skintone palettes are particularly useful for those who want to practice and apply the techniques immediately, adding real-world value to the package.
Why it’s on our radar
What makes Painting in Procreate Tutorial stand out is its specificity — it doesn’t just teach you how to paint in Procreate, it gives you a clear, actionable roadmap for portrait painting that includes layer techniques, reference sourcing, and texture addition. This is rare in the $16 range, where many tutorials are either too vague or too basic. The inclusion of lineart layers for practice, skintone palettes, and a PDF cheatsheet adds real value, especially for those who want to apply the techniques immediately.
It’s also a great entry point for someone who’s already using Procreate but is struggling with layer modes or achieving a traditional painting look digitally. The course doesn’t just explain the tools — it shows you how to use them in a way that feels intuitive and practical.
What actually matters
- Actionable layers and palettes — You get a lineart layer for practice and two skintone palettes, both of which can be used immediately in your projects.
- Layer mode mastery — The tutorial dives into multiply, add, overlay, and luminosity layers — a rare detail that’s often glossed over in beginner guides.
- Practical reference sourcing — It covers how to find references and the four types of references the instructor uses, which is a useful framework for anyone learning to paint digitally.
- PDF cheatsheet — A handy reference for techniques covered in the video, making it easy to revisit key points.
Mid-check
FAQ
What kind of Procreate skills does this tutorial assume? It’s designed for anyone who already uses Procreate but wants to refine their portrait painting skills — no prior experience with layer modes or reference sourcing is required.
Does the tutorial cover how to use Procreate brushes? It includes Procreate default brushes and mentions an optional brushpack — the focus is more on layer techniques and painting than on brush customization.
Can I use the lineart layer for practice? Yes, the lineart layer is included and can be colored or rendered in Procreate, making it a great tool for practicing shading and lighting techniques.
Bottom line
If you’re looking to paint portraits in Procreate and want a $16 course that gives you actionable layers, a PDF cheatsheet, and a structured approach to layer modes and references, Painting in Procreate Tutorial is worth a look. It’s not perfect — it’s not a full masterclass, and it doesn’t cover every possible technique — but for the price, it’s a solid, focused deliverable that fits well into a learning plan or a specific project.