Why Every Tattoo Artist is Using Procreate

Digital Design in the Tattoo Industry

In the world of tattoo artistry, the rise of digital design has been nothing short of revolutionary. From traditional sketching methods to contemporary software-driven creativity, the field has seen a tremendous shift. One name that has become synonymous with this transformation is Procreate, a versatile design software tailored for the iPad and Apple Pencil.

The Importance of Procreate in Tattoo Design

Tattooing is a physical and hands-on medium. Its history has always been rooted in physical media. But with the introduction of the iPad and Procreate, artists found a more accessible and intuitive way to design digitally, benefiting both tattoo artists and their clients. 

Learning Procreate: Worth the Investment

There might be a learning curve to Procreate, but the benefits can far outweigh the initial time and money invested. Using Procreate for design work can save time, increase productivity, and enhance accuracy. In the same time it takes to create a line drawing traditionally, Procreate enables the visualization of a tattoo in a more detailed and client-friendly manner.

How Procreate Took Over Tattoo Design

Before the emergence of digital design, most tattooers used pencil and paper. Even the small percentage of tattooers who embraced technology were limited to complex software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Revolutionizing Tattooing with iPad and Procreate

With the introduction of the iPad and Apple Pencil in 2015, digital design became more accessible. Tools like Geometrica for geometric shapes and Tattoo Print System for stencil scaling have enhanced the workflow for tattoo artists.

However, Procreate stood out as the most popular, thanks to its user-friendly interface and robust features. From its drawing tools and layer system to its extensive library of brushes, Procreate brought in a new era of digital painting and tattoo design.

 

Before You Get Started with Procreate

Embracing Procreate requires a thoughtful approach.

Here’s a quick primer to help you:

1. Apple iPad: Select a model that suits your needs and supports Procreate.
2. Apple Pencil: Choose a model compatible with your iPad.
3. Procreate App: Available in the Apple App Store for a one-time purchase.
4. Additional accessories might include:

• Protective case
• iPad stand
• Screen protector
• Apple Pencil tips and grip
• Drawing gloves 

Technical Best Practices

Ensuring the best experience with Procreate involves:

• Regularly updating iOS and Procreate software.
• Organizing artwork and brushes to maintain an efficient workflow.
• CRITICAL: Be sure to back up your tattoo designs and artwork in the cloud to prevent unexpected loss. Paying a monthly fee for iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive or any number of other options is a very small price to pay to have peace of mind. 

How Tattoo Artists Get Good with Procreate

Starting with Procreate might be intimidating, but the key lies in exploration and experimentation.

The Procreate Handbook: A Treasure Trove of Information

The Procreate Handbook is a valuable resource for tattooers, offering insights into the latest features and helping you overcome challenges.

Find a Procreate Artist Mentor

• Engaging with experienced digital artists can accelerate your learning curve.
• Team Tattoo Smart recommends Mike Stockings. He regularly posts great content, tips and tutorials.

Conclusion on the Growing Popularity of Procreate Tattoo Design

The rise of Procreate in the tattoo design industry has redefined artistic expression. From enhancing creativity and productivity to creating a shared culture among digital artists, Procreate has reshaped tattooing in unimaginable ways.

Whether you're an aspiring artist or an experienced tattooer, embracing Procreate opens up new avenues of creativity and innovation. The blend of technology with artistic flair continues to push boundaries, making it an essential tool in the modern tattoo artist's toolkit. By adapting to Procreate, you're not merely adopting a new tool, but immersing yourself in a collective wave of creativity that will undoubtedly shape the future of tattoo artistry.

As you grow, we're here to support you: Tattoo Smart turns your iPad into a tattoo design power house. Install our files into the Procreate app and instantly access thousands of flash designs, brush sets, 3D Models, and more!