7 Digital Art Hacks Every Artist Must Know for Faster, Stunning Creations

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Starting your digital art journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many tools, techniques, and tutorials available, knowing where to focus can feel like a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 must-know hacks to help you streamline your workflow, improve your skills, and create stunning artwork. Let’s dive in!

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1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts

Efficiency is key when working digitally. Learn essential shortcuts for your favorite program—like undo (Ctrl+Z), zooming (Ctrl + / -), and switching between tools. For apps like Procreate, customize gestures to speed up your process even further. Keep a cheat sheet nearby while you’re learning!

Here is a beginner friendly list of Procreate shortcuts and gestures.

General Gestures

Undo: Tap with two fingers to undo the last action.
Redo: Tap with three fingers to redo an undone action.
Quick Menu: Tap and hold the canvas with one finger to bring up the customizable quick menu.
Fit to Screen: Pinch your fingers together and release to quickly fit the canvas to the screen.
Full-Screen Mode: Tap four fingers on the canvas to toggle between full-screen and interface mode.

Layer Gestures

Duplicate Layer: Swipe left on a layer in the Layers panel and tap “Duplicate.”
Alpha Lock: Swipe right on a layer with two fingers to enable Alpha Lock, which confines your edits to the existing content.
Clipping Mask: Tap a layer and select “Clipping Mask” to apply changes only to the layer beneath it.
Merge Layers: Pinch two layers together in the Layers panel to merge them.
Select Layer: Tap and hold on the canvas with one finger to instantly select the layer you’re working on.

Brush and Tool Gestures

Quick Shape: Draw a shape and hold your pen on the canvas to auto-correct it into a perfect version (circle, square, etc.).
Eyedropper Tool: Tap and hold anywhere on the canvas to activate the eyedropper tool.
Adjust Brush Size: Slide your finger up or down on the brush size slider for fine adjustments.
Reset Brush Size or Opacity: Double-tap the size or opacity slider to reset it to the default setting.

Navigation Gestures

Zoom In/Out: Pinch open to zoom in, and pinch closed to zoom out.
Rotate Canvas: Use two fingers to rotate the canvas in any direction.
Flip Canvas: Tap the Actions menu (wrench icon) > Canvas > Flip Horizontally or Flip Vertically.
Snap to 15°: Rotate the canvas and hold two fingers to snap it to 15° increments.

Advanced Shortcuts

Erase with Current Brush: Tap and hold the Eraser tool to switch it to your current brush.

Quick Line: Draw a line and hold your pen on the canvas to make it straight. Place a finger on the canvas while holding to snap the line to 15° increments.

2. Invest Time in Custom Brushes

Digital art tips for beginners procreate

Pre-made brushes are great, but creating your own can make your work stand out. Experiment with textures, opacities, and shapes to craft brushes tailored to your style. In Procreate, use the Brush Studio to design everything from textured pencils to dynamic inking tools.

Why Custom Brushes Matter

Creating your own brushes allows you to develop a unique style that sets your artwork apart. While pre-made brushes are convenient, they may not perfectly align with your artistic needs or vision. A custom brush can provide consistency across your work and help define your signature look, whether you’re creating textured illustrations, intricate line art, or painterly effects.

Getting Started with Custom Brushes in Procreate

Procreate’s Brush Studio is a powerful tool that offers endless customization options. Here’s how you can start designing your own brushes:

Choose a Base Brush: Duplicate an existing brush as a starting point to tweak its settings without affecting the original.
Adjust Shape and Grain: Experiment with brush shapes for texture and strokes. The grain source lets you add unique patterns, such as fabric-like textures or rough edges.
Fine-Tune Dynamics: Modify settings like flow, opacity, and pressure sensitivity to create a brush that responds naturally to your drawing style.
Add Special Effects: Explore scatter, jitter, or wet mix settings to create effects like sparkles, watercolors, or smudging.

Experimenting with Different Brush Types

Textured Brushes: Great for adding grit, noise, or organic details to your work.
Inking Brushes: Perfect for smooth, clean line work with customizable taper and flow.
Blending Brushes: Create seamless transitions in shading or add painterly effects.
Pattern Brushes: Use for repeating elements like foliage, stars, or decorative borders.

Practical Applications

Custom brushes aren’t just tools; they’re timesavers. Here’s how they can streamline your process:

Consistent Style: Develop a cohesive look across multiple projects.
Efficient Workflow: Use pattern brushes for repetitive details, like foliage or textures.
Unique Effects: Craft brushes for specific projects, such as hair brushes for portraits or grunge brushes for backgrounds.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Brush

Start Simple: Experiment with small adjustments rather than overloading settings all at once.
Test Frequently: Draw test strokes to see how your brush performs at different speeds and pressures.
Save Variations: Create multiple versions of a brush to explore slight tweaks and improvements.
Name Your Brushes: Organize your collection with clear, descriptive names for easy access.

Sharing and Downloading Brushes

Once you’ve created a brush you love, consider sharing it with the digital art community. You can also download custom brushes from other artists to inspire your own designs.

3. Use Reference Layers for Line Art

When coloring line art, set it as a reference layer (in apps that support this) to quickly fill in colors without affecting the original drawing. This saves time and keeps your workflow non-destructive.

What Is a Reference Layer?

A reference layer is a feature available in many digital art programs, like Procreate, that allows you to use a specific layer as a guide for filling in colors on separate layers. This ensures your original line art remains untouched while speeding up the coloring process. It’s a time-saving tool that’s particularly helpful for illustrations, comics, and detailed designs.

Why Use Reference Layers?

Non-Destructive Workflow: Keep your line art intact and editable while experimenting with colors on other layers.
Time Efficiency: Quickly fill large areas or intricate details with a single tap, eliminating the need for manual coloring.
Professional Results: Achieve clean, polished color fills without worrying about accidentally altering your line art.

How to Set Up a Reference Layer

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using reference layers in Procreate:

Prepare Your Line Art: Ensure your line art is clean and closed (no gaps) to make color fills more accurate.
Set as Reference: Tap the line art layer, select “Reference” from the layer options, and it becomes the guide layer.
Create a New Layer: Add a new layer beneath the reference layer. This is where you’ll apply your colors.
Fill with Color: Use the color drop tool (drag the color circle to the area you want to fill) to quickly color sections guided by the reference layer.

Pro Tips for Using Reference Layers

Close Gaps in Line Art: Small gaps in your lines can cause color fills to spill out. Either close the gaps manually or adjust the threshold while dragging the color.
Threshold Adjustment: When dragging the color to fill, hold it and slide your stylus left or right to adjust the fill threshold, making it tighter or looser.
Blend with Gradients or Textures: After filling, use blending modes or textured brushes to add depth and detail without disrupting the base color fills.
Group Layers for Organization: Group your reference and color layers together to keep your workspace tidy.

Advanced Techniques with Reference Layers

Layered Coloring: Use multiple color layers under one reference layer to separate different elements (e.g., skin, clothing, background).
Adding Shadows and Highlights: Create clipping masks over your color layers to add non-destructive shading or lighting effects.
Textured Fills: Instead of solid fills, use patterned brushes to add texture while still adhering to the line art boundaries.

Applications of Reference Layers

Illustrations: Quickly color character designs, posters, or concept art while preserving intricate line work.
Comics and Manga: Fill panels efficiently, especially when working on tight deadlines.
Flat Coloring: Perfect for flat-style illustrations before adding details like shading or gradients.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Accidentally Painting on the Reference Layer: Double-check you’re coloring on a separate layer.
Line Art Gaps: Use a quick layer beneath the line art to spot and fill gaps before setting it as a reference.
Overlapping Fills: Keep colors on separate layers for different areas to avoid overlaps and allow for easy adjustments.

4. Layer Management is one of the best digital art hacks

Layers are your best friend—when used wisely. Name and group your layers to avoid confusion, and use folders for organization. For beginners, start with basic layer techniques like “lighten” and “darken” blending modes before diving into advanced effects.

Why Layer Management Matters

Layers are one of the most powerful tools in digital art, allowing you to separate and control different elements of your artwork. Proper layer management ensures your workflow stays organized, flexible, and efficient. For beginners, keeping things simple is key to avoiding confusion and making the most of this tool.

What Is Layer Management?

Layer management involves organizing, naming, and structuring your layers for better workflow and easier edits. It includes practices like grouping related layers, using blending modes, and strategically layering elements to make adjustments easier.

Tips for Beginners

Start with Fewer Layers

Overusing layers can become overwhelming, especially for beginners. Focus on creating separate layers for major components like background, foreground, and specific details (e.g., character clothing or hair).
Example: Use 3-5 layers for simple projects\u2014a background layer, a line art layer, and a coloring layer.

Name Your Layers

Avoid the dreaded “Layer 1, Layer 2” chaos by giving layers descriptive names (e.g., “Sky Gradient,” “Character Skin”).
This small habit saves time and frustration when revisiting projects.

Group Related Layers

Most digital art programs, like Procreate, allow you to group layers. Use groups to keep related elements together, such as all the components of a character or environment.
Example: Group the layers for hair shading, base color, and highlights under a single “Hair” folder.

Use Layer Hierarchy

Keep layers stacked logically. Place background elements at the bottom and foreground elements at the top. This natural hierarchy mimics traditional drawing processes and ensures a clean workflow.

Experiment with Opacity

Lowering the opacity of a layer can help you sketch or block out shapes without being distracted by details. It’s also useful for creating transparent effects.

Advanced Layer Management Techniques

Utilize Clipping Masks

Use clipping masks to apply shading or textures without affecting the base layer. This technique is excellent for non-destructive editing and precise effects.

Try Adjustment Layers

Programs like Photoshop or Affinity Designer offer adjustment layers for color correction or lighting effects. These allow you to make global changes without permanently altering the artwork.

Blend with Blending Modes

Experiment with blending modes like Multiply, Overlay, and Screen to achieve unique effects. Use Multiply for shadows and Overlay for highlights.

Lock Layers for Safety

Once a layer is complete, lock it to prevent accidental edits. In Procreate, swipe left on a layer and select “Lock” to secure it.

Duplicate Layers for Testing

Before making drastic changes, duplicate your layer to preserve the original version. This provides a backup in case your experiment doesn’t work out.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Too Many Layers: Avoid creating unnecessary layers. Merge similar ones to simplify your workspace.
Forgetting to Name Layers: Confusion can arise if layers aren’t clearly labeled. Build a habit of naming them as you create.
Lack of Structure: Disorganized layers slow you down. Group, lock, and arrange them logically for a smoother workflow.

Practical Applications

Simple Illustrations: Use separate layers for the line art, base colors, and shadows to keep things organized.
Character Design: Divide elements like clothing, skin, and hair into groups for easy edits.
Complex Backgrounds: Use multiple layers to separate the sky, buildings, and foreground elements, allowing for flexible adjustments.

5. Experiment with Clipping Masks

Clipping masks are a game-changer for shading and adding details. Apply textures or colors to specific areas without affecting the entire layer. For example, add a gradient to a character’s clothing without coloring outside the lines.

What Are Clipping Masks?

Clipping masks are an essential feature in digital art that allow you to apply effects, colors, textures, or shading to a specific area without impacting the entire canvas. They work by “clipping” a layer to the boundaries of the layer directly beneath it. This makes them incredibly useful for creating clean, non-destructive edits.

Why Clipping Masks Are Essential

Precision: They keep your edits contained to specific areas, such as character details or objects, without the need for manual erasing.
Non-Destructive Workflow: Clipping masks don’t alter the original layer, so you can experiment freely and make changes without permanent damage.
Efficiency: Quickly add depth, shading, or texture without worrying about staying “inside the lines.”

How to Use Clipping Masks

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

Create a Base Layer: Draw or fill the area you want to modify (e.g., clothing, skin, or an object).
Add a New Layer Above: Tap to create a new layer directly above the base layer.
Enable Clipping Mask: Tap the new layer and select “Clipping Mask.” It will clip to the base layer, confining any changes to that area.
Apply Edits: Use brushes, textures, or gradients to add shading, colors, or effects within the boundaries of the base layer.

Practical Uses for Clipping Masks

Shading and Highlights

Add realistic shadows or highlights to characters or objects.
Use a soft brush with reduced opacity to create smooth transitions between light and dark areas.
Example: Add a shadow to the underside of a character’s clothing using the Multiply blending mode.

Applying Textures

Use clipping masks to add textures like fabric patterns, grunge effects, or natural elements like wood grain or stone.
Example: Add a denim texture to jeans or a bark texture to a tree trunk.

Gradient Effects

Apply gradients to specific areas for dynamic lighting or color transitions.
Example: Add a subtle gradient to a sunset sky or a glowing effect to magical objects.

Adding Small Details

Paint intricate details like freckles, tattoos, or patterns without worrying about affecting other areas.
Example: Add gold embroidery to the edge of a character’s robe.

Complex Layering

Stack multiple clipping masks to create layered effects.
Example: Use one clipping mask for shadows, another for highlights, and a third for texture on the same base layer.

Tips for Mastering Clipping Masks

Blend Modes Are Your Friend: Experiment with blend modes (Multiply, Overlay, Screen, etc.) for unique effects.
Use a Variety of Brushes: Textured brushes can add extra depth and personality to your work.
Keep Your Layers Organized: Name and group layers to maintain a clean and efficient workspace.
Combine with Alpha Lock: Use Alpha Lock for quick touch-ups, and then switch to clipping masks for more detailed work.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Forgetting to Create a Base Layer: Clipping masks need a base layer to work, so ensure it’s properly prepared.
Overlapping Effects: Keep your layers structured to avoid unintended overlaps when using multiple clipping masks.
Flat Edits: Avoid making changes that look too flat. Use gradients and textures to add depth and interest.

Real-World Applications

Character Design: Shade skin, hair, or clothing with precision while maintaining flexibility for adjustments.
Environmental Art: Add textures like brickwork, grass, or water to specific areas in a scene.
Graphic Design: Apply effects like gradients or patterns to text or logos.

6. Save Frequently and Use Cloud Backup

Nothing’s worse than losing hours of work due to a crash. Set your program to auto-save and back up your files to the cloud using platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. This ensures your hard work is always safe.

Why Saving Frequently Matters

Digital art programs are powerful but not immune to crashes, power outages, or file corruption. Losing hours of creative work can be frustrating and demotivating. Regular saving and utilizing cloud backups are essential habits that ensure your progress is always secure.

Key Practices for Saving Work

Enable Auto-Save

Many digital art programs, like Procreate, Photoshop, and Affinity Designer, offer auto-save features. Ensure this is enabled so your work is regularly saved without manual input.
Pro Tip: Adjust the auto-save interval in settings to suit your workflow. A shorter interval is ideal for intricate, time-intensive projects.

Save Multiple Versions

Save your work under different filenames (e.g., “ProjectName_v1,” “ProjectName_v2”) to preserve earlier versions. This is helpful when you need to revisit an earlier stage or experiment without fear of losing your progress.

Use Save Reminders

Set timers or use apps that remind you to save every 10–15 minutes. For example, Procreate prompts users to export files when memory is limited, a good time to manually save.

Why Use Cloud Backup?

Cloud backup adds a safety net by ensuring your files are accessible even if your device fails. Unlike local storage, cloud services provide redundancy and accessibility across devices.

Benefits of Cloud Backup

File Security: Protect your files from accidental deletion, device theft, or hardware failure.
Accessibility: Access your projects anytime, anywhere, from multiple devices.
Collaboration: Share your files easily with clients or collaborators.
Storage Management: Free up device space by archiving older projects in the cloud.

How to Use Cloud Backup Effectively

Choose a Cloud Platform

Popular options include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud. Each offers different storage limits and features.
Pro Tip: Use Procreate’s integration with iCloud or Dropbox for seamless backups.

Automate Backups

Enable auto-sync in your chosen cloud platform to ensure your files are uploaded in real-time.
Example: Use Google Drive’s “Backup and Sync” tool to automatically back up your art folder.

Organize Cloud Folders

Create dedicated folders for projects, references, and exports. Use clear naming conventions for easy navigation (e.g., “Client_Project_2025” or “Personal_Art_Concepts”).

Export Files Regularly

Export your artwork in various formats (e.g., .PSD, .JPEG, .TIFF) to ensure compatibility across platforms.
Store both editable and flattened versions in the cloud. Editable files preserve layers, while flattened ones reduce file size for sharing.

Additional Backup Options

External Hard Drives

Use an external hard drive as a secondary backup solution. Cloud storage is reliable, but a physical backup ensures you’re covered even without internet access.
Example: Set up a weekly or monthly schedule to back up your entire project folder to an external drive.

Redundant Backups

For critical projects, consider using two cloud services or combining a cloud platform with an external hard drive.

Version History

Many cloud services, like Dropbox and Google Drive, offer version history, allowing you to revert to previous versions of your files.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying Solely on Auto-Save: Always manually save before exiting your program or making major changes.
Ignoring File Formats: Save your work in multiple formats to avoid compatibility issues or corruption.
Delaying Backups: Regularly update your backups, especially after significant progress on a project.

7. Practicing with Limited Color Palettes is one of the most useful digital art hacks

Why Use Limited Color Palettes?

Limiting your color choices can enhance your art and help you develop a better sense of harmony. Restricting your color choices might seem counterintuitive, but it’s a powerful way to enhance your digital art skills. By focusing on fewer colors, you develop a stronger sense of color harmony, composition, and mood. This practice trains your eye to understand how colors interact and helps you avoid the overwhelming options a full-color spectrum can present.

Benefits of Limited Color Palettes

Improves Color Harmony

With fewer colors to work with, you’re forced to make intentional choices, which often results in a more cohesive and visually appealing piece.

Encourages Creativity

Limitations often spark creativity. Working with a restricted palette pushes you to think outside the box and find inventive ways to use the colors at your disposal.

Speeds Up the Creative Process

Choosing colors can be time-consuming. A limited palette streamlines decision-making, allowing you to focus more on composition and detail.

Develops Mood and Atmosphere

A smaller palette helps establish a consistent mood, whether it’s warm and inviting, cool and mysterious, or vibrant and energetic.

How to Practice with Limited Palettes

Choose a Pre-Made Palette

Many digital art platforms, including Procreate, have built-in color palettes or allow you to import pre-made ones.
Look for palettes with a clear theme, such as “sunset,” “ocean,” or “retro.”

Pick a Dominant Color

Start with one main color and choose 2–4 supporting colors. This helps you focus on a unified theme.
Example: Use shades of blue for a nighttime scene, with hints of yellow for lighting effects.

Experiment with Monochromatic Palettes

Stick to different shades, tints, and tones of a single color to explore value and depth.
Example: Create a forest scene using only greens and their variations.

Try Analogous Palettes

Use colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, teal, and green. This creates a harmonious and soothing effect.

Contrast with Complementary Colors

Choose colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange) for bold and dynamic artwork.
Example: Create a glowing effect by using orange highlights on a predominantly blue piece.

Limit Yourself to 3–5 Colors

Start small, and gradually add more colors as you gain confidence.
Example: Use only red, white, and black for a striking, minimalist illustration.

Advanced Techniques for Limited Palettes

Use Gradients and Blending

Create smooth transitions between colors to add depth and texture without introducing new hues.

Rely on Values

Focus on light and shadow instead of color to define form and contrast. Use varying values of your limited colors to create a full range of depth.

Play with Saturation

Adjust the saturation of your colors to emphasize certain areas and create focus.
Example: Use muted tones for the background and saturated colors for the focal point.

Incorporate Textures

Add visual interest by overlaying textures that work with your palette, like watercolor effects or grunge textures.

Challenges and Exercises

Palette Challenges

Participate in online art challenges where artists share and use the same limited palettes. This encourages you to think creatively within set constraints.

Reimagine Existing Art

Take one of your older pieces and redraw it using only 3–5 colors. Reflect on how the palette changes the mood and composition.

Study Masterpieces

Analyze the color palettes of famous artists or illustrators. Recreate their work using the same limited palette to understand their choices.

Create Your Own Palette

Use photos, nature, or everyday objects as inspiration. Extract 3–5 colors and build a custom palette to use in your next piece.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Overusing Neutrals: While neutrals are useful, too many can make your work look dull. Balance them with pops of vibrant color.
Lack of Contrast: Ensure your palette includes a range of values for proper depth and readability.
Random Color Choices: Avoid picking colors without intention. Consider the mood and theme of your piece before selecting a palette.

Applications of Limited Color Palettes

Character Design: Create memorable characters by focusing on a consistent and striking color scheme.
Environmental Art: Use limited palettes to set a specific atmosphere, such as a warm sunset or a cold winter night.
Graphic Design: Enhance logos, posters, or illustrations with clean, minimalistic palettes that stand out.

Final Thoughts on Digital Art Hacks

Digital art is a journey, and these hacks can help you along the way. By mastering shortcuts, experimenting with tools, and staying organized, you’ll see your skills improve faster than you thought possible. Don’t forget to have fun and let your creativity shine—the world of digital art is full of endless possibilities!

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