EDIT: The following post was based on Procreate version 5.2. Currently (5.4), the application has an extensive brush library, and the ones described below can be found in the Classic group.
Here's a quick guide to my favorite brushes in Procreate, because I get asked about them every now and then.
Procreate is my favorite drawing app on the iPad Pro. While seemingly simple, it's incredibly powerful, and once I get used to its features, I can't imagine using any other app.
But let's get to the bottom of it... First of all, I created my own category in the brush menu so I wouldn't have to fan out the palette – I have everything at my fingertips. Learn how to do it here .
Procreate, since version 5.0 (currently 5.2), automatically creates a "Recent" section where the most frequently used brushes appear, but I've become attached to my own, permanent set. (The same goes for colors, but more on that later.)
1. 6B Pencil
The undisputed leader of the list. You could say that this one brush is the reason I fell in love with Procreate. It's such a realistic imitation of a pencil (or rather, a black crayon) that some people mistake it for the real thing. I use it for everything: outlines, details, even larger fills, and there's probably no drawing without it. It works wonderfully with the Apple Pencil and "softens" when tilted. Without changing the brush size, you can easily vary the softness, sharpness, and intensity of the line.
2. Scale brush
It resembles an ink brush. It works great for sweeping drawings or calligraphy.
3. Narinder Pencil
For sketching, guide lines, or outlines, which I then fill in with color. I also use it to sign my name. It's a simple fineliner.
4. Oberon
This is fantastic. It arrived with Procreate v.5. I use it for color fills, most often on a layer with the "multiply" feathering option. It resembles acrylic paint or something similar. When handled gently enough, it reveals some nice "dirty" details. In the "Life in Quarantine" series, it appears primarily in the oval that surrounds the drawing. Along with the 6B Pencil, it's my go-to toolkit.
5. Old Beach
Magical watercolor. I've been using it more and more lately. A great discovery in calligraphy, as it's probably an unusual application. The colors and intensities blend beautifully. The next three brushes are from the "pastel" family, differing mainly in grit and shape. Yes, I know that the "grit" in pastels is due to the texture of the paper, but for digital media, I'll use a mental shortcut.
6. 6B Compressed
...is coarse-grained.
7. Vine Charcoal
...is more delicate.
8. Charcoal Block
As the name suggests, rectangular.
9. Tarraleah
This is a curiosity with no particular purpose. This brush is perfect for large, "painterly" gestures because of its unpredictable construction.
10. Leatherwood
The texture resembles fiberboard. And the best part is when you use an eraser with this brush.
11. Medium Nozzle
I use it for the largest strokes on half of the drawing, when I need to darken or lighten something, a very thick brush.
As you can see, I only use built-in brushes, no fancy inventions.
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