Is Procreate Enough for Professional Work? Pros and Cons

As a professional illustrator, I get asked all the time: “Can I really create professional work using just Procreate?” The short answer is… yes—but with a few considerations. Whether you’re illustrating children’s books, working on graphic novels, or producing art for clients, Procreate is surprisingly capable. Here’s my take, based on years of experience.

Pros of Using Procreate for Professional Work

1. Portability and Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages is that you can draw anywhere. I often work on children’s book sketches on my couch, at cafés, or while travelling. For graphic novels, this portability lets me storyboard and experiment without being tied to a desktop.

2. Intuitive, Fast Workflow
Procreate’s interface is streamlined and intuitive. Gestures, QuickMenu, layers, and brushes all make it fast to sketch, ink, and colour. For children’s books, this is great for experimenting with colour palettes, textures, and different character expressions quickly.

3. Layer and Brush Control
Procreate offers a ton of layer control, blending modes, and customizable brushes. You can create complex illustrations, textured line work, and effects that are perfectly suitable for professional print. I’ve used it to create spreads for picture books and panels for graphic novels.

4. Cost-Effective
Compared to desktop software like Photoshop or Illustrator, Procreate is affordable and doesn’t require a subscription. For emerging illustrators, that’s a huge plus.

Cons and Limitations

1. File Management & Print Sizes
Large multi-page projects like graphic novels can be tricky. High-resolution files with many layers can slow down some iPads. For children’s books, working at print-ready sizes (300 DPI, full-page spreads) can also push the limits of storage. You might need to break your project into multiple canvases.

2. Limited Vector Capabilities
Procreate is raster-based, not vector. For most children’s books and graphic novels this isn’t a problem, but if your client requires infinitely scalable art (logos, patterns, or certain page layouts), you’ll need vector software like Illustrator for those specific elements.

3. Multi-Page Management
Graphic novels involve dozens (sometimes hundreds) of pages. Procreate doesn’t have a native “multi-page” system like Clip Studio Paint or InDesign. You can manage pages in separate files, but it requires organisation and a clear workflow to avoid chaos.

4. Text and Layout Tools Are Limited
While you can add text in Procreate, children’s books often need precise typography and layout control. For picture books, I usually bring my Procreate illustrations into InDesign or Affinity Publisher for final page layout and typesetting.

My Verdict

For both children’s books and graphic novels, Procreate is more than enough for the illustration itself. It’s perfect for sketches, finished artwork, colouring, and effects. But for multi-page production, print layout, or projects needing vector files, it’s best paired with other software.

Think of it this way: Procreate is your studio, sketchbook, and painting desk all in one. For final publishing workflows, it often works hand-in-hand with layout and publishing tools.

and some Tips for Using Procreate Professionally

• Work at high resolution (300 DPI or higher) to ensure print quality.

• Keep your layers organised—name and group them for easier editing.

• Export your files as PSDs to retain layers when moving to other software.

• Use custom palettes and brushes consistently to maintain a professional look.

Procreate isn’t just a beginner-friendly tool—it’s professional-grade, portable, and versatile. For illustrators of children’s books and graphic novels, it can absolutely form the backbone of your workflow—but knowing its limits and pairing it with the right tools for layout and print makes it truly professional.

Hey, there! I’m Jasmine Berry, a freelance illustrator based in sunny Perth, Western Australia. Most days you’ll find me sketching away on my iPad or surrounded by pencils and cats, chasing new ideas. I like to think of myself as eternally optimistic—always seeing the fun, the colour, and the possibility in every project I take on. Send me a message if you would like to collaborate on a project.