Book Review: Get Set Procreate: A practical guide, filled with tips, tricks, and best practices, for illustrating on an iPad

In the realm of digital art, Procreate has established itself as a leading application for illustrators and designers, particularly those using iPads. Samadrita Ghosh's book, "Get Set Procreate," published by Packt Publishing, serves as an essential guide for beginners looking to navigate the myriad tools and features offered by this powerful app. The second edition of the book, released in August 2026, is a comprehensive 498-page paperback that also includes a Kindle version. For those purchasing the physical copy, a free PDF version is provided, with prices set at USD 49 for the paperback and USD 29 for the digital edition.

This updated edition covers Procreate version 5.4, incorporating the latest features such as Page Assist and 3D model painting introduced in earlier versions. The book aims to consolidate the vast amount of free educational content available online, particularly on platforms like YouTube, into a structured format that facilitates sequential learning. While many users have successfully learned Procreate through free tutorials, the book addresses a crucial gap: the lack of awareness about certain tools or features that may not be immediately obvious. For instance, if a user is unaware of the Animation Assist feature, they may miss out on an entire aspect of the app's capabilities.

Detailed Instruction and Visual Aids

Ghosh's guide is notably detailed, particularly in sections like Brush Studio, where it provides an in-depth look at the various settings for customizing brushes. This level of detail is beneficial, as some settings may not be self-explanatory. Procreate's extensive toolset can be overwhelming, and while searching for "top 10 Procreate tips" on YouTube can yield results, users often encounter repetitive content that fails to delve deeper into the app's functionalities.

For those who prefer a more interactive learning experience, the digital version of the book is recommended, especially for users who can utilize an additional monitor. This setup allows readers to reference the ebook while practicing on their iPads simultaneously. Conversely, the paperback version has a drawback: it does not lay flat, which can make it cumbersome to use while drawing.

It is worth noting that a significant portion of the content in "Get Set Procreate" is also available in the Procreate Handbook, the official online manual. However, Ghosh's book enhances the learning experience by providing additional visual aids. For example, it includes images that demonstrate how different layer blend modes appear, rather than merely describing them in text. This visual approach extends to the Brush Studio section, where the book illustrates the effects of various settings on brush appearance.

The book concludes with two practical tutorials. The first tutorial guides users on how to use blend modes to create a comic character, while the second focuses on utilizing Page Assist for comic page creation. While the book is comprehensive, some readers may find themselves wishing for more step-by-step tutorials that emphasize workflow, rather than just the tools themselves.

Why it matters

"Get Set Procreate" is significant not only for its instructional content but also for its role in the broader context of digital art education. As Procreate continues to evolve, resources like Ghosh's book become invaluable for both novice and experienced artists who seek to harness the app's full potential. The structured approach of the book can save time and frustration for users who might otherwise struggle to piece together information from disparate online sources.

For creators and technologists, the book highlights the importance of accessible educational materials in the rapidly changing landscape of digital tools. As more artists turn to digital mediums, having a comprehensive guide that consolidates information can enhance learning and creativity. Furthermore, the inclusion of visual aids and practical tutorials underscores the need for resources that not only teach tools but also inspire users to explore their creative workflows.

In summary, while "Get Set Procreate" may not cover every aspect of Procreate, it provides a solid foundation for beginners and serves as a practical reference for those looking to deepen their understanding of the app's features. The balance of detailed explanations and visual examples makes it a worthwhile addition to any digital artist's library.