Tools of the trade: Adobe Photoshop vs Procreate

Whether you are stepping into the world of freelancing or simply exploring the realm of digital art, you are embarking on an exciting chapter in your creative endeavors. One of the most crucial decisions you will face is selecting the right design tool to bring your visions to life. In this blog post, I will delve into a comparison between two renowned graphic design software options – Procreate and Adobe Photoshop. My aim is to equip you, whether you are a freelance graphic designer or an aspiring digital artist, with the insights needed to make an informed decision that aligns with your professional goals.

Here's an example of a very quick (probably took 15 minutes) illustration done with the unique brushes and layer/masking that Procreate offers!

Pros of Procreate

• Intuitive Interface: Procreate greets you with an interface that feels like home – intuitive, welcoming, and ready for your creative spark. Its user-friendly design ensures that even newcomers can dive in fearlessly, exploring the depths of their imagination without getting lost in a labyrinth of menus.

• Natural Drawing Experience: With Procreate, it is like wielding a brush or pencil on a blank canvas, except it's all happening on your digital device. The app's lifelike brushes and fluid strokes breathe life into your creations, giving them an organic feel that's reminiscent of traditional art mediums. 

• Affordability: Let's talk practicality. Procreate is a one-time investment, a budget-friendly oasis in the realm of design software. For freelancers just starting their journey, it is a beacon of hope, offering powerful tools without the weight of a recurring subscription fee. Your wallet – and your creative spirit – will thank you.

Cons of Procreate

• Limited Text and Vector Tools: While Procreate excels in free-flowing creativity, its text and vector tools may
  feel somewhat rudimentary compared to the robust offerings of Photoshop. This limitation becomes apparent
  when working on projects heavily reliant on typography and vector graphics, where Procreate's capabilities might
  feel restrictive.

• File Compatibility: Procreate supports a variety of file formats, but it may not match Photoshop's versatility when handling complex file types common in professional design workflows. This could potentially lead to challenges when collaborating with other designers or clients who require specific file formats. Trouble often arises while attempting to open a PSD with layers, requiring a workaround. 

• Lack of Advanced Photo Editing: For designers whose work involves extensive photo manipulation and retouching, Procreate may not offer the same advanced capabilities as Photoshop. While it excels in illustration and drawing, Procreate may not meet the demands of complex photo editing tasks.

Here is another example, this time I used Photoshop on my iPad to replicate the imagery from the first example so we can compare readily available brushes and the same layering/masking methods!

Pros of Adobe Photoshop

• Advanced Text and Vector Tools: When it comes to text and scalable graphics, Photoshop reigns supreme. Its typographic and vector capabilities are second to none, making it the preferred choice for projects that heavily rely on precise typography and intricate vector graphics.

• File Compatibility: Photoshop's robust support for various file formats and industry-standard compatibility ensures seamless integration into professional design workflows. Whether collaborating with clients or other designers, Photoshop makes file sharing and compatibility a breeze, reducing friction in the creative process.

• Powerful Photo Editing Capabilities: In the realm of photo editing, Photoshop is unrivaled. Its advanced features for retouching, manipulation, and enhancement set the standard in the industry, allowing designers to achieve professional-grade results with ease and precision.

Cons of Adobe Photoshop

• Subscription-based: Adobe Photoshop operates on a subscription-base, which may present a financial hurdle for freelancers, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. The recurring subscription fees can add up over time, placing strain on limited budgets and potentially hindering access for aspiring designers.

• Resource Intensive: Photoshop's resource demands, including high system requirements and large file sizes, may pose challenges for designers working on less powerful hardware or dealing with limited storage space. This can lead to performance issues, sluggishness, or even system crashes, impacting productivity and workflow efficiency.

• Less Intuitive for Drawing: While Photoshop offers drawing capabilities, some users may find its interface

  and drawing experience less intuitive compared to dedicated drawing software like Procreate. Especially for
  freehand drawing and sketching, navigating Photoshop's interface may feel cumbersome and less conducive to
  artistic expression.

Conclusion

As you navigate the exciting realm of digital art, consider your specific needs, workflow preferences, and future career aspirations when selecting the right design tool for your professional journey. Whether you opt for the intuitive nature and affordability of Procreate or the comprehensive toolset and industry-standard compatibility of Adobe Photoshop, both software choices offer unique advantages tailored to different design workflows and preferences. The key will ultimately be in exploring, experimenting, and discovering what works best for your creative process (trust me I'm still learning). Check out these design tools for yourself! If you found this information useful please be sure and explore the rest of my website and follow my creative journey on Instagram!