Installation
To load the brushes into P
rocreate 5+, first make sure that your Procreate app is updated to
the latest version. Many of these brushes utilize Procreate 5’s powerful new brush engine,
and will not function correctly without it!
Download the .brushset file directly to your iPad, or transfer it from your computer.
With Procreate open, open the Brush Tool, then press the + at the top right of the dropdown.
Finally, press Import and find the C
harcoal_Master_Pack.brushset file on your system.
Brush Guide
This brush set includes a large variety of tools for a wide range of styles and effects. The
charcoal pencils are my primary tools. They are very versatile, because you can easily switch
between sharp lines by using the tip of the pencil, and broad strokes by using the side.
Pro Tip: I find that this transition is often faster and more comfortable when I hold the
Apple pencil between my index and middle finger. It takes a little time to get used to,
but is very effective, especially with the pencil brushes.
Many of the brushes are inspired by master artists that I admire, and do a good job at
achieving specific looks. Others are simply designed to replicate the effects of various
drawing tools.
These brushes are designed to work best on high resolution canvas sizes. I typically work
around 4000-5000px.
Brushes:
Charcoal Pencil: The General
Based on my favorite charcoal pencil brand, General’s.
Charcoal Pencil: Shadowline
The soft edge of this line makes it easy to create smooth transitions. Great for drawing
core/form shadows.
Charcoal Pencil: Loomis
Inspired by the drawings of the great Andrew Loomis. This pencil is very versatile.
Charcoal Pencil: Orbik
Inspired by the late Glen Orbik, Illustrator, master figure drawer, and one of the most inspiring
teachers I have known. This pencil conveys the look of drawing on smooth newsprint paper,
which has long been my favorite surface.
Charcoal Pencil: Keane
Inspired by the figure drawings of the legendary animator Glen Keane. Great for bold,
confident lines, and broad tonal strokes.
Charcoal Pencil: Elvgren
Inspired by the pencil drawings of master pin-up artist Gil Elvgren.
Charcoal Pencil: Smooth
A pencil with a subtle texture. Very much like drawing on smooth newsprint paper.
Charcoal Pencil: Rugged
A crisp pencil with a nice toothy texture.
Master Wu
Inspired by the painterly figure drawings of the great Zhaoming Wu. This is a very versatile
tool, capable of both lines and broad strokes. Adjust the brush size slider to see it’s full range
of effects.
Vine Charcoal Stick
One of my favorite tools for both early lay-ins and broad tonal strokes.
Willow Charcoal Stick
A bit darker and more course than the vine stick, this has a pleasing grain.
Charcoal Stick - Sargent
Inspired by the charcoal drawings of master John Singer Sargent. Need I say more?
Charcoal Stick - Sargent - Dark
For bold confident strokes. A difficult thing to master, so I recommend you study Sargent’s
drawings!
Soft Charcoal Stick
For broad strokes with a very noticeable grain.
Soft Charcoal Stick - Dark
Don’t be so timid.
Conté Stick - Woodward
Inspired by the fluid and gestural figure drawings of Ryan Woodward. Look up his work for
great examples of how to wield this flat edge like a master.
Conté Stick - Dark
A brush for rich darks and defined edges. Great for designing strong notan.
Compressed Charcoal Stick
A bit softer than the conté, allowing for both bold shapes and gradual transitions.
Charcoal Stick - Big’n’Bold
Excellent for blocking in large shapes of notan.
Pitch Black
For when you need wicked dark shapes and lines.
Grainy Rub - Vine
A great tool for adding a bit of grain and texture. Typically used sparingly, as a means of
adding visual contrast to smooth areas.
Grainy Rub - Compressed
A richer variant of the grainy rub.
Deep Grain Rub
A tool for strong value and granular texture.
High Grain Rub
Another tool for added texture, typically as a contrast to smoother areas.
Broad Sweep
Great for conveying a atmosphere and movement. I often sweep these strokes across my
entire drawing, as a finishing touch.
Vine Dust Brush
One of my favorite tools for adding a sense of atmosphere and motion to a drawing. The
visible streaks help to create a unified look and convey direction.
Vine Dust Brush - Scrappy
A more sporadic variant, for expressive marks.
Dust Swipe - Vine
An effect similar to swiping/smearing soft charcoal with a towel. The directional lines help to
convey movement and direction.
Dust Swipe - Compressed
Like dark charcoal swiped or pushed around by a towel.
Dust Flecks
A spattering of charcoal dust. A fun way to add texture and variety.
Grainy Atmosphere
A large soft brush with a subtle grain. Great for creating large tonal gradients. I often use
this effect to subdue edges or background elements, which helps to convey a sense of
atmosphere.
Grainy Atmosphere - Course
A variant with a bit more tooth.
Dirty Finger
This is a unique brush that functions exactly like a finger with a little bit of charcoal on it. It
can be used to smudge, soften edges, or add stray fingerprints around your drawing.
Smudge Tools: (Make sure to select these with the smudge tool active.)
Smudge - Gentle Soften
This smudge tool is excellent for softening edges or broad areas at a very controlled rate.
Smudge - Yan Towel Wipe
Inspired by the technique taught to me by master Henry Yan. This is a great tool for
wiping/smearing charcoal in a directional manner. One trick is to wipe across your drawing,
starting from within shadow areas. This will create a smooth halftone.
Smudge - Sudden Sneeze!
A quick, often unexpected, way to add substance to your drawing.
Erasers: (Make sure to select these with eraser tool active.)
Eraser - Kneaded
A soft eraser that feels natural.
Eraser - Gentle Giant
A very broad and soft eraser with a gentle effect.
