DOWNLOAD THE EXERCISE FILES HERE

Mini Project Brief
To start, generate your unique client brief at www.randomprojectgenerator.com. For this mini project we’ll be using the “Procreate - Sea Creature” prompt.

Mini Project: Sea Creature Illustration
Your first project is all about jumping in and creating something fun right away! Use the Random
Project Generator to create your first illustration of a sea creature!

Requirements:

Generate your random prompt at the link above
Use at least two layers (line + color)
Apply color using the Color Picker and Brush tools
Keep it simple, fun, and experimental — this is your warm-up!

Deliverables:

Export your finished artwork as a JPEG
Upload to the Class Project/Assignments section of this website
Share on social media and tag BYOL:
- Instagram: @bringyourownlaptop
- Facebook group here
- LinkedIn group here

Book Cover Brief
To start, generate your unique client brief at www.randomprojectgenerator.com. This project will
use the “Procreate - Book Cover” prompt. It will involve creating a book cover design / illustration
for a publishing client. We’ll be breaking this project into multiple parts as we move through the
rest of the course.

Class Project 01 – Set Up Your Book Cover Canvas

Requirements:

Generate your unique book cover brief using the Random Project Generator
Set up a new canvas with custom dimensions (at least 300 DPI for print quality)
Use Drawing Guide and Drawing Assist to plan composition and layout
Create 2-3 thumbnail ideas

Deliverables:

Screenshot your canvas setup (showing size and DPI)
Share your generated brief summary in the project description
Share your thumbnail concept sketches

Class Project 02 – Draw a Simple Arrow Using Symmetry Tools

Requirements:

Design a simple arrow graphic using Procreate’s Symmetry Drawing Assist
Point your arrow to something fun on the canvas

Deliverables:

Screenshot or export your arrow design
Upload your arrow and share what it’s pointing to.

Class Project 03 – Create a Custom Brush

Requirements:

Duplicate and modify an existing Procreate brush
Experiment with shape, grain, and Apple Pencil settings
Save your brush in a custom set for this course

Deliverables:

Export your custom brush (.brush file) if you’d like to share it
Upload an image of your test strokes and final brush name

Class Project 04 – Layered Composition Sketch

Requirements:

Create a sketch using multiple layers (line, color, shadows, etc.)
Experiment with clipping masks and blend modes (Multiply, Screen, Overlay)
Keep all major elements on separate layers for flexibility

Deliverables:

Export your rough sketch as a JPEG
Upload to the Class Project/Assignments section

Class Project 05 – Color & Mood Study

Requirements:

Build a cohesive palette using Procreate’s Color Picker and Palettes
Add paper textures and subtle adjustments (Hue/Saturation, Curves)
Focus on atmosphere and mood rather than details

Deliverables:

Export your study as a JPEG
Share your process and insights in your project description

Class Project 06 – Final Illustration Pass

Requirements:

Combine layers, effects, and textures into a completed illustration
Ensure space for title and author text

Deliverables:

Export final illustration as JPEG or PNG
Upload to the Class Project section and share your brief and inspiration
Share on social media and tag BYOL:
- Instagram: @bringyourownlaptop
- Facebook group here
- LinkedIn group here

Class Project 07 – Final Book Cover Design

Requirements:

Apply the title and text to your completed illustration
Make any final adjustments to the overall piece

Deliverables:

Export your finished design for both web and print
Upload to the Class Project section and share your brief and inspiration
Share on social media and tag BYOL:
- Instagram: @bringyourownlaptop
- Facebook group here
- LinkedIn group here

Class Project 08 – Animate One Simple Element

Requirements:

Use Animation Assist to create at least 3–5 frames
Keep it simple — focus on movement that enhances the design
Export as looping GIF or MP4

Deliverables:

Export your animated file (GIF or MP4)
Upload and share how animation enhances your artwork
Share on social media and tag BYOL:
- Instagram: @bringyourownlaptop
- Facebook group here
- LinkedIn group here

Melissa Parsons

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