How I create my illustrated stories

Behind-the-scenes tools, techniques, & process with Procreate

My first voiceover! I have been reluctant to try voiceovers since my newsletter is illustrated, but as a kid I loved listening to picture books on my little record player while I read along. (My favorite part was turning the page at the magical tinkling chime sound.) Today’s newsletter is a little different because I’ve gotten lots of questions about how I create my illustrated stories, so I thought I’d give an overview. I also made a 30-minute demo video coming soon for paid subscribers.

Here’s a picture of me (with my iPad) to put a face with the voice and set the scene. :)

[Note: I realized after recording the audio that I was originally missing my penultimate panel about Endings. I’ve added that panel to the post but it’s still missing from the audio. I also reworded a lot of things after I recorded the audio. See step 3 above! :)]

Links & Resources

I want to make clear that I am figuring it all out as I go (and you can too!). I made my first digital drawing on Procreate just a few years ago! I prefer using actual watercolor paint and ink, but Procreate allows the use of layers and easy editing/erasing, so it’s just more practical.

This post is obviously not a comprehensive tutorial on Procreate. I’m just showing my basic tools and processes. For more detailed instructions for working with Procreate, check out these paid courses: Mike Lowery’s Procreate Drawing Party, courses at Domestika, and Sketchbook Skool. Or these free tutorials on Youtube.

Thanks so much to

Tom Cox

for the wonderful shout-out in last week’s Substack Reads that earned me a cool badge. He said: “I…related strongly to this series of narrative illustrations by Kelcey Ervick…. I think anyone whose inner world is lit up by reading, and who finds it an escape from the world, will enjoy this newsletter.”

Here’s my newsletter that he featured: A Woman Reading (vs A Man Powerwashing)

Here’s older process-related post where I wrote about how I used my journal to help me finish a much bigger project, my graphic memoir: On Keeping a Journal

The Procreate Watercolor brushes I mentioned were from iPad Lettering: Watercolor Florals Painting Set.

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Thanks for reading The Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick. I love writing and drawing these posts and am grateful to everyone who follows along. Some of you are new here, so, welcome! I’m a writer and professor in Indiana. If you like this newsletter, you might like my graphic memoir, The Keeper, which is 40% off at the place that rhymes with Slam-a-zon. If you’re interested in making comics and visual stories, check out my edited craft book, The Field Guide to Graphic Literature. I have other books too! Thanks for your support!

KelceyErvick.com
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