Image for the blog post "Procreate and Capcut: editing videos for your illustration process". IT appears Mel, the female character of Paimel Brand with a timer in her hands. Half of the drawing is an sketch, and the other half is the final artwork.

Procreate and CapCut: Editing Videos for Your Illustration Process

Have you ever watched a mesmerizing timelapse of an artist’s work and thought, “I wish I could share my art like that”? Showing your creative process through videos can be a powerful way to connect with your audience, showcase your skills, and attract new followers.

Sharing your illustration process on social media it’s one of the best ways to boost engagement. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok love video content, and using tools like Procreate and CapCut makes creating these videos simple and fun. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to record, edit, and share your illustration process videos to make the most of your art.

Recording Your Procreate Sessions

1. Setting Up Timelapse Recording in Procreate:

  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    • Open Your Canvas: In Procreate, go to the Actions menu (wrench icon) at the top left of your screen.
    • Enable Timelapse: Tap ‘Canvas’ and ensure ‘Timelapse Recording’ is turned on. Procreate automatically records every stroke, so you don’t have to worry about missing a moment.
    • Export Options: Once your artwork is complete, go back to Actions, tap ‘Share,’ and choose ‘Export Timelapse Video.’ You can export in 30-second or full-length versions depending on your needs.

The first time I exported a Procreate timelapse, I was amazed at how polished it looked. It captured every little decision, every tweak, and made me appreciate my own creative process even more.
Advice: To make your video more engaging, add pauses during major changes in your artwork—these visual breaks can keep viewers intrigued.

 

2. Maximizing the Impact of Your Timelapse:

  • Canvas Size Matters: Choose a canvas size that balances quality and performance. Large canvases with high DPI settings can slow down your iPad and make exporting videos longer. A standard 3000x3000 px canvas at 300 DPI is a good starting point for most illustrations.
  • Use Layer Limitations Creatively: Procreate has layer limits depending on your canvas size. Use this as a creative constraint to merge layers periodically and keep your workflow smooth.

Editing with CapCut

1. Basic Editing Tools in CapCut:

  • Introduction to CapCut: CapCut is a free, beginner-friendly video editing app available on both iOS and Android and computer program. It offers powerful tools without the complexity of professional software, making it perfect for artists.
  • Importing Your Video: Open CapCut, tap ‘New Project,’ and import your Procreate timelapse. The app automatically places your video on the timeline, ready for editing.
  • Trimming and Speed Adjustment: Use the trim tool to cut unnecessary parts from the beginning or end of your video. Adjust the speed if needed—slower speeds highlight details, while faster speeds can keep energy high.

For Instagram Reels, edit the timelapse to under 30 seconds with the most significant highlights, as that’s the sweet spot for maintaining viewer interest.

             

 

    2. Adding Music, Text, and Effects:

    • Background Music: CapCut offers a library of royalty-free music. Choose tracks that enhance your video’s mood. Upbeat music works well for fun, quick sketches, while softer tunes complement more detailed or emotional pieces. In my case I use Epidemic Sound but this is a payments subscription.
    • Personal Anecdote: I added soft, ambient music to a detailed portrait timelapse, and it transformed the video from simply being instructional to emotionally engaging. The right music can make your art feel more cinematic.
    • Text Overlays and Captions: Use text to guide viewers through your process. Label steps like “Initial Sketch,” “Color Blocking,” and “Final Details.” This helps viewers follow along, especially those new to illustration.
    • Effects and Transitions: CapCut includes trendy effects and transitions that can add a professional touch. Use them sparingly to enhance rather than overwhelm your content.

    3. Tips for Exporting and Quality Settings:

    • High-Quality Export: Always export at the highest quality settings available (1080p or 4K) to ensure your video looks crisp on all platforms. Lower quality exports can appear pixelated, especially on larger screens.
    • Optimizing for Different Platforms: Each social platform has its own specifications for optimal video performance. For instance, vertical formats (9:16) work best for TikTok and Instagram Stories, while horizontal (16:9) is ideal for YouTube. CapCut allows you to adjust the aspect ratio easily.

    Sharing Your Videos on Social Media

    1. Best Platforms for Sharing Your Process Videos:

    • Instagram: Use Reels for short, engaging timelapses and IGTV for longer, detailed videos. Instagram’s algorithm favors video content, making it easier to reach new followers.
    • TikTok: The platform thrives on quick, visually engaging content. Use trending music and hashtags to increase visibility. TikTok’s audience loves art process videos because they’re captivating and offer an insider look at how art comes to life.
    • YouTube: YouTube is perfect for longer tutorials or in-depth process videos. Add voiceovers to explain your steps and offer tips to viewers. This helps establish you as an expert in your field.

    Artist Josiah Brooks, known as Jazza on YouTube, has built an entire community around art challenges and process videos, proving that there’s a massive audience for creators willing to share their techniques.

     

    2. Leveraging Hashtags and Descriptions:

    • Effective Hashtags: Use hashtags strategically. Mix broad tags (#DigitalArt, #Procreate) with niche ones (#ProcreateTimelapse, #SketchToFinish). This helps you reach both a large audience and those specifically interested in your content.
    • Engaging Captions: Use your captions to tell the story behind your artwork. Explain what inspired the piece or any challenges you faced. This personal touch makes your posts more relatable and engaging.

    3. Engaging with Your Audience:

    • Ask Questions: Encourage viewers to comment by asking questions like, “What’s your favorite part of the process?” or “Should I try this style again?” Engagement boosts your visibility on platforms.
    • Respond to Comments: Replying to comments shows that you value your audience, which can foster a loyal community. It’s also an excellent way to gather feedback and ideas for future videos.

    Creating and sharing your art process videos not only showcases your skills but also builds a deeper connection with your audience. With tools like Procreate and CapCut, what once seemed daunting is now accessible to every artist.

    Try recording your next piece in Procreate and edit it with CapCut. Share your video on social media. Let’s inspire each other, one timelapse at a time!

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