Digital Painting (Procreate)
How I Mastered Procreate Layers for Non-Destructive Digital Painting
My early Procreate art was a mess of merged layers, making edits impossible. I finally mastered layers by treating them like transparent sheets: sketch on one, line art on another, base colors on a third, shadows and highlights on separate layers above, often using clipping masks. This non-destructive workflow, where each element could be adjusted independently, was a revelation. If I messed up shading, I only had to redo that layer, not the entire painting. It transformed my process and saved countless hours of frustration.
The $10 Apple Pencil Alternative That Works Great for Procreate
An Apple Pencil (costing around one hundred to one hundred thirty dollars) felt like a big investment just to try Procreate. I found a highly-rated third-party stylus with palm rejection and tilt sensitivity online for about twenty-five dollars (some even cheaper, around ten to fifteen, but with fewer features). While it lacked the nuanced pressure sensitivity of the official Pencil, it was surprisingly responsive and accurate for sketching, line art, and basic painting in Procreate, proving a budget alternative can be a great entry point.
Stop Making These 7 Procreate Mistakes That Are Slowing You Down
My Procreate workflow felt clunky and slow. Mistakes I made: 1. Not customizing QuickMenu for frequent actions. 2. Underutilizing gesture controls (like two-finger tap for undo). 3. Drawing everything on one layer. 4. Not naming or organizing layers. 5. Ignoring Alpha Lock or Clipping Masks for controlled coloring. 6. Not experimenting with different brush settings. 7. Forgetting to save backups of important work. Correcting these, especially embracing layers and gestures, dramatically sped up my process and made Procreate feel much more intuitive.
My Secret Weapon for Achieving Painterly Effects in Procreate (Custom Brushes!)
My Procreate paintings looked too “digital” and flat. My secret weapon became custom brushes and understanding brush settings. I started importing free texture brushes (canvas, paper, speckle) or even creating my own by tweaking Procreate’s powerful brush engine. I learned to layer strokes with varied opacity and flow, using textured brushes for blending and adding subtle imperfections. This, combined with a less-is-more approach to the smudge tool, helped me achieve more organic, painterly effects that broke the digital mold.
The Truth About iPad Size for Procreate: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
I coveted the huge 12.9-inch iPad Pro (costing well over one thousand dollars) for Procreate, thinking bigger was essential. The truth: I started on a smaller, more affordable 10.2-inch iPad (around three hundred to four hundred dollars). While more screen real estate is nice, the smaller size was perfectly capable for intricate work, more portable, and easier to handle for long drawing sessions. Bigger isn’t always better; choose based on your budget, portability needs, and comfort. Excellent art can be made on any compatible iPad.
How Procreate Unleashed My Inner Artist (Even Though I “Couldn’t Draw”)
I always believed I “couldn’t draw.” Then I got an iPad and Procreate (a one-time purchase of about ten dollars). The accessibility, the forgiving “undo” button, the vast array of brushes, and the wealth of online tutorials demystified the process. I started with simple doodles, then tutorials. The ability to experiment without wasting paper or expensive paints was liberating. Procreate provided the tools and the low-pressure environment that finally unleashed my inner artist, proving that with practice and the right medium, anyone can learn.
I Used Procreate Every Day for 30 Days: My Digital Art Skills Exploded
The challenge: use Procreate for at least 30 minutes every day for a month. Some days I sketched, others I practiced brush control or followed tutorials. The consistent daily engagement, even for short periods, led to an explosion in my skills. My lines became smoother, my understanding of layers and blending modes deepened, and my speed and confidence with the software soared. That dedicated month of practice ingrained Procreate’s tools and gestures into my muscle memory far more effectively than sporadic use.
Why Your Photoshop Skills Don’t Make You Instantly Good at Procreate’s Gestures
As a long-time Photoshop user, I expected Procreate to be a breeze. The painting tools felt familiar, but Procreate’s gesture-based workflow was a learning curve. Two-finger tap for undo, three-finger swipe for cut/copy/paste, pinch to zoom/rotate – these intuitive but different controls required conscious effort to master. My Photoshop muscle memory for keyboard shortcuts initially hindered me. While my art fundamentals transferred, becoming proficient in Procreate required specifically learning and embracing its unique, touch-centric interface.
The Unspoken Rules of Sharing Your Procreate Art on Instagram (Use Hashtags Wisely!)
Excitedly, I shared my Procreate art on Instagram. Unspoken rules: Use relevant hashtags (e.g., #procreateart, #digitalillustration, #characterdesign, but don’t overdo it with 30 generic ones). Engage with comments and other artists. Share your process sometimes (timelapses are popular). If heavily referencing, consider crediting. Post consistently if building a following. And be mindful of image quality and cropping for Instagram’s format. Thoughtful sharing helps your art get seen and connects you with the community.
Fueling Your Procreate Session: My Go-To Inspiration Sources & Music
Long Procreate sessions need fuel for creativity. My go-tos: Inspiration from Pinterest boards filled with art I admire, or browsing ArtStation. Sometimes, I put on a documentary or an art history podcast in the background. For music, instrumental tracks (lo-fi hip hop, cinematic scores, ambient electronic) help me focus without lyrical distraction. And, of course, a good cup of coffee or tea! A comfortable, stimulating environment keeps the creative juices flowing.
From Finger Painting to Finessed Illustrations: My Procreate Journey
My first Procreate attempts were literally finger paintings on my old iPad before I got a stylus. They were… abstract. My journey to finessed illustrations involved: Getting an Apple Pencil (a game-changer, around one hundred dollars). Devouring tutorials on layers, brushes, and lighting. Practicing drawing fundamentals daily. Slowly, those finger smudges evolved into cleaner sketches, then into shaded drawings, and eventually into detailed, textured illustrations with depth and character. It was a long, rewarding climb up the digital art learning curve.
The Most Underrated Procreate Feature (That Speeds Up Your Workflow)
Everyone loves layers and brushes. The most underrated Procreate feature for me is QuickMenu. By customizing this radial menu with my most frequently used actions (e.g., select brush, flip canvas, new layer, merge down, eyedropper), I can access them with a quick tap or gesture without navigating through multiple menus. This seemingly small feature, once set up to my personal workflow, saves countless taps and significantly speeds up my entire digital painting process. It’s a massive timesaver.
Navigating Your First Time Selling Procreate Art Prints or Stickers
I wanted to sell my Procreate art. Navigating prints/stickers: For prints, I used a local print shop initially, then online print-on-demand services (like Printful or Redbubble, which handle printing and shipping for a percentage of the sale). For stickers, I designed them in Procreate and either ordered small batches from a sticker company (e.g., Sticker Mule, often with deals for around twenty to fifty dollars for 50 stickers) or printed them on sticker paper at home. Quality files (high DPI, correct color mode) are crucial.
What Finishing My First Complex Procreate Illustration Taught Me About Brush Control
That detailed fantasy illustration in Procreate, with intricate textures and subtle blending, took weeks. Finishing it taught me so much about brush control. I learned to master pressure sensitivity for varied line weights, to adjust opacity and flow for delicate glazes, to use different brush shapes for specific effects (hair, scales, fabric), and to blend colors smoothly without overworking them. It wasn’t just about knowing what brushes to use, but how to manipulate them with precision and intent.
Is Procreate “Easier” Than Desktop Digital Painting Software? My Take.
Procreate (a one-time purchase around ten dollars) is often touted as “easier” than Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint. My take: Its interface is arguably more intuitive and touch-friendly, especially for beginners. The learning curve for basic drawing and painting can feel less steep. However, desktop software often has more robust features for complex tasks (e.g., advanced text tools, CMYK color management, animation). “Easier” is subjective; Procreate excels at streamlined, portable creation, while desktop apps offer deeper, more extensive toolsets.
How to Find and Install Amazing Custom Procreate Brushes (Free and Paid)
Procreate’s default brushes are great, but custom brushes unlock new possibilities. Finding them: Many artists share free brushes on platforms like Gumroad, DeviantArt, or Procreate’s own forums. Paid brush packs are available from creators on Etsy, Creative Market, or dedicated brush websites (prices vary, five to thirty dollars or more per pack). Installation is easy: download the .brushset or .brush file to your iPad, then import it directly into Procreate’s brush library. Experimentation is key to finding your favorites!
The #1 Reason People Get Overwhelmed by Procreate’s Interface
Despite its lauded intuitiveness, the #1 reason people get overwhelmed by Procreate, I believe, is trying to learn all its features and gestures at once. There are so many hidden gems! To overcome it: Start with the absolute basics – selecting a brush, choosing a color, understanding layers, and the two-finger tap for undo. Gradually explore one new feature or gesture per session. Don’t feel pressured to use everything immediately. Slow, focused learning prevents that initial overwhelming feeling.
My Biggest Procreate Fail (Accidentally Merged All My Layers!)
I was deep into a complex illustration, dozens of carefully organized layers. Distracted, I somehow hit “Merge Down” repeatedly instead of “New Layer,” flattening my entire artwork into a single, uneditable layer. My biggest Procreate fail! Hours of non-destructive work, gone. It was a painful lesson: Pay attention to your taps! And while Procreate has good undo history, always double-check critical actions. Also, creating duplicate versions of your file at key stages can be a lifesaver.
What a Pro Illustrator Taught Me About Using Procreate for Client Work
I attended an online workshop with a pro illustrator who uses Procreate for client work (costing about seventy-five dollars). Key takeaways: Maintain an organized layer system for easy revisions. Understand client needs for file formats, resolution, and color profiles (RGB vs. CMYK). Communicate clearly throughout the process, sending WIPs for approval. And manage your time effectively, as Procreate’s portability can sometimes blur work/life boundaries. Professionalism in workflow and communication is as important as artistic skill.
The Mental Trick for Overcoming “Blank Canvas Syndrome” in Procreate
Staring at that stark white Procreate canvas, devoid of ideas – “blank canvas syndrome” is real. My mental trick: I just start making marks. I pick a random color and a fun brush and doodle aimlessly. Or I’ll import a reference photo and do a quick, loose study. Or I’ll simply write down words or themes. The act of breaking that pristine emptiness, with no pressure for a finished piece, often unsticks my brain and allows creative ideas to start flowing.
Making Money with Procreate Art: My Redbubble and Society6 Experience
I uploaded my Procreate designs to print-on-demand sites like Redbubble and Society6, hoping for passive income. My experience: It’s very easy to upload art and create products (t-shirts, mugs, prints – the platforms handle production and shipping, taking a percentage of the sale). Getting sales, however, requires good designs, effective tagging/keywords, and often, promoting your shop. Income is typically modest (a few dollars per item sold), but it’s a low-effort way to potentially monetize your art and reach a wider audience.
How I Organize My Procreate Canvases and Brush Libraries
My Procreate gallery and brush library became a chaotic mess. Organization: Canvases: I use “Stacks” to group related projects (e.g., “Character Designs,” “Client Work,” “Sketches”). I name files clearly. Brushes: I create custom brush sets for different styles or tasks (e.g., “Sketching,” “Inking,” “Painting,” “Texture”). I delete or archive brushes I rarely use. This organization (free within the app) makes finding files and tools much faster and keeps my workspace tidy and efficient.
The Ultimate Creative Procreate Painting Playlist
When I’m deep in a Procreate painting session, the right music is vital for flow. My ultimate playlist: A mix of instrumental electronic music (like Boards of Canada or Tycho for focus), cinematic scores that evoke atmosphere, some chill lo-fi hip-hop for relaxed creativity, or even ambient soundscapes. The key is music that’s engaging and inspiring but not lyrically distracting, helping me immerse myself in the digital canvas and let the creativity flow for hours.
DIY Procreate Texture Brushes from Photos You Take
Store-bought texture brushes are great, but DIY ones are unique! My process: I take photos of interesting textures (concrete, fabric, leaves, paint splatters). In Procreate, I import the photo, desaturate it, and adjust levels/contrast to create a good black and white image. I then copy this image and, in the Brush Studio, paste it into the “Shape” or “Grain” source of a new brush, tweaking settings like scatter, rotation, and pressure sensitivity. It’s a fun way to create truly personal, organic texture brushes for free.
What’S REALLY on My iPad for Procreate? (Favorite Brushes, Palettes, Reference Apps)
My iPad is my Procreate command center. Key contents: Procreate itself, obviously! My go-to custom brush sets (often a mix of free and paid ones I’ve collected, like packs from artists I admire). A library of curated color palettes (Procreate makes this easy). Reference apps like Pinterest or PureRef (if using Split View). Cloud storage (iCloud or Dropbox) for backups. And sometimes, a good e-book or art tutorial for inspiration during breaks. A well-organized digital toolkit.
How to Understand Procreate’s Color Picker and Palettes Like a Pro
Procreate’s color tools are powerful. Understanding them: The Color Disc is great for intuitive selection. Classic sliders (HSB, RGB, CMYK if needed for print prep) offer precise control. Palettes allow you to save and organize color schemes (create them from photos, a color wheel, or manually). The Eyedropper tool (long press on canvas) is essential for sampling existing colors. Mastering these tools, especially HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) for understanding color relationships, elevates your digital coloring game.
The 5 Best Procreate Exercises for Improving Your Digital Painting Skills
Want to level up in Procreate? Five exercises: 1. Line Confidence Drills: Draw long, smooth lines and perfect circles using different brushes and stabilization settings. 2. Value Studies: Paint simple objects (sphere, cube) in grayscale, focusing on light and shadow. 3. Timed Gesture Drawing: Use Procreate’s split screen with a reference app for quick figure sketches. 4. Color Matching: Try to replicate the colors from a reference photo using only the color picker. 5. Brush Exploration: Take one brush and experiment with all its settings to understand its potential.
Procreate for Animation: Creating Simple GIFs and Motion Graphics
Procreate isn’t just for static art; its Animation Assist feature is surprisingly powerful for simple animations. I started by creating basic frame-by-frame animated GIFs – a blinking eye, a bouncing ball. You can control onion-skinning, playback speed, and export as GIFs or video files. While not a full-fledged animation suite, it’s an incredibly accessible and fun way to bring your digital drawings to life with simple motion graphics or charming animated loops, all within one app.
Can You Really Learn Professional Illustration in Procreate from YouTube?
I wanted to learn professional illustration techniques specifically within Procreate. YouTube was my university. Channels by pro illustrators (like James Julier or Loish, though she uses Photoshop more, her principles apply) offer incredible free tutorials on workflow, character design, lighting, color theory, and specific Procreate features. While it requires self-discipline and actively applying the lessons, it’s absolutely possible to develop a professional skill set in Procreate through dedicated study of high-quality online content, supplemented by relentless practice.
The Hidden Costs of Being a Procreate Artist (iPad, Pencil, Brushes, Courses)
Procreate itself is a bargain (around ten dollars, one-time). The hidden costs: An iPad (several hundred to over a thousand dollars). An Apple Pencil (around one hundred to one hundred thirty dollars). Optional but often desired: premium custom brush sets (five to fifty dollars+ each). Online courses or workshops for advanced skills (fifty to three hundred dollars+). Screen protectors (especially “paper-like” ones, around twenty to thirty dollars). Cloud storage for backups. While the app is cheap, the ecosystem can be a significant investment.
Why I Sometimes Ditch Layers in Procreate (And What I Gain)
Layers are a Procreate superpower, but sometimes I deliberately work on a single layer, especially for quick sketches or more “painterly” studies. What I gain: It forces decisiveness and commitment to strokes, similar to traditional painting. It encourages more direct blending and a more organic feel, as I can’t just tweak an underlying color. While riskier (no easy fixes for early mistakes), this approach can lead to more spontaneous, energetic results and a better understanding of how digital “pigments” interact directly.
The Single Best Procreate Accessory (Besides the Pencil) I Can’t Live Without
Beyond the Apple Pencil, the single best accessory for my Procreate workflow has been a comfortable, adjustable stand for my iPad (costing around twenty to fifty dollars). Drawing for hours with the iPad flat on a desk or propped precariously leads to neck and wrist strain. A good stand allows me to position the iPad at an ergonomic angle, similar to a traditional drawing board, making long sessions much more comfortable and sustainable. It’s a simple but crucial ergonomic upgrade.
How to Deal With Procreate Crashing or Running Slow (Troubleshooting)
Procreate is generally stable, but sometimes it lags or crashes, especially with large files or many layers. Troubleshooting: 1. Ensure your iPadOS is updated. 2. Close other background apps. 3. Reduce canvas size or DPI if working unnecessarily large. 4. Merge down some layers if your layer count is excessive. 5. Check iPad storage space. 6. Occasionally, a simple iPad restart can resolve issues. Regular backups are also crucial in case of a catastrophic crash.
My Journey to Finding the Perfect Screen Protector for Procreate (Paper-Like?)
Drawing on the slick iPad glass didn’t feel natural. My journey to a better feel: I tried “paper-like” screen protectors (brands like Paperlike or Elecom, costing around twenty to forty dollars). These matte films add a subtle texture, providing more resistance and control for the Apple Pencil, mimicking the feel of drawing on paper. While they can slightly reduce screen clarity and wear down nibs faster, for me, the improved drawing experience and reduced glare were well worth it.
What to Do When Your Procreate Colors Look Different on Other Screens
I finished a vibrant Procreate piece, but on my friend’s phone, the colors looked dull. Color consistency issues: 1. Screen Calibration: Your iPad screen might not be perfectly calibrated. While true hardware calibration is complex, ensure True Tone and Night Shift are off while painting for more consistent viewing. 2. Color Profile: Procreate defaults to sRGB (P3 on newer iPads). Be aware of this when exporting for web. 3. Test on multiple devices if possible. Some variation is inevitable, but understanding color spaces helps.
The Art of Using Blend Modes in Procreate for Amazing Effects
Blend modes (Multiply, Overlay, Screen, Color Dodge, etc.) in Procreate’s layer panel are artistic power tools. The art: Multiply is great for adding shadows without darkening colors too much. Overlay or Soft Light can add richness and glow. Screen is perfect for highlights or light effects. Color Dodge creates vibrant, intense light. Experimenting with different blend modes on separate layers for shading, lighting, color adjustments, or texture overlays can create stunning, complex effects with surprising ease.
Understanding Procreate’s QuickMenu and Gesture Controls for Efficiency
Procreate’s minimalist interface hides powerful shortcuts. QuickMenu: Assign your six most-used actions to this customizable radial menu, accessible with a definable gesture (e.g., tap and hold). Gestures: Two-finger tap (Undo), three-finger tap (Redo), three-finger scrub (Clear Layer), four-finger tap (Toggle UI). Mastering these (all free, built-in features) dramatically speeds up your workflow, allowing you to stay in the creative flow without constantly navigating menus. It makes the app feel incredibly fluid.
I Tested 3 Popular Procreate Brush Packs for Beginners: Here’s The Most Versatile
So many brush packs for Procreate! I tested three popular beginner-friendly packs (often costing ten to thirty dollars each) that promised versatility for sketching, inking, and painting. I looked for a good range of useful default brushes, intuitive feel, and how well they covered basic artistic needs. The pack that offered the best balance of high-quality sketching pencils, clean inking pens, and usable painting/blending brushes became my top recommendation for someone starting out and wanting a solid, all-around toolkit.
The Surprising Way Using Procreate Improved My Traditional Drawing
I thought focusing on digital art in Procreate would make my traditional drawing skills suffer. Surprisingly, the opposite happened. The ability to quickly sketch ideas, experiment with composition, and easily undo mistakes in Procreate made me more confident and willing to take risks. Understanding layers and digital color theory also gave me new insights into traditional media. Procreate became a powerful tool for practice and exploration that positively fed back into my pencil and paper skills.
How to Mentally Prepare for a Long, Detailed Procreate Painting Session
That epic fantasy illustration in Procreate will take 20+ hours. Mental prep: 1. Break it down: Set achievable goals for each session (e.g., “finish the character’s line art today,” “block in background colors tomorrow”). 2. Gather all references beforehand. 3. Ensure an ergonomic setup and good lighting. 4. Plan for breaks to stretch and rest eyes. 5. Put on inspiring music or a long podcast. Approach it as a marathon, not a sprint, and celebrate the small victories along the way.
My Favorite Way to Export Procreate Art for Print and Web
Once my Procreate masterpiece is done, exporting correctly is key. For Web (Instagram, portfolio site): I export as a .JPG or .PNG at a web-friendly resolution (e.g., 2048px on the longest side, 72-150 DPI). For Print: I ensure my canvas was set up at 300 DPI or higher at the desired print size. I export as a .PSD (to retain layers if needed by a printer) or a high-quality .TIFF or .PDF. Understanding file types and resolution ensures my art looks its best in different contexts.
Building a Supportive Procreate Artist Community on Social Media
Learning Procreate can feel solitary. I found a fantastic community on Instagram (hashtags like #procreateartists, #digitalartcommunity) and dedicated Facebook groups. We share our art, ask for tips on brushes or techniques, participate in “Draw This In Your Style” challenges, and offer encouragement. This supportive online network provides inspiration, learning opportunities, and a sense of camaraderie with fellow digital artists, making the creative journey more connected and enjoyable.
The Beauty of Having a Powerful Art Studio in Your Hands with Procreate
The true beauty of Procreate on an iPad is having a complete, powerful art studio in your hands, wherever you go. No need for bulky easels, messy paints, or countless physical tools. With just my iPad (costing several hundred dollars) and Apple Pencil, I can sketch, paint, illustrate, and even animate, with an almost limitless array of colors, brushes, and effects. This portability and versatility has democratized digital art creation, making it accessible and incredibly empowering for artists everywhere.
How I Use Procreate’s Reference Companion Window Effectively
Drawing from reference used to mean awkwardly splitting my iPad screen or constantly switching apps. Procreate’s Reference Companion Window was a game-changer. I can import a reference image directly into a floating window that stays on top of my canvas. I use it to keep my inspiration visible, to color pick directly from a reference photo, or to have anatomical guides handy while drawing figures. This simple feature (free, built-in) dramatically improves workflow when working from reference material.
The Biggest Misconceptions About Procreate (It’s Not Just for Doodling!)
“Procreate is just a simple app for doodling or sketching, not for ‘real’ art.” This is a huge misconception. While Procreate (costing about ten dollars) is incredibly user-friendly, it’s a professional-grade digital painting application used by top illustrators, concept artists, and designers worldwide. Its powerful brush engine, robust layer system, and extensive features allow for the creation of highly complex, gallery-quality artwork. It’s a serious tool capable of stunning results, far beyond just casual doodling.
Procreate File Management: Backing Up Your Precious Artwork
Losing hours of Procreate work due to a corrupted file or iPad failure is a nightmare. File management and backup are crucial. My system: 1. Regularly save my Procreate files (.procreate format) to a cloud service (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive). 2. For completed pieces, I also export a .PSD (Photoshop Document) version for an extra layer of backup and compatibility. 3. Periodically, I back up my entire iPad to my computer or iCloud. This diligence (costing only cloud storage fees, if any) protects my precious artwork.
What I Learned from My First Attempt at Creating a Procreate Brush Set
Inspired by other artists, I tried creating my own Procreate brush set. I learned: Procreate’s Brush Studio is incredibly deep and powerful, but has a steep learning curve. Understanding Shape Source, Grain Source, and the myriad of settings (jitter, taper, wet mix, etc.) takes experimentation. Good source images for shapes/grains are key. It’s a meticulous process of tweaking and testing. While challenging, creating brushes perfectly tailored to my style was immensely rewarding and deepened my appreciation for brush design.
How to Choose Your First “Big” Project to Tackle in Procreate
Ready to move beyond sketches in Procreate? Choosing your first “big” project: 1. Pick a subject you’re genuinely passionate about (character design, fan art, a landscape you love). 2. Don’t aim for hyper-realism immediately; focus on strong composition, good color choices, and clean execution. 3. Break it down: sketch, line art, flat colors, shading, details. 4. Choose something challenging but achievable to build confidence. A full illustration with a simple background is a great starting point.
The “Zoom In, Zoom Out, Flip Canvas” Habit That Improves Procreate Art
Working digitally, it’s easy to get lost in details. Three habits that improved my Procreate art: 1. Zoom In: For precise line work and detail. 2. Zoom Out: Frequently, to check overall composition, values, and color harmony. It’s easy to overwork an area that looks fine from a distance. 3. Flip Canvas Horizontally: This instantly reveals issues with symmetry, balance, or anatomical errors that your brain has become accustomed to. These simple, regular checks provide fresh perspective.
Why Every Creative Person Should Try Procreate for Digital Expression
Whether you’re a seasoned traditional artist, a graphic designer, a hobbyist doodler, or someone who thinks they “can’t draw,” everyone creative should try Procreate. Its intuitive interface (on an iPad, with an Apple Pencil – an investment, but often worth it), vast toolset, and forgiving nature make it an incredibly accessible and powerful platform for digital expression. It unlocks new creative possibilities, from sketching and painting to illustration and animation, all in one portable package. It’s a playground for the imagination.