3 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Procreate Lettering (and How to Fix Them)

Lettering in Procreate is exciting, but many artists fall into common Procreate lettering mistakes that make their designs look less polished or unbalanced.

In this post, we’ll break down three key mistakes and give you simple solutions to fix them, so your lettering feels intentional, cohesive, and visually appealing:

1. Overcomplicating Effects & Relying Too Much on Digital Tools

With Procreate, it’s tempting to lean on features like the advanced brush settings, alpha lock, and clipping masks. Especially with the new Procreate 5.4 update, options are endless. While these tools are powerful, overusing them can make your lettering feel busy or artificial.

💡 Solution: Start simple. Use one or two effects to enhance your letters, not dominate them. Focus on clean lines and legibility first, then layer in style. Use digital tools to enhance, not overwhelm, your lettering.

2. Forgetting the Big Picture

It’s easy to get lost in individual letters or tiny details. You might perfect each letter, only to realize the word or phrase feels unbalanced or awkward as a whole.

💡 Solution: Step back frequently. Zoom out and check the spacing, alignment, and flow of your letters. Make sure your letters are legible. Adjust until the whole piece feels cohesive and visually appealing.

Related article: Perfect Puns: 6 Tips for Short & Sweet Lettering with Wordplay

3. Ignoring Letter Proportions and Consistency

Many beginners overlook consistent proportions, like the height of lowercase letters or the width of strokes. Inconsistent sizing makes even well-drawn letters feel messy and difficult to read.

💡 Solution: Pay attention to guidelines or lightly sketch baselines for x-height, ascenders, and descenders. Repeat letters to build muscle memory and maintain consistency across your word or phrase.