I have long admired the work of British-based artist Isla Simpson. The London designer and illustrator started her career as a handbag designer for over a decade. She later launched her studio in 2017 with a line of stationery, home accessories, original artwork and more. 

Isla’s work first caught my eye with her whimsical sea shell envelopes. Be it a menu card, the windows of Farrow & Ball or an invitation design, I am continually amazed by Isla’s stunning illustrations. She perfectly melds my love of all things chintz, bows, seashells, muted pastels, and more. Should we call her the English Grandmillennial? Earlier this year Isla launched a line of needlepoint canvases with The Plum Stitchery – the collaboration of my dreams! (I am anxiously awaiting this pink geranium pillow I stitched this spring to return from the needlepoint finisher.) 

A Sampling of Isla’s Work

All that said, you can imagine my excitement when Isla announced the launch of her online course dedicated to learning how to draw on your iPad with your Apple Pencil and Procreate5x. I signed up for the video course right away! 

After completing the course the other weekend, I can not recommend it enough! If you have ever been interested in learning how to draw on your ipad or even have the slightest creative spirit, this course is for you! In the 4-6 hour course, Isla walks you through how to use the Procreate App (no previous experience necessary), providing both video instruction and exclusive downloads. By the end of the course, you will know the ins and outs of Procreate and have drawn two sets of menus and place cards inspired by Isla’s designs. As per Isla’s suggestion – I used a two-screen set up: watching the video instruction on my laptop so I could follow along step by step on my iPad. I would occasionally pause the video, to give myself extra time to test the various tips and play around in the program (another suggestion from Isla.) 

To try the course out for yourself – purchase the class here on Isla’s site.  You will also need an iPad, an Apple Pencil and the Procreate App (5x version) installed on your iPad. Once you purchase the course, you will continue to have access to the lesson plan, videos, and downloads for a year – allowing you to revisit Isla’s instructions for reference any time you might have questions (which I so appreciate.) Since taking the course, it has been fun to continue to explore the Procreate App and try my hand at my own designs (see two below.)

If you take the course, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (Do let me know?!) Talk about the perfect weekend activity during these days when we are all spending more time at home. 

2 Exclusive Isla Designs Available for Download In The Course

2 Of My Early iPad Drawings After Taking The Course