Draw imperfect shapes
Embrace the art of drawing with imperfect shapes to achieve a hand-cut appearance. This technique will enhance the charm and uniqueness of your paper doll illustrations.
A Procreate class for all skill levels
Make your digital art look like it was cut with adorably tiny scissors.
A bite-sized Procreate class where you'll create a charming paper doll self-portrait complete with torn edges, layered shadows, and textures that make your art feel like it's lifting right off the screen.
⚡︎ Instant lifetime access
What you'll learn
A paper doll self-portrait in Procreate, built from bold color shapes, imperfect hand-cut edges, irregular drop shadows, and paper textures that give your digital art the kind of tactile depth that makes people ask how you did it.
The class walks you through the whole process from sketch to finished piece: drawing loose, exaggerated shapes, building up layers of color and flair, adding the shadows and highlights that create that signature lifted-off-the-page effect, and finishing with paper folds and textures that make the whole thing feel genuinely physical.
Create torn paper edges
Learn the process of creating torn paper edges that provide your paper dolls with a tactile and realistic appearance. These torn edges will contribute to the overall authenticity of your artwork.
Create bends & folds
Learn to create drop shadows that mimic the appearance of real paper lifting irregularly. These shadows will add a three-dimensional feel to your artwork.
Meet your instructor
hey I'm Peggy
This fun little project-based class came out of my love for art that feels physical even when it isn't. And that works so well with the playful paper doll aesthetic - the torn edges, the layered shadows, the flat bold shapes - that makes digital illustration feel warm and handmade instead of too precise.
I've been teaching Procreate for years and this is one of the classes where I consistently see people surprise themselves. You come in thinking you're learning a style, and you leave having understood something even deeper about how Procreate actually works!
bonus Paper texture pack
I've created paper textures made from REAL paper that you can apply to your Procreate canvases! They're great for...
- backgrounds
- overlays
- clipping masks
- and more!
This class is perfect for you if...
- You love the paper cut, collage, or layered illustration aesthetic and want to know how to create it in Procreate
- You want a Procreate class that teaches techniques you'll actually use across every project you make going forward
- You're a beginner who wants something achievable and genuinely fun, or an intermediate artist looking to add a new style to your toolkit
- You like the idea of making something personal, a portrait of yourself or someone you love, rather than a generic practice exercise
- You want your digital art to stop looking flat
Got a question?
What skill level is this for?
All levels. If you know how to open a canvas and draw a basic shape in Procreate, you have everything you need.
How long is the class?
1 hour and 7 minutes across 8 lessons. Very doable in a single sitting or spread across a couple of sessions.
How long will I have access?
You'll enjoy lifetime access to the course so you can learn at your own pace and revisit the content whenever you need a refresher.
I have a different question.
If you have more questions or need further clarification, my team is here to help! Please feel free to reach out to hello@thepigeonletters.com
Let's ensure all your questions and concerns are answered so you can embark on this journey with confidence!
Your portrait is waiting.
So is someone who'd love to see theirs 😘