Moving from Adobe to Procreate with Kyle T. Webster
Dec 24, 2024
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Kyle T. Webster, a prominent digital illustration brush creator who transitioned from Adobe to Procreate, shares insights into his journey. He discusses the challenges at Adobe and the artist-first ethos at Procreate that drew him in. Listeners learn about the key differences in brush creation between Procreate and Photoshop, the exciting features of Procreate's brush engine, and the community-driven culture that fosters creativity. Kyle also hints at the upcoming Procreate v6, sparking curiosity about future innovations.
Kyle Webster left Adobe due to a disconnect over the company’s generative AI approach, which he believed harmed artists.
Procreate's user-friendly design and dedication to drawing and painting offer artists a workflow that promotes creative expression and experimentation.
At Procreate, Webster aims to innovate brush design by collaborating with developers to enhance artistic tools and encourage community growth.
Deep dives
Challenges Faced by Adobe
Adobe encountered several significant challenges this year, beginning with a scandal regarding their end-user agreement that raised concerns among users. Additionally, they faced scrutiny from the FTC for potentially misleading pricing strategies related to their Creative Cloud subscriptions. The company also faced backlash from the illustration community who expressed strong disapproval of Adobe's rapid implementation of generative AI features in its products. These mounting issues contributed to a challenging year for the company and culminated in the departure of key figure Kyle Webster.
Kyle Webster's Departure and New Role at Procreate
Kyle Webster, a prominent figure in the digital illustration community known for his innovative brushes for Photoshop and Fresco, left Adobe after several years. His decision to exit stemmed from a growing disconnect with the company's direction, particularly their embrace of generative AI, which he opposed due to its potential harm to artists. Shortly after his departure, Procreate, a fierce competitor of Adobe, announced that Webster would be joining their team to expand and enhance their brush offerings. He viewed this opportunity as a chance to fully engage with the community and return to the work he truly loves.
The Unique Appeal of Procreate
Procreate has been celebrated for its user-friendly interface and accessibility, making it a popular choice among both new and experienced digital artists. Webster noted that, unlike Adobe, Procreate's focus is on drawing and painting, offering a streamlined experience that appeals to artists who prioritize creativity. The app's intuitive design and unique brush engine allow for greater experimentation and variety, which Webster found invigorating compared to the limitations he experienced with Adobe's tools. Procreate's commitment to being artist-friendly fosters an inclusive environment that encourages creativity.
Brush Innovation and Development
Webster expressed excitement about the potential for brush innovation at Procreate, highlighting how the app's advanced brush engine allows for features that are not possible in other software like Photoshop. He discussed the vast array of options available for customizing brushes, enabling artists to create tools that closely mirror their traditional media experiences. This flexibility could lead to the development of brushes that inspire new artistic techniques and styles. Webster's role at Procreate will focus on designing new brushes that both satisfy existing artists and entice new users.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Being part of Procreate has enabled Webster to reconnect with the illustration community and contribute meaningfully to the field he is passionate about. He mentioned his goal of collaborating with fellow brush developers to amplify their visibility and drive new users to their resources. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where artists feel empowered to experiment with brushes and develop their unique styles. With anticipated updates and enhancements in Procreate, the potential for growth within the community remains promising.
Kyle Webster is arguably the most influential person in digital illustration brushes, period. He started making Photoshop brushes a long time ago, leading to Adobe's acquisition of his brushes and his talent in 2017. In 2024, Kyle left Adobe and joined Procreate in very close succession. I wanted to catch up with Kyle and let him explain what happened, in his own words.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why did Kyle leave Adobe?
What does Kyle think of Procreate compared to Adobe's Fresco and Photoshop?
Making brushes in Procreate vs. Photoshop (Key differences)
Kyle may or may not know what's coming with Procreate v6
