Simply Draw: Learn to Draw

Analysis by Appwesome

Ever felt the itch to unleash your inner artist but didn't know where to start? That's where Simply Draw: Learn to Draw comes in. I’ve had my hands on this app for a while now, and spoiler alert: it’s pretty awesome! Whether you're a complete newbie or someone looking to refine your skills, this app has got something for everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this app a must-have for art enthusiasts.

What the step-by-step approach is good for

Drawing lessons work best when I treat each one as practice rather than a test of artistic talent. A guided sequence can make the first marks less intimidating, especially if I’m not sure how to turn a reference into basic shapes. I can pause between steps, look at the page, and decide whether I understand the change before moving on. That small habit is more useful than rushing to finish a picture.

This makes the app a sensible starting point for someone who wants a gentle introduction without signing up for a formal class. A parent can also use a short drawing session as a screen-time activity to share with a child, although it is worth remembering that the content rating is Everyone and that the app is still a digital lesson rather than a replacement for paper, pencils, or an adult’s guidance. For a learner who already knows the basics, the value is more likely to come from practising observation and patience than from expecting advanced instruction.

My practical tip is to keep a scrap page nearby and try a step once there before adding it to the main drawing. If a line feels awkward, a quick test can make it easier to understand the motion without worrying about spoiling the picture. I would also revisit a lesson later instead of judging progress by one attempt. Repeating the same subject after a few days can make improvement easier to notice than switching to a new image every time.

How it fits into an ordinary day

Imagine having a short break after work, with enough time to sit down but not enough to begin a long art project. A small lesson gives that pause a clear purpose: open the app, choose a subject, follow a few stages, and stop when the break is over. If I have more time later, I can carry on or start another drawing. That makes guided practice easier to fit around a busy schedule than a course that expects a fixed study session.

The same approach can help someone who tends to collect tutorials without actually drawing. A single lesson creates a concrete task, and finishing a rough sketch is a better use of ten minutes than browsing for the perfect technique. I would keep the goal modest: practise one shape, notice how the next mark changes it, and finish with a picture that feels complete enough for today. The point is consistency, not producing portfolio work every time.

For children, a shared session can be more enjoyable if an adult draws alongside them rather than treating the lesson like homework. For adults who feel self-conscious about being beginners, working privately at their own pace can remove the pressure of keeping up with a group. In both cases, the app’s strongest role is as a prompt to pick up a pencil and practise, not as a promise of instant skill.

Getting Started with Simply Draw

The first thing you’ll notice when you open Simply Draw is its clean and intuitive interface. No overwhelming options or complicated menus. It’s just you, your creativity, and a virtual canvas. Setting it up was a breeze. I mean, I didn’t even need a tutorial to figure things out. Just jump right in and start creating!

One thing I really love about the app is how it breaks down drawing into simple steps. You know how intimidating a blank page can be, right? Well, not anymore. The app guides you through the process of creating art, one step at a time. You can choose from a variety of categories, like animals, landscapes, or even cartoon characters. Whatever floats your boat!

Features That Caught My Eye

Now, let’s talk features. The app comes loaded with a bunch of cool tools that make drawing a breeze. First off, the step-by-step tutorials are a game changer. They’re easy to follow and perfect for learning at your own pace. I found myself getting better with each drawing, and that’s a feeling you can’t beat!

Another standout feature is the vast library of drawing templates. Feeling uninspired? Just browse through the categories and pick something that catches your eye. Trust me, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the app updates regularly with new templates, so you’ll never run out of things to draw.

Let’s not forget about the color palette. It’s extensive and offers a wide range of shades to choose from. You can even customize your own colors, which is a fantastic feature for those who like to add a personal touch to their artwork.

Making the lessons work harder

The guided format is most helpful when I focus on what each stage is teaching instead of copying every line mechanically. I try to notice whether a step is establishing an outline, adding a smaller feature, or changing the balance of the picture. That turns a finished template into a small drawing exercise I can reuse on another subject. A useful follow-up is to draw the same object from memory, even roughly; it shows which parts I actually understood.

There is a trade-off, though. A guided picture gives structure, but it does not automatically teach every skill involved in drawing from life, such as choosing a composition or judging proportions without prompts. Someone who wants to develop a personal style may eventually need to mix lessons with sketching real objects, experimenting with different materials, or taking a broader art course. I see this app as a practice companion, not a complete art education.

It also helps to separate learning the drawing from choosing its colors. I would first concentrate on the shapes and placement, then spend time on color once the structure feels right. That keeps a broad palette from becoming a distraction and makes the lesson easier to follow in short sessions. If a screen is small, zooming or repositioning the device may help with detail, but drawing on a larger display or on paper can be more comfortable for extended practice.

Choosing it over other ways to learn

Compared with a video tutorial, a sequence of drawing stages can be easier to follow because I can work at my own pace rather than trying to keep up with a moving demonstration. A book offers a useful paper reference and avoids screen handling, but it may not feel as immediate when I want a quick prompt. Free-form drawing apps can offer more room to experiment, yet they often leave beginners to decide what to draw and how to begin. Simply Draw sits between those options: it provides a starting structure, while the learner still does the actual work.

If my main goal were to master perspective, anatomy, or a particular medium in depth, I would look for instruction built specifically around that subject. If I wanted unrestricted digital illustration tools, I would choose a drawing app designed for creating and editing finished artwork rather than guided practice. This one is a better fit when I want a clear subject and manageable steps, especially on days when coming up with an idea is harder than making the marks.

The app is free to download, and Simply Ltd develops it. It has a 4.7 average from around 31,000 ratings, with over a million installs, which suggests that many people have tried it. Optional in-app purchases range from $14.99 to $89.99 per item, so I would check the purchase details in the app before committing to anything. The experience is aimed at everyone, but the presence of paid items means it is sensible for parents to review purchase settings if a child will use the device.

Why You'll Love It

One of the things I appreciate most about Simply Draw is its flexibility. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, you can find something to draw. The app is designed to fit into your life, no matter how hectic it might be. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind after a stressful day. Just lose yourself in the strokes of your pen and watch your creation come to life.

Another thing worth mentioning is the community aspect. While the app primarily focuses on individual learning, it also allows you to share your creations. It’s a great way to get feedback and see what other people are drawing. Who knows, you might even make some new friends!

Speed, stability, and device fit

For this kind of lesson app, I care less about flashy effects than about getting from choosing a subject to making the first mark without friction. The uncluttered layout helps that transition feel straightforward, and short guided sessions do not demand that I set aside a large block of time. I would still expect a more detailed drawing to take longer: the lesson may break the process into steps, but careful line work and coloring remain the learner’s responsibility.

During heavier use, such as working through several lessons in one sitting or spending extra time on color choices, the main practical constraint is likely to be comfort rather than a need for specialist equipment. A steady surface and a stylus can make controlled marks easier, though a finger is convenient when I am just exploring. On a phone, fine details can feel cramped; a larger screen is a more comfortable choice for longer sessions, while a phone is handy for a quick sketch during a break.

I would treat the current release, version 1.5.0, as the version to check when installing, and the app requires iOS 11 or later. The interface feels simple enough that I would not expect a steep learning curve, but reliability also depends on the device and its available resources. If a lesson or drawing ever feels interrupted, I would first check that the app is current and make sure the device has enough free space and battery for the session. For valuable work, keeping a photo or separate copy of a finished drawing is a sensible habit rather than assuming any single app is the only place to keep it.

People asking whether it works for complete beginners can reasonably say yes: the lesson-by-lesson structure is the point, and a learner can start without already knowing how to build a drawing. Those looking for professional-grade editing, open-ended canvases, or a full curriculum will probably be happier with a dedicated art tool or structured course. I also would not choose it primarily for social feedback; sharing can add a pleasant extra, but the strongest reason to open the app is still the guided drawing practice.

Final Thoughts

So, is Simply Draw: Learn to Draw worth downloading? Absolutely! Whether you want to learn the basics, hone your skills, or just have some fun, this app has it all. It’s user-friendly, packed with features, and a fantastic way to express yourself. So go ahead, give it a try. You might just discover a hidden talent you never knew you had!

Remember, every great artist started somewhere. Why not let Simply Draw be your starting point?