Simply Draw: Learn to Draw

Analysis by Norviv

I like the idea of a drawing lesson that can fit into a shared family routine: one person can try a few steps, then pass the device to someone else without needing to turn the session into a formal class. That makes Simply Draw: Learn to Draw appealing for households where a child, parent, or beginner wants a low-pressure starting point. The key is to treat it as guided practice rather than a magic shortcut to polished art; the useful outcome is learning to look closely and build a drawing in stages.

Making a shared device work for drawing

On a household tablet or phone, I’d keep each drawing session deliberately simple. Let one person choose what to work on, complete a lesson, and then give the next person a fresh turn. That avoids the familiar muddle of several people changing one unfinished piece and makes it easier to notice each learner’s progress. If the device is shared, agree on who is using it before starting and avoid assuming that everyone’s work or preferences are kept separately.

A practical routine is to use the lesson as a prompt, then let the learner try the same subject again on paper. The first pass follows the guidance; the second tests whether they can remember the shapes and sequence without constantly looking at the screen. This small change helps distinguish following instructions from actually understanding how a drawing is put together. It also gives the session a natural stopping point when screen time is limited.

Set expectations before handing over the phone

I would show a younger learner how to begin and finish a lesson before leaving them to explore alone. The app is aimed at drawing education, but an adult can still help set ordinary device boundaries: when it is available, whether the learner may make purchases, and whether artwork can be shown or shared. Those are household decisions, not a reason to assume the app provides family-management controls.

It is also worth checking the current purchase options with the person who manages the device before a child starts tapping around. The app is free to install, while optional in-app items are priced from $14.99 to $89.99 per item. I’d make clear that starting a drawing lesson is not the same as agreeing to buy anything. That conversation is useful on a shared device, where the person using the app may not be the person responsible for its account or payments.

Helping learners take turns without losing momentum

Drawing together works best when people have different jobs instead of competing for the screen. One learner can follow the next instruction while another watches for proportions or suggests a detail to notice. Then they can switch roles. This keeps the lesson collaborative without turning it into a race to finish first, and it gives a quieter beginner room to work at their own speed.

If several people want to practise, I’d avoid leaving one long session open as the household’s shared project. A short, individual attempt is easier to revisit and compare, especially when learners are at different stages. For a family activity, the app can supply structure, while paper and pencils make it easier for everyone to draw at once. That combination is more comfortable than passing a single device back and forth every few seconds.

Getting Started with Simply Draw

First things first, downloading Simply Draw is a breeze. A few taps, and you’re good to go. As soon as you open the app, you’re welcomed with a clean, inviting interface that’s super easy to navigate. No overwhelming menus or confusing options here, just a straightforward path to start drawing.

The app offers a variety of tutorials ranging from simple shapes to more complex figures. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, there’s something here for everyone. I particularly loved how each tutorial is broken down into manageable steps. It’s like the app is holding your hand, ensuring you’re never lost or frustrated.

Features That Make Drawing Fun

One of the standout features of Simply Draw is the layering option. You can work on different aspects of your drawing separately, which is a game-changer for complex projects. It’s like peeling an onion, layer by layer, until you have the full picture.

The app also comes with a wide range of tools—pencils, pens, and brushes in various sizes. There’s even an eraser for those "oops" moments. And let’s not forget the color palette. It’s extensive, allowing you to add vibrant hues or subtle shades to your masterpieces.

Another cool feature is the ability to zoom in and out. This is super handy when you’re working on details. It’s like having a magnifying glass, letting you perfect every tiny aspect of your drawing.

Learning and Sharing

What I found really engaging is the community aspect of the app. Once you’ve completed a drawing, you can share your artwork with other users. It’s not just about showing off; it’s a great way to get feedback and see what others are creating.

The app has a built-in gallery where users can upload their drawings. Browsing through it is inspiring, and it’s a neat way to pick up new techniques or ideas. Plus, there’s a sense of camaraderie when you see others on the same creative journey.

Why Simply Draw Stands Out

I’ve tried a few drawing apps in the past, and Simply Draw stands out for its user-friendly design and comprehensive tutorials. It doesn’t just throw you into the deep end. Instead, it builds your confidence step by step. The app respects your pace, which is a big deal for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the art world.

The app is also surprisingly lightweight. It doesn’t hog your device’s resources, so you can draw without worrying about lag or crashes. It’s stable and reliable, making it a joy to use for extended periods.

Choosing it for the right kind of learner

The educational focus is the main reason I’d choose this over a general-purpose drawing canvas. In a typical sketching app, you’re handed tools and an empty page; that freedom is excellent once you know what you want to practise, but it can leave a new learner wondering where to begin. Here, the step-based approach gives a beginner a concrete next action. Someone who already draws confidently may get more value from an open canvas, reference images, or a structured art course focused on a particular technique.

For a realistic everyday use, imagine a learner with ten quiet minutes after dinner. They can open a lesson, work through a few stages, and stop when attention starts to drift rather than feeling obliged to finish a full artwork. I’d keep a pencil and scrap paper nearby too. Switching between following the on-screen guidance and making a quick independent attempt turns a short session into useful practice, not just screen tapping.

What the lesson format can and cannot do

Stepwise instruction is reassuring, but it can also make a learner dependent on the next prompt. I’d occasionally pause before moving on and ask, “What shape do you think comes next?” That simple habit encourages observation and decision-making. If the app’s instructions feel too slow for an experienced artist, or if a learner wants to invent characters and compositions from scratch, a blank-canvas tool will be a better companion rather than a replacement.

There is another trade-off between working digitally and learning with traditional materials. A digital canvas is convenient for trying tools and correcting mistakes, while paper makes hand pressure and pencil movement more tangible. I wouldn’t treat either approach as the only right one. For a child who enjoys drawing on paper, use the app as a visual guide; for someone who likes experimenting on a screen, let the digital tools keep the practice inviting.

Who should try it, and who may prefer another route

I’d recommend it most to beginners who want direction, parents looking for a creative activity to share, and anyone who finds a blank page discouraging. It may also suit a learner who can copy a shape but wants help breaking a more involved subject into manageable parts. The strongest reason to try it is not the promise of instant skill; it is that a clear sequence can make it easier to start regularly.

I would steer away from it as a primary tool for people seeking professional illustration controls, freeform design, or a deep curriculum in a specific discipline. A dedicated drawing program may give advanced users more control over custom workflows, while a class or teacher can respond to an individual’s technique in a way a guided app cannot. If a learner gets frustrated by following prescribed steps, that is a sign to switch approaches, not proof that they cannot draw.

Age, trust, and a sensible first session

The app is rated for Everyone, which makes it broadly suitable for a mixed-age household, but I’d still introduce it in a way that fits the child. An adult can help a younger user understand how to navigate lessons and what sharing artwork means. On a shared device, it is sensible to review the account and payment arrangements together, especially before leaving the app with a child. The point is not to make drawing feel risky; it is to keep creative time clear and comfortable for everyone.

Simply Ltd is the developer, and the app is free to start, with optional in-app purchases. Its average rating is 4.8 from around 16,000 ratings, and it has passed 500,000 installs. I see that as useful context for a family deciding whether it is worth trying, not a guarantee that every learner will enjoy the lesson style. The current version is 1.4.2, and it requires iOS 11 or later, so I’d check device compatibility before planning a shared activity.

Small habits that make practice more useful

One tip I find especially helpful is to keep the first attempt imperfect on purpose. Don’t erase every uneven line as soon as it appears; finish the stage, then decide what needs changing. That prevents the learner from getting stuck polishing one small detail before understanding the whole subject. A second useful habit is to name the shapes being drawn—circles, curves, angles—because it makes the method easier to remember when the screen is put away.

For a household with different skill levels, choose turns based on attention rather than age. A younger child may enjoy selecting the subject while an older sibling follows the steps, then they can swap for a simpler drawing. If only one person wants to use the app, there is no need to turn it into a group activity: a quiet solo session can be the better fit. The advantage of a shared device is flexibility, not a requirement to share every drawing.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to draw, or if you’re looking to improve your skills, Simply Draw: Learn to Draw is a fantastic choice. It’s approachable, packed with useful features, and has a supportive community. Whether you’re doodling for fun or honing your craft, this app offers the tools and guidance you need.

So, why not give it a try? Download it today and start transforming those blank screens into works of art. Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent or rekindle a forgotten passion. Happy drawing!

My household verdict

For shared use, I’d treat this as a guided activity that people take turns enjoying, rather than a family account or a place to manage everyone’s artwork. That boundary keeps expectations realistic: the app provides a path into drawing, while adults handle device access, purchases, and conversations about sharing. For learners who like clear instruction, that is a useful balance. For advanced artists or anyone who wants complete creative freedom from the first tap, a more open drawing tool is likely the better choice.

Simply Draw is worth trying when the goal is to make drawing feel approachable and give a beginner a reason to practise. I’d start with one short lesson, see whether the learner enjoys the guided pace, and then decide whether it belongs in the household routine. That is a more reliable test than expecting a single session to reveal a hidden talent: if the learner wants to pick up a pencil again, the app has done something valuable.