Ctrl+Paint vs Proko

Ctrl+Paint is a web-based learning resource for digital painting basics, taught through short videos. Its free library contains hundreds of videos described as five minutes long, arranged from introductory topics toward more advanced ones. Lessons cover drawing, composition, reference, Photoshop tools, painting techniques, color, masking, and vector tools. The library page says new free videos are released every Tuesday and Thursday. For practice, the Concept Art Playbook offers visual problem-solving challenges modeled on game-industry work, which learners can follow at their own pace. The free library has no ads or subscription fees. Individual premium series cost $10.00 per once and cover beginner-to-intermediate topics. The Digital Painting Starter Kit costs $55.00 per once and includes six video series, 362 minutes of video, worksheets, line art, and PSD files. Premium purchases are followed by an automated email with download instructions and a link. A stylus is needed because pressure sensitivity is essential to the taught techniques; Wacom tablets are recommended. The creator says the site does not offer personal tutoring or portfolio reviews.

Proko is an online art-learning platform and community for developing skills and connecting with peers and mentors. Its courses cover drawing fundamentals, anatomy, figure drawing, perspective, painting, character design, and comics. Depending on the course, premium materials may include extended videos, assignments, demonstrations, eBooks, critique videos, and 3D models. Free lessons are available; Drawing Basics lists 58 free lessons among 185. Proko sells products individually rather than through membership access, and course access is for life. Students can share assignment work in the community for feedback, and instructors may use submissions in critique videos. Drawing Basics videos are downloadable as 1080p MP4 files for offline viewing, but that does not include future videos outside the course. Proko also lists Skelly anatomy modeling for iOS and Android, a web drawing timer, Zolly perspective practice for iOS, Android, and Windows, and a web value study tool. Drawing Basics Full costs $159, paid once payment.