The appeal of the Apple iPad lies in its exceptional versatility. In my recent exploration of the iPad Air featuring the M3 chip, I noted its ability to adapt to multiple workflows, whether engaging through touch, Apple Pencil, or the Magic Keyboard, resulting in an exceptional user experience.
Last week, we celebrated Small Business Week in the U.S., offering a fitting backdrop to connect with Mandy Corcoran, a skilled surface designer whose artwork can be found in popular retail chains like Home Goods, TJMaxx, and Nordstrom Rack.
While my interest in design is profound, the technological aspect enhances the narrative. Operating under the brand of Amanda Grace Design, Corcoran utilizes her iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate to transform her creative vision into reality.
Her artistic journey began on Christmas morning back in 2018, when her husband surprised her with an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil. “It was a turning point for me,” Corcoran stated.
“The moment I downloaded Procreate, everything just clicked,” she reflected, emphasizing how natural the Apple Pencil felt in her grip. Immersing herself in digital sketching through Procreate made her realize that this technology would play a pivotal role in her artistic evolution.
Corcoran’s path wasn’t solely centered around design; she began her career in programming, which she describes as fundamentally logical—“it’s all about structure, flow, and problem-solving, which resonate deeply with me. Discovering seamless pattern design through Procreate felt like an extension of that logical foundation.” Prior to adopting the iPad, she developed her skills via a Wacom Cintiq and Adobe Photoshop.
While crafting patterns in Procreate, Corcoran enjoys merging her analytical prowess with her creativity. The design process necessitates mathematical accuracy, ensuring elements mesh perfectly to create a fluid and cohesive outcome.
“My focus is on empowering individuals with the right tools to quickly unlock their creativity,” Corcoran states regarding her approach to crafting templates and patterns. She remembers a time when resources for layout and visual flow were limited.
Determined to master Procreate and its features, Corcoran delved deep into every aspect of the app, eventually leading her to create her first course. This milestone established her as a trailblazer in providing customizable pattern templates as early as 2023.
Specializing in surface design, she crafts tools not just for her own use but also to assist others in harnessing these resources creatively.
This dedication has cultivated a thriving iPad ecosystem tailored for designers, one that keeps evolving. Corcoran articulates her work: “I manage a design business, create online courses, design templates, and test brushes, all from my iPad. It serves as a cohesive engine that integrates every aspect of my work without any concerns over speed or efficiency.”
Corcoran relies on a 13-inch iPad Pro powered by the M4 chip. According to Nova Play’s evaluations, its performance is outstanding, effectively managing nearly any task while streamlining even the most resource-intensive creative flows.
Her admiration for the Apple Pencil is palpable; she refers to it as “an extension of your thoughts.” At present, she works with the Apple Pencil Pro which includes advanced features like barrel roll support and shortcut squeeze options.
“As someone who loves creating systems, I genuinely appreciate the shortcuts provided by features like hover, double tap, and now the squeeze functionality on the Apple Pencil Pro. These tools maintain my creative flow seamlessly,” she explains.
Integrating this technology within Procreate and other creative applications significantly enhances her precision in design, enabling her to coach others on how to “move swiftly” and produce confidently.
It’s clear that the iPad and Apple Pencil have been transformative in Corcoran’s career, empowering her to build a thriving business while inspiring others to tap into their creativity. “These tools have allowed me to develop a creative career on my terms—and that’s priceless,” she asserts.
She encourages even beginners to explore their creativity using devices like the iPad, urging them to “open an app like Procreate, start tapping around, and let your imagination take flight.”
On April 26, 2025, Corcoran led a Today at Apple workshop at the Carnegie store in Washington, D.C., guiding 30 attendees in creating fruit-themed patterns within Procreate. She described this event as a transformative moment, where she could share her artistic journey.
After designing numerous patterns—some of which are now featured in well-known retailers—she left her audience inspired and enlightened.
“Many participants expressed surprise at the prevalence of patterns in their daily lives and how this session opened their eyes to new creative avenues,” Corcoran reflected.
