10 Essential Procreate Stencils for Digital Art

Published on 11 July 2023 9 min read

1. Exploring Basic Stencil Kit

5. Create with Calligraphy Tools

7. Experiment with Eraser Stencils

8. Become Familiar with Floral Features

Digital art is a fascinating world full of color, creativity, and limitless potential. One of the key tools that make the journey smoother is Procreate, a robust digital art software. A significant part of Procreate's charm comes from its wide array of stencils, offering artists an easy way to add intricate designs and patterns to their work. This blog post will guide you through ten essential Procreate stencils that can elevate your digital art to new heights.

1. Exploring Basic Stencil Kit

The Basic Stencil Kit is akin to the Swiss army knife in the world of Procreate stencils. It's versatile, user-friendly, and a great starting point for beginners. The best part? It's available for free.

Here's what you can expect when you dive into this kit:

Alphabet Stencils: These are your go-to for adding text in your artwork. You'll find a range of fonts to match your mood and theme.
Number Stencils: Just like the alphabet stencils, these offer you a variety of numerical styles. Handy for adding dates or other numerical details in your design.
Shapes: Perfect for when you need to add geometric elements to your piece. You'll find everything from squares to circles, and even some abstract shapes.
Lines and Dots: These stencils help you add fine details and accents to your work. You can easily create exquisite patterns or textured backgrounds.

Learning to navigate through the Basic Stencil Kit is a skill that will pay off in your digital art journey. It's like getting the keys to a treasure chest of Procreate stencils — each one unlocking new possibilities in your artwork.

2. Use Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns are like the secret spices of digital art — they add an extra layer of depth and interest to your work. The beauty of geometric Procreate stencils is their versatility. You can use them to create stunning backgrounds, intricate designs, or even as a simple accent to your artwork.

Here's how you can make the most of them:

Backgrounds: Want to add a bit of pizzazz to a plain background? Try a geometric stencil. The repetitive patterns can add structure to your piece and draw the viewer's eye.
Design Elements: Use geometric stencils to create borders, dividers, or even as the main design element. They're great for adding a modern, clean look to your artwork.
Accents: Sometimes, less is more. A subtle geometric pattern can add a dash of sophistication to your piece without overwhelming it.

Remember, geometric patterns are like the rhythm in a song. They can set the mood and tone of your piece. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different Procreate stencils until you find one that strikes the right note.

3. Tap into Texture Brushes

Texture brushes are one of the most effective ways to bring your digital artwork to life. They're like the cherry on top of your ice cream sundae — they might not be the main ingredient, but they sure do make the whole thing pop! The wonderful world of Procreate stencils includes a wide range of texture brushes, each adding a unique touch to your masterpiece.

Here's how you can use texture brushes to enhance your work:

Depth and Dimension: A little texture can go a long way in giving your artwork a 3D look. It can make your piece feel more tactile and real. You could make a flat circle look like a fuzzy peach or a rough stone just by using the right texture brush!
Atmosphere: Texture brushes can help set the mood of your piece. Want to portray a windy day? There's a texture brush for that. Looking to create a peaceful, starry night? There's a brush for that too!
Detailing: Small details can make a big difference. Use texture brushes for creating details like the bark on a tree or the scales on a fish. It's these little touches that can make your art stand out.

Just like with any tool, the key to using texture brushes effectively is practice. The more you use them, the better you'll understand which textures work best for different effects. So go ahead, explore the variety of Procreate stencils and find your favorite texture brushes. Happy painting!

4. Play with Pop Art Stencils

Remember the vibrant, bold colors of Andy Warhol's iconic Campbell's Soup Can? Or the vivid, comic book-like works of Roy Lichtenstein? That's pop art for you — a style that's as fun to create as it is to look at. And guess what? You can recreate this legendary art movement on your digital canvas with Procreate stencils designed specifically for pop art!

Here's how you can get started:

Go Bold with Colors: Pop art is all about bright, bold colors. Use a stencil that offers a palette of vibrant hues. You can stick to the classic primary colors, or experiment with neon for a modern twist!
Embrace Simplicity: Despite the bold colors, pop art is often characterized by its simplicity. Look for stencils with simple shapes and designs. Remember, it's not about the complexity of the design, but how you use color and contrast to make it stand out.
Make a Statement: Pop art is famous for its use of everyday objects and popular culture. Use this to your advantage and create art that says something about the world around you. A stencil featuring iconic imagery can help you do just that.

One of the best things about pop art is that it encourages you to push the boundaries and break the rules. So why not do the same with your Procreate stencils? Mix and match different stencils, play around with colors, and most importantly, have fun! Remember, art is all about expressing yourself, and there's no better way to do that than by creating something that's uniquely you.

5. Create with Calligraphy Tools

If you've ever admired the elegant swirls and strokes of calligraphy and thought, "I wish I could do that," then Procreate stencils designed for calligraphy are your new best friends. These stencils can help you create beautiful lettering, even if you've never held a calligraphy pen in your life.

Here's how you can start creating your own digital calligraphy:

Choose the Right Stencil: Not all calligraphy is the same, and the same goes for Procreate stencils. Do you want to create traditional, formal calligraphy? Or are you more interested in modern, freehand styles? Once you know what style you're aiming for, you can choose a stencil that suits your needs.
Practice Makes Perfect: Calligraphy is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice to master. Spend some time each day practicing with your chosen stencil. You'll be amazed at how quickly you improve!
Experiment with Colors and Textures: Who says calligraphy has to be black and white? With Procreate stencils, you can experiment with different colors and textures to create truly unique pieces of art. Try using a metallic shader for a touch of glamour, or a watercolor brush for a softer, dreamier effect.

There are no rules when it comes to creating art with Procreate stencils. So go ahead, let your creativity run wild, and start creating beautiful calligraphy that's all your own.

6. Mastering Mandala Motifs

When it comes to creating intricate and symmetrical designs, nothing beats the beauty of Mandala motifs. These geometric patterns, which originated from Indian spiritual traditions, have become a popular choice for artists using Procreate stencils. Why? Because they're not just pretty to look at — creating them can also be a calming and meditative process.

Here's how you can use Mandala motifs to add a touch of symmetry and serenity to your digital art:

Start with the Basics: If you're new to Mandalas, start with basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. With the help of Procreate stencils, you can easily create these shapes and arrange them in symmetrical patterns.
Layer It Up: One of the key features of Mandalas is their layered design. Start with a simple shape at the center, then add more layers as you move outward. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to do this — it's all up to your imagination.
Add Some Color: Mandalas are known for their vibrant colors. Don't be afraid to play with different color palettes and gradients. The color fill tool in Procreate is perfect for this!

Creating Mandalas can be a fun and relaxing way to improve your digital art skills. So why not grab your Procreate stencils and give it a try? You might just find your new favorite art form.

7. Experiment with Eraser Stencils

Did you know that your Procreate stencils can do more than just add elements to your canvas? They can also take things away! Yes, you heard it right. Eraser stencils are a thing, and they are an absolute game-changer for digital art.

Here's how you can experiment with eraser stencils to add depth and dimension to your artwork:

Master the Basics: Just like a regular eraser, eraser stencils can be used to remove unwanted elements from your canvas. But the best part? With Procreate stencils, you can erase in specific shapes or patterns!
Unleash Creativity: You can use eraser stencils to create unique effects in your artwork. For example, erasing parts of a painted canvas with a cloud-shaped stencil can give the illusion of a cloudy sky. Isn't that cool?
Blend and Smooth: Eraser stencils aren't just for removing elements. They can also be used to smooth out edges and blend colors together, giving your artwork a more polished look.

So, the next time you're working on a digital art project, don't forget to experiment with eraser stencils. They might just be the secret tool you need to take your artwork to the next level.

8. Become Familiar with Floral Features

Who doesn’t love the elegance of flowers? Blooms, buds, leaves, and vines have the power to breathe life into your digital artwork. With Procreate stencils, you can introduce an array of floral features into your designs with a simple tap on your screen!

Here’s how you can make the most out of floral Procreate stencils:

Choose Your Palette Wisely: For realistic floral designs, pick colors that mirror nature. But if you're going for something more abstract or whimsical, feel free to play around with unconventional hues. Remember, it’s your canvas—let it reflect your vision!
Vary Your Florals: The world of flowers is vast and beautiful. Don't limit yourself to roses and daisies. Explore exotic orchids, intricate chrysanthemums, or even simple but striking fern leaves. A variety of floral features can make your artwork feel lush and vibrant.
Master the Layering Game: To create depth and dimension in your floral designs, consider using layers. Place your floral stencils on separate layers, and play around with transparency and blending modes. This technique can help you achieve a more dynamic and richly textured end result.

With floral Procreate stencils, you have nature’s entire canvas at your fingertips. So go ahead, let your creativity bloom!

9. Utilize Urban Art Stencils

Looking for a way to add a touch of modern edge to your digital artwork? Urban art Procreate stencils might just be your answer. These stencils, inspired by city streets, offer a raw and gritty aesthetic that can redefine your digital canvas.

Here's a little insight on how you can incorporate urban art stencils in your Procreate projects:

Find Your Inspiration: Take a virtual stroll through city streets. Notice the graffiti, the billboards, the brick walls. These elements are the heart of urban art. Use them as your guide when choosing your urban art Procreate stencils.
Experiment with Typography: Urban art is often closely tied with unique and expressive typography. Try incorporating stencil typography in your designs to add an authentic urban vibe.
Blend Styles: Don't be afraid to mix and match. Combine urban art stencils with other styles to create a unique fusion. Remember, art has no rules—let your imagination run wild!

Urban art Procreate stencils allow you to bring the dynamics of a cityscape into your artwork. So, why not give it a shot? After all, the city streets are waiting to be brought to life on your canvas.

10. Adopt Animal Imagery

Ever thought of adding a hint of the wild to your digital designs? Animal imagery Procreate stencils can be a game-changer for your digital art toolbox. With these stencils, you can infuse the spirit of the animal kingdom into your creations.

Here's how you can bring your digital canvases to life with animal imagery:

Choose Your Animal: From lions to lizards, there's a vast range of animal stencils available on Procreate. Choose one that resonates with your art's theme or your personal style.
Scale and Position: It's all about the details. Adjust the scale and position of your animal stencil to fit perfectly on your canvas. Make sure it complements your overall design.
Play with Colors: Animals are not just black and white. Infuse your artwork with vibrant color variations to make your animal stencil pop.

If you're looking to add a touch of the wild, or simply wishing to step out of your comfort zone, consider experimenting with animal imagery Procreate stencils. They're a surefire way to add a spark of life to your digital creations. Remember, the animal kingdom is vast and full of inspiration—so why not bring a piece of it into your art?

If you're excited about taking your digital art skills to the next level, don't miss the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to bring your creations to life using Procreate and Photoshop, adding a whole new dimension to your artwork.