5 Essential Eyelash Brush Techniques in Procreate

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Creating stunning eyelashes in Procreate involves more than just sketching a few lines—it's an art that requires the right tools, techniques, and a dash of creativity. In this blog, we'll explore five essential techniques to perfect your eyelash brush Procreate skills, taking your digital artistry to a whole new level.

1. Pick the Right Brush for the Job

Just as a carpenter needs the right tool for each task, so do you when drawing eyelashes in Procreate. The results you get are largely determined by the brush you choose.

Understanding Brush Types

Procreate offers a myriad of brush types, each with its unique output. For eyelashes, you'll often find yourself using round brushes. They are perfect for creating smooth, curved lines—ideal for drawing natural-looking eyelashes. Flat brushes, on the other hand, are great for adding volume and thickness to the lashes. Understanding the strength and limitations of each brush type is key to achieving the desired results.

Choosing Your Brush

Now that you have a basic understanding of brush types, the next step is to choose one that suits your specific needs. It's worth noting that there isn't a one-size-fits-all brush for creating eyelashes. Your choice will depend on the style and effect you want to achieve. For a bold, dramatic look, you might prefer a thick, flat brush. But if you're going for a more subtle, natural look, a thin, round brush could be your best bet.

Product Recommendations

While Procreate comes preloaded with a vast range of brushes, you might want to consider investing in specialized brush sets for even better results. For instance, Taozipie's Big Eyelashes Brushset is an excellent choice for creating various eyelash styles. It offers a variety of brushes, each tailored for a specific eyelash effect, from natural to dramatic. Another great option is Aya's Single Eye Lash Brush, which is perfect for adding fine, detailed lashes. Remember, the right brush can make all the difference in your eyelash brush Procreate journey.

2. Master the Stroke Technique

Once you've chosen the right brush, it's time to master the stroke technique. Think of it like learning to write — each stroke matters, and with practice, it becomes second nature.

Stroke Basics

In Procreate, the stroke technique involves applying pressure with your stylus at varying degrees to create different effects. For eyelashes, the ideal stroke starts with a firm press at the base, tapering off gently towards the end. This mimics the natural thickness of an eyelash, giving it a realistic appearance. Remember, it's all in the wrist — a swift, fluid motion will yield the best results.

Improving Your Stroke

Improving your stroke technique with an eyelash brush in Procreate is all about practice. Try different pressure levels and stroke lengths until you find what works best for you. Keep in mind the direction of the stroke too. Eyelashes typically fan out from the inner corner of the eye, following the curvature of the eyelid. By paying attention to these details, you'll be able to create stunning, lifelike lashes.

Stroke Exercises

Ready to flex your Procreate muscles? Here are a few exercises to help improve your stroke technique:

Practice drawing straight lines using different pressure levels. This will help you understand how pressure affects the thickness of the line.
Next, try drawing curved lines to mimic the natural shape of an eyelash. Start with a heavy base and taper off towards the end.
Finally, practice drawing eyelashes of varying lengths and thicknesses. This will provide you with the versatility needed to create different lash styles.

Remember, practice makes perfect. With consistent effort, you'll soon master the stroke technique, turning your eyelash brush Procreate dreams into reality.

3. Blend Like a Pro

Now that you have the stroke technique down, it's time to blend. Blending is like adding a magic touch — it softens the defined lines and adds depth, making your eyelashes look more natural.

Blending Techniques

Here's the lowdown on blending with the eyelash brush in Procreate. Remember, gentle strokes are your friends here. Use the 'Smudge tool' to soften the lines where the lashes meet the eyelid and blur the ends of the eyelashes to give them a softer look. Don't be afraid to experiment with the 'Opacity' and 'Pressure' settings of the smudge tool to find the perfect balance for your style.

Avoiding Common Blending Mistakes

Blending can be tricky, but don't let that deter you. Some common mistakes include over-blending, which can make your lashes look smudgy, or not blending enough, which can leave them looking harsh and unrealistic. To avoid these pitfalls, blend in small amounts and step back regularly to assess your work. If you feel you have over-blended, simply use the 'Eraser tool' to clean up the edges.

Advanced Blending Tips

Ready to take your blending to the next level with the eyelash brush in Procreate? Try creating a gradient effect. Start with a darker shade at the base of the lashes and gradually lighten as you move towards the tips. This adds depth and dimension, making your digital lashes pop off the screen. With a little practice and patience, you'll be blending like a pro in no time!

4. Add Texture for a Natural Look

Texture is the secret ingredient that gives your eyelashes a realistic touch. Let's add some texture to your eyelashes using Procreate's eyelash brush and see the difference it makes.

Understanding Textures

Let's be real, no two eyelashes are the same. They have varied thickness, curl patterns, and lengths. That's where texture comes in. It helps bring these individual characteristics to life in your digital artwork. In Procreate, you can use different brushes or even adjust the settings of your eyelash brush to create unique textures.

Applying Texture

Now, let's get down to business and add some texture. Begin by applying a base layer of eyelashes with your chosen eyelash brush in Procreate. Next, select a different brush with a more textured effect and lightly draw over your base layer. This adds a layer of texture, giving your eyelashes a three-dimensional look. Remember, less is more when it comes to texture. It's all about subtle variations!

Texture Tips

Here are a couple of tips to get the most out of your texture game. Try alternating the size and pressure of your brush strokes to mimic the natural variation in eyelashes. You can also play with the opacity settings of your eyelash brush in Procreate to create a more subtle texture. And finally, don't forget to have fun with it. After all, Procreate is all about unleashing your creativity!

5. Create Dynamic Lighting Effects

Now, let's take your eyelash art to another level with dynamic lighting. Lighting doesn't just illuminate your subject—it adds depth, dimension, and a touch of drama. Creating realistic lighting effects with your eyelash brush in Procreate might sound challenging, but with a bit of practice, it's entirely doable. So let's shine a light on this fascinating process!

Lighting Basics

Before you jump right into creating lighting effects, it's important to grasp the basics. Light affects how we perceive shape, color, and depth. Depending on its source, intensity, and angle, it can dramatically alter the appearance of your eyelashes. So, when you start to add lighting effects, consider where the light is coming from and how strong it is. Think about how it will cast shadows and create highlights on the eyelashes.

Creating Lighting Effects

Are you ready to make your eyelash art pop? Let's get started. First, choose a light source direction for your artwork. Now, using a soft, low-opacity brush, begin to add highlights to the eyelashes where the light hits them. Don't forget to add shadows where the light doesn't reach. This will give your eyelashes a sense of depth and realism. Remember, mastering lighting effects with your eyelash brush in Procreate takes practice, so don't be disheartened if it doesn't look perfect the first time. Keep experimenting!

Lighting Tips

Here's a little light of wisdom—don't go overboard with the highlights. Subtlety is key when it comes to creating realistic lighting effects. Also, the color of the light can affect how the eyelashes appear. For example, a warm light can add a golden hue to the eyelashes, while a cool light can make them appear bluish. So play around with different light colors and see what works best for your artwork. With a bit of practice, you'll soon be creating dynamic, eye-catching eyelashes with your Procreate brush!

If you're looking to take your Procreate skills to the next level after mastering eyelash brush techniques, check out the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning animations using both Procreate and Photoshop, opening up a world of possibilities for your digital art creations.