5 Essential Procreate Techniques for Lettering

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Procreate is a fantastic tool for digital artists, especially those interested in lettering. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, the app offers a myriad of features to help you create stunning lettering art. From mastering the basics of the alphabet to experimenting with the flat brush Procreate offers, this blog will guide you through five essential techniques to elevate your Procreate lettering journey.

1. Get Familiar with Procreate

Before you start creating beautiful lettering, it's important to get comfortable with Procreate's interface. Think of it as your digital art studio—it's where you'll spend a lot of time, so let's get familiar with it.

Explore the Interface

Procreate's interface is quite straightforward. Here's what you need to know:

Canvas: This is your workspace where you'll create your art.
Toolbar: Located at the top, it contains options for painting, erasing, and smudging. It's also where you'll find adjustments for effects like blur and noise.
Layers Panel: On the right, you can add, hide, or rearrange layers.
Colors: The disc, classic, value, and palette options allow you to choose your desired color.

Navigate the Layers

Layers are your best friend in Procreate—they allow you to work on different parts of your design without affecting the rest. You can think of layers like sheets of tracing paper stacked on top of each other. You can add a new layer by tapping on the "+" icon in the layers panel. Keep in mind that Procreate's flat brush works wonders on a separate layer, allowing you to create distinct line work that can be edited independently.

Utilize the Brush Library

Procreate's brush library is like a painter's dream. With a variety of brushes at your disposal, you can create unique styles and effects. Specifically, the flat brush Procreate offers can be a game-changer for your lettering. Here's why:

Versatility: The flat brush is perfect for both thick and thin strokes, making it ideal for lettering.
Texture: The brush has a unique texture that gives your lettering a distinct feel. It's like having a real paintbrush, but without the mess!
Control: With adjustable settings, you can change the size, opacity, and flow of the brush to suit your needs.

So, take some time to explore the brush library and find your favorite brushes. Remember, the flat brush Procreate offers can be a great starting point for your lettering journey.

2. Master Basic Lettering

Once you've familiarized yourself with Procreate's interface, it's time to dive into the world of lettering. The beauty of lettering lies in its versatility—you can create anything from a simple handwritten note to a complex typographical masterpiece. But first, let's start with the basics.

Learn the Alphabet

It may sound simple, but mastering the alphabet is the first step to becoming a pro at lettering. Each letter has its own unique shape and flow. Take the time to study and practice each one. One effective method is to use the flat brush Procreate provides to write out each letter individually. This will help you understand how to make each stroke and achieve the right balance between thick and thin lines.

Practice Consistency

Consistency is key in lettering. It gives your work a professional and cohesive look. You can achieve this by:

Spacing: Maintain consistent spaces between your letters and words.
Stroke Width: Keep your strokes consistent. The flat brush Procreate offers can help you maintain uniform thickness.
Size: Ensure all your letters are of a similar size unless you're intentionally varying them for creative effect.

Develop Your Own Style

While it's important to learn from others, developing your own unique style is what will set you apart. Start by copying different fonts and styles you like. Then, experiment with various elements—change up the slant, add flourishes, or play with different flat brush Procreate settings. The goal is to mix and match until you find a style that is distinctly yours. Remember, this process takes time, so don't rush it. Enjoy the journey!

3. Utilize Layers Effectively

Mastering layers is like discovering a secret weapon in your Procreate arsenal. Layers can seriously level up your lettering game, allowing you to experiment without fear. Let's delve into some ways to use layers effectively.

Understand Layer Masks

Layer masks let you hide parts of your layer without deleting them—think of it as a non-destructive eraser. Here's how you can use it:

Non-Destructive Editing: Want to see how your lettering looks without that flourish? Use a layer mask to hide it. If you change your mind later, you can simply unhide it.
Creating Effects: You can also use layer masks to create interesting effects. For instance, try using a texture brush on a layer mask to give your flat brush Procreate lettering a distressed look.

Explore Blending Modes

Ever wondered how to create that cool watercolor blend in your lettering? The answer is blending modes. Blending modes determine how your layer interacts with the layers below it. Experiment with different blending modes to add depth and dimension to your flat brush Procreate lettering.

Learn to Group Layers

As your lettering pieces become more complex, you'll find yourself working with dozens of layers. Grouping related layers together can keep your workspace organized and make your process more efficient. For example, you might want to group all the layers related to your background in one group and have another for your lettering. It's a simple step, but it can make a world of difference in your workflow.

4. Create Dynamic Lettering

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to add some pizzazz to your lettering. Here's how you can create dynamic, eye-catching lettering pieces in Procreate:

Add Shadows and Depth

Adding shadows to your lettering can bring it to life. It's like giving your flat brush Procreate letters a 3D effect. Here's how:

Create a new layer: Duplicate your lettering layer and shift it a bit. This will act as your shadow.
Choose your color: Black or dark grey works well for most shadows. But don't be afraid to use colors. A blue shadow under a yellow letter can create a stunning effect.
Blend it: Use the Gaussian blur slider to soften your shadow. The further you slide, the softer your shadow gets.

Play With Colors

Color can evoke emotions, set a mood, and add visual interest. Procreate's color wheel and palettes make color exploration a breeze. Try an ombre effect, or use the color drop feature to fill your flat brush Procreate letters with a gradient. The possibilities are endless!

Incorporate Textures

Textures can add a tactile dimension to your digital lettering, making it feel more real. You can experiment with the different brushes in Procreate's library, or import your own texture images. For example, you can use the flat brush in Procreate to create a chalk-like texture for a rustic, hand-drawn feel.

Now that you've created your masterpiece, it's time to show it off. Here's how to export and share your Procreate lettering:

Use Export Options

Procreate provides you with a range of export options. You can export your work as a JPEG, PNG, PDF, or even as an animated GIF. Remember to choose the format that best suits your needs. For example, if you've created a flat brush Procreate lettering with transparent background, you'll want to export it as a PNG.

Social media platforms are a great way to display your work and reach a wider audience. Instagram, for instance, is a popular platform for artists and can be a fantastic place to share your Procreate lettering. Remember, it's not just about sharing your work — it's also about engaging with your audience. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and be part of the community!

Create a Digital Portfolio

A digital portfolio is a professional way to showcase your work. There are many platforms available, from Behance to your own personal website. When uploading your work, remember to include details like the tools and techniques used (like flat brush Procreate lettering), the inspiration behind your piece, and any challenges you faced. This not only showcases your work but also your thought process and problem-solving skills.

If you're fascinated by Procreate and want to expand your skillset beyond lettering, be sure to explore the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to bring your lettering and illustrations to life by creating animations using both Procreate and Photoshop. Don't miss this opportunity to level up your creative talents!