Advanced Procreate Typography: Pro Tips & Techniques

Published on 7 August 2023 10 min read

Procreate Typography Basics
Pro Tip 1: Tracing Letters
Pro Tip 2: Blending Colors
Pro Tip 3: Using Texture Brushes
Pro Tip 4: Creating Shadows
Pro Tip 5: Layering Letters
Technique 1: Hand Lettering
Technique 2: Calligraphy
Technique 3: Typography Art
Technique 4: 3D Typography

Welcome to the world of advanced typography in Procreate, where creativity meets technology and a whole new universe of artistic possibilities unfolds right before your eyes. Exploring advanced typography techniques in Procreate can truly elevate your digital designs, making them more dynamic, engaging, and visually appealing. So, let's dive right into it and start enhancing your Procreate skills.

Procreate Typography Basics

Before we jump into the advanced techniques, let's go over a few basics of typography in Procreate. It's a bit like learning to crawl before you can walk — but don't worry, you'll be running in no time!

Firstly, you need to understand that typography in Procreate is not just about selecting a font and typing out a message. It's about using letters as a form of art. In Procreate, you can manipulate letters in a variety of ways to create a unique design.

Here are a few basic steps to get you started:

Choosing a Font: Procreate comes with a variety of built-in fonts you can use. To select a font, click on the "Actions" tab, select "Add", and then "Text". A new text layer will appear where you can type your text and choose your desired font.
Resizing Text: To resize your text, use the arrow tool located on the top left of your screen. You can then drag the corners of the bounding box to adjust the size of your text.
Changing Text Color: To change the color of your text, first select the text layer, then click on the color circle at the top right of the screen. A color disc will appear where you can select your desired color.
Adjusting Letter Spacing: In Procreate, you can also adjust the spacing between your letters, also known as kerning. To adjust kerning, select your text layer, click on the "AA" icon, and then adjust the "Kerning" slider to your liking.

Now that you've got a handle on the basics, let's move on to some more advanced typography in Procreate techniques. And remember, practice makes perfect — so don't be afraid to experiment and play around with different settings to find what works best for you.

Pro Tip 1: Tracing Letters

Let's take our first step into advanced typography in Procreate. Tracing letters can be a game-changer for your typography designs. It allows you to create more intricate and personalized letterforms, which can add a unique touch to your work.

Find Your Inspiration: You can start by finding a font or style you like. It can be anything — from a magazine headline to a vintage sign. Don't worry about copying it exactly, just use it as a starting point.
Create a New Layer: Start a new layer above your inspiration image. This is where you'll do your tracing. Remember to reduce the opacity of the original image so you can see your tracing clearly.
Choose Your Brush: Choose a brush that suits your style. For a more hand-drawn look, try using the 6B Pencil. If you're going for a more modern, clean look, the Monoline brush might be your new best friend.
Start Tracing: Now comes the fun part. Start tracing the letters, making sure to add your personal touch. Don't worry if it's not perfect — remember, it's supposed to be uniquely yours.

Tracing letters is a great way to practice and develop your own style. Plus, it's a lot of fun! So why not give it a try on your next Procreate project?

Pro Tip 2: Blending Colors

Here's another technique for advanced typography in Procreate — blending colors. This can add depth and interest to your typography, making it more eye-catching and unique. Here's how you can do it:

Choose Your Colors: Start by selecting two or more colors that you want to blend. You might choose colors that are next to each other on the color wheel for a harmonious look, or colors that are opposite each other for a bit more contrast.
Layer Your Colors: Next, add your first color to the letters you've traced or drawn. Then, on a new layer, add your second color where you want the blend to occur.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Now for the magic part. Use the Soft Airbrush or the Smudge tool to blend the colors together. Be gentle and take your time — blending is an art, not a race.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to play around with different colors and blending techniques. You never know what amazing combinations you might discover.

Blending colors can give your typography a whole new dimension. It's a simple technique, but the results can be truly stunning. So why not mix things up a little on your next Procreate project?

Pro Tip 3: Using Texture Brushes

All right, let's dive into our third pro tip for advanced typography in Procreate. This time, we're focusing on using texture brushes. Texture brushes can give your letters a unique, tactile quality that really makes them stand out.

Know Your Brushes: Procreate comes packed with a variety of texture brushes. From gritty and grainy to smooth and soft, there's a brush for every mood and style.
Try Them Out: Don't be shy. Explore different texture brushes on your letters to see what effects you can create. You might use one brush for the main body of the letters and another for the edges to create a sense of depth.
Customize: Remember, you can adjust the settings of your brushes to suit your needs. Play around with the size, opacity, and pressure settings to get the look you want.
Keep It Consistent: When you're using texture brushes, try to keep the same brush style throughout your design. This will give your typography a cohesive and professional look.

Using texture brushes is a fun and easy way to add character to your typography. So go on, get your hands dirty and start brushing!

Pro Tip 4: Creating Shadows

Next up in our exploration of advanced typography in Procreate is the art of creating shadows. Adding shadows to your letters can give your work a tangible, 3D look that truly pops off the page. So, how do you achieve this effect?

Choose Your Direction: First things first, decide where your light source is coming from. The direction of the light determines where the shadow will fall. Is it from the top left? Bottom right? Straight above? You decide.
Layer It Up: Create a new layer under your text. This is where you'll draw your shadows. By keeping your shadows on a separate layer, you can easily adjust them without affecting your original text.
Go Dark, But Not Too Dark: Choose a color for your shadow that's darker than your text, but not black. A very dark version of your text color often works well. Remember, shadows are subtle!
Blur It Out: Soften your shadows by applying a Gaussian blur. This will give your shadows a realistic, diffused look.
Adjust Opacity: Finally, play around with the opacity of your shadow layer. Lowering the opacity can make your shadows look more natural and less harsh.

There you have it. With a little bit of shadow play, you can add depth and dimension to your typography in Procreate. Happy shadowing!

Pro Tip 5: Layering Letters

Layering letters is another powerful technique in the world of advanced typography in Procreate. It's all about creating depth and interest by having letters overlap each other. This may sound simple, but it can be tricky to get just right. Let's break it down:

Choose Your Letters Wisely: Not all letters play well together. Look for letters that have shapes that complement each other. Round letters like 'O' and 'C' can nestle nicely into the curves of 'B' or 'P'.
Go for Contrast: Layering works best when there's a clear contrast between the letters. This could be a contrast in color, size, or font. Mix and match until you find a combination that stands out.
Master the Move Tool: Procreate's Move Tool is your best friend when it comes to layering. This tool allows you to position your letters precisely where you want them. Remember, sometimes a small shift can make a big difference.
Overlap with Care: When you're arranging your letters, be mindful of readability. If letters overlap too much, they can become difficult to read. The key is to find a balance between aesthetic appeal and clarity.
Experiment with Opacity: Try lowering the opacity of your top layer to let the bottom layer peek through. This can create a cool, ghostly effect that adds an extra layer of intrigue to your design.

Layering letters can be a fun way to experiment with different looks and styles. It's all about playing around and seeing what works best for you. So why not give it a try in your next Procreate typography project?

Technique 1: Hand Lettering

Hand lettering is a timeless technique that is greatly valued in the world of advanced typography in Procreate. It involves drawing letters by hand, which allows for a unique, personalized touch that can't be achieved with standard fonts. It's like the difference between a ready-made shirt and a tailor-made one. Intriguing, isn't it? Let's look at some ways to get started with hand lettering:

Start with the Basics: Before you dive into creating intricate letter designs, it's important to learn the basics. This includes understanding the anatomy of a letter and practicing simple strokes. It's like learning to walk before you run.
Use Guidelines: Guidelines are not just for school notebooks. In hand lettering, they help you maintain the correct size and alignment of your letters. Procreate has a built-in guide feature that you can use for this purpose. It's like having training wheels on a bicycle.
Experiment with Styles: One of the best things about hand lettering is that you can create your own unique style. Try out different letter shapes, line thicknesses, and embellishments. It's like trying on different outfits to see which one suits you best.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Hand lettering is a skill that improves with practice. The more you do it, the better you'll get. So, don't get disheartened if your first few attempts don't turn out as you hoped. Keep going, and you'll soon see improvement. It's like learning to play a musical instrument.

To sum it up, hand lettering in Procreate offers a world of opportunities for you to express your creativity. It’s not just about making pretty letters, but also about putting your heart and soul into your work. Are you ready to give hand lettering a shot?

Technique 2: Calligraphy

Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, takes advanced typography in Procreate to the next level. It's like the difference between a regular meal and a gourmet feast. Let's explore how you can add the elegance of calligraphy to your Procreate portfolio:

Master Basic Strokes: Just like in hand lettering, mastering basic strokes is the key to successful calligraphy. Take time to practice upstrokes, downstrokes, and curves before moving onto letterforms.
Understand Pressure Sensitivity: Calligraphy is all about thick and thin lines, which are achieved by varying pressure on the stylus. Procreate's pressure sensitivity feature is your best friend here. Remember, it's like driving a car — the harder you press the accelerator, the faster you go.
Choose the Right Brush: Procreate offers a range of calligraphy brushes. Experiment with them to find the one that gives you the desired thickness and smoothness. It's like finding the perfect pair of shoes for a special occasion.
Keep Consistency: Consistency in letterforms is crucial in calligraphy. Maintain a steady angle and even spacing to give your work a professional look. It's like keeping the beat in a song.

Calligraphy in Procreate is like a dance of the stylus on the digital canvas. It's an art that demands patience and practice but rewards you with stunning results. So, are you ready to waltz your way to beautiful calligraphy?

Technique 3: Typography Art

Typography art is a fascinating form of advanced typography in Procreate. It combines letters and design elements to create visually stunning pieces. Think of it as a puzzle where each piece is a unique letter or symbol. Let's dive into some pro tips to master typography art:

Start with a Sketch: Like any other art form, planning is key. Sketch out your idea before you start. It helps you visualize the end product and make changes without much hassle. It's like having a roadmap on a long journey.
Choose Your Words Wisely: Since words are your primary design elements in typography art, choose them wisely. They should be meaningful and also visually appealing when combined. It's like picking the right ingredients for a unique recipe.
Play with Fonts and Sizes: The beauty of typography art lies in its diversity. Don't hesitate to mix and match different fonts and sizes. It's like adding different colors to your painting — each one adds a unique touch.
Include Design Elements: Besides letters and words, incorporate other design elements like shapes, lines, and symbols to add depth to your typography art. It's like sprinkling spices on your dish for that extra zing.

Creating typography art in Procreate is like weaving a beautiful tapestry with threads of different colors, textures, and lengths. It's a process that allows you to express your creativity in a whole new way. So, are you ready to create your unique typography art masterpiece?

Technique 4: 3D Typography

Imagine your typography jumping right off the canvas at you. That's the magic of 3D typography in Procreate. It adds depth and dimension to your letters, making them feel almost tangible. So, how do you achieve this effect? Let's get into it:

Start with Bold Letters: Bold letters work best for 3D typography. They have ample space to add depth and shadows, which are crucial to creating a 3D effect. It's like choosing a wide canvas for your painting.
Draw the Depth: Next, you extend lines from the corners of each letter and connect them. This creates the illusion of depth. It's like drawing a cube instead of a square.
Add Shadows: Shadows play a vital role in 3D typography. They give the illusion of light falling on the letters, enhancing the 3D effect. It's like shading in a sketch to make it appear realistic.
Play with Colors: Use varying shades of the same color for the letter and its depth to create a cohesive 3D effect. It's like using different shades of blue to paint the sea and the sky.

3D typography in Procreate allows your words to come to life. It's an advanced typography technique that can make your designs stand out and leave a lasting impression. So, why not give it a try and add a new dimension to your typography skills?

If you're looking to further improve your Procreate typography skills, don't miss the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to bring your typography to life by incorporating animation techniques using both Procreate and Photoshop. Expand your skillset and elevate your creative projects with this amazing workshop.