Create Your Own Procreate Outline Brush: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 10 min read

Contents

Why Use an Outline Brush in Procreate

Creating Your Own Outline Brush Procreate

Customization Tips for Your Outline Brush Procreate

Best Practices for Using Your Outline Brush Procreate

Finding Inspiration for Your Outline Brush Procreate Art

If you're looking to level up your digital art in Procreate, an outline brush might just be the game-changer you need. In this guide, we'll cover why an outline brush is a must-have in your Procreate toolkit, and we'll walk you through creating your very own custom outline brush. So, let's dive into the world of outline brushes and unleash your creativity!

Why Use an Outline Brush in Procreate

An outline brush in Procreate can elevate your art, streamline your workflow, and provide versatility in your creations. Let's explore the benefits of using an outline brush in more detail.

Enhance Your Artwork

One of the main reasons to use an outline brush in Procreate is to make your artwork more eye-catching and visually appealing. The right outline brush can:

  • Define the edges of your subject, making it pop against the background.
  • Give your artwork a polished, professional look.
  • Help you create clean, consistent lines that are easier to control and manipulate.

Improve Your Workflow

Time is a valuable asset for any artist, and an outline brush can save you heaps of it. Here's how:

  • Speed up the drawing process: With an outline brush, you can create clean lines and shapes more quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your artwork.
  • Eliminate the need for multiple tools: Instead of using multiple brushes or tools to create outlines, you can have one versatile outline brush that can handle it all.
  • Enable easy edits: If you need to make changes to your outlines, it's much simpler with a dedicated outline brush—you can easily adjust the lines and tweak your design.

Versatility of Outline Brushes

Outline brushes in Procreate come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, which means they can be used for a wide range of projects. Whether you're working on:

  • Character designs
  • Typography and lettering
  • Logos and branding
  • Comic book panels
  • Or any other type of digital art

An outline brush can help you achieve the perfect look for your project.

Creating Your Own Outline Brush Procreate

Now that you know the benefits of using an outline brush in Procreate, let's move on to the exciting part—creating your very own custom outline brush! Don't worry if you're new to this; we'll guide you through each step to help you craft the perfect outline brush for your digital art projects.

Adjusting Brush Settings

To begin creating your outline brush procreate, first, open the brush library and tap the "+" icon to create a new brush. The brush settings panel will appear, where you'll start customizing your brush. Here's what you need to know:

  • Spacing: Adjust the spacing slider to control the distance between brush stamps. A lower value creates a smoother line, while a higher value creates a more dotted appearance.
  • Streamline: Increase the streamline value to stabilize your brush strokes, making it easier to create smooth, clean lines.
  • Jitter: This setting adds randomness to the brush strokes. For an outline brush, you'll want to keep this low or at zero to maintain consistent lines.

Defining the Shape Source

Next, you'll define the shape source for your outline brush procreate. This determines the basic structure of your brush strokes. Follow these steps:

  1. Tap the "Shape" tab in the brush settings panel.
  2. Select "Edit" to choose an existing shape or "Import" to add a custom shape from your device.
  3. Adjust the "Scatter" and "Rotation" settings to control the behavior of the shape as you draw. For outline brushes, you'll typically want low scatter and rotation values.

Experiment with different shapes to find the one that best suits your desired outline style.

Selecting the Grain Source

The grain source adds texture to your brush strokes, giving your outline brush procreate a unique appearance. Here's how to select and customize the grain source:

  1. Tap the "Grain" tab in the brush settings panel.
  2. Choose "Edit" to modify an existing grain or "Import" to add a custom grain from your device.
  3. Adjust the "Scale" and "Depth" sliders to control the size and intensity of the grain texture.

Remember, the grain source can greatly impact the look of your outlines, so take your time to find the perfect balance between texture and clarity.

Adding Final Touches

Once you've adjusted the brush settings, shape source, and grain source, it's time to add the finishing touches to your outline brush procreate. Consider these final adjustments:

  • Opacity: Set the opacity limits to control the transparency of your brush strokes. If you want solid outlines, keep the opacity high.
  • Blend mode: Choose a blend mode that works well with your art style. For most outline brushes, the "Normal" blend mode is a good choice.
  • Size limits: Adjust the minimum and maximum size limits to ensure your brush strokes stay within your desired range.

Now, you have a custom outline brush ready to use in your Procreate projects!

Customization Tips for Your Outline Brush Procreate

Now that you've created your own outline brush, let's explore some tips for further customization and experimentation. Remember, the more you tweak and play with your brush settings, the more unique and personalized your outline brush procreate will become.

Customization Tips for Your Outline Brush Procreate

Now that you've successfully crafted your own outline brush procreate, let's dive into some tips that will help you further customize and refine your brush to better suit your style and preferences. Remember, there's no limit to how much you can experiment with your brush settings, so don't be afraid to try new things and make your outline brush truly unique.

Adjusting Pressure Sensitivity

One of the key aspects that can greatly impact your drawing experience is pressure sensitivity. By adjusting the pressure settings, you can ensure that your outline brush procreate responds accordingly to your drawing style and pen pressure:

  • Pressure curve: In the brush settings panel, navigate to the "Pencil" tab and modify the pressure curve to control how the brush responds to different levels of pressure. A steeper curve will result in more significant changes with slight pressure variations, while a flatter curve will provide a more consistent stroke.
  • Pressure settings: Experiment with the "Size" and "Opacity" pressure settings to create a more dynamic brush. This will enable the brush to respond to pressure changes, allowing you to create varying line thicknesses and opacities with a single stroke.

Take your time to find the perfect pressure sensitivity settings that best match your drawing style and preferences.

Tweaking Taper Settings

Another way to customize your outline brush procreate is by fine-tuning the taper settings. This will help you create more natural-looking, tapered ends for your brush strokes, adding an extra level of polish to your artwork:

  1. Head over to the "Taper" tab in the brush settings panel.
  2. Adjust the "Pressure Taper" sliders to control the length and appearance of the taper at the beginning and end of your strokes based on pressure.
  3. Experiment with the "Touch Taper" sliders if you're using a non-pressure sensitive stylus or your finger to draw.

By tweaking the taper settings, you can achieve smoother transitions and more refined lines, elevating the overall quality of your artwork.

Creating Unique Effects

Unleash your creativity and experiment with various settings to create unique effects for your outline brush procreate. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Color dynamics: Add some color variation to your outline brush by adjusting the "Color Dynamics" settings in the brush settings panel. This can introduce subtle color shifts to your strokes, adding depth and interest to your artwork.
  • Glaze effect: To create a glaze effect, try setting the brush's blend mode to "Multiply" or "Overlay" and lower the opacity. This will allow underlying colors to show through and interact with your outline, creating a more painterly feel.
  • Texture brushes: If you're looking for a more textured outline, consider importing a textured image as your grain source, or experiment with the "Grain" settings to create a more organic, textured outline brush.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and explore different effects to make your outline brush procreate truly one-of-a-kind.

With these customization tips in mind, you're well on your way to mastering your outline brush procreate and creating stunning digital art. Remember, the key is to experiment and have fun—there's no limit to what you can achieve!

Best Practices for Using Your Outline Brush Procreate

Now that you've customized your outline brush procreate to your liking, it's time to put it to use and create some fantastic artwork. To help you get the most out of your new brush, let's explore some best practices for using your outline brush procreate effectively and efficiently. These tips will guide you in perfecting your digital art techniques and ensuring that your artwork stands out from the crowd.

Layer Management

Layers are a powerful feature in Procreate that can help you stay organized and maintain flexibility while working on your art. Here are some tips to consider when managing layers with your outline brush procreate:

  • Separate elements: Use separate layers for different elements of your artwork, such as outlines, colors, and textures. This allows you to easily edit and adjust each element without affecting the others.
  • Group layers: Keep your workspace tidy by grouping related layers together. This not only keeps everything organized but also allows you to apply adjustments or effects to multiple layers at once.
  • Use layer masks: Instead of erasing parts of your outline, try using layer masks. This non-destructive method allows you to hide or reveal parts of your outline without permanently deleting them—giving you more flexibility to make changes later on.

By managing your layers effectively, you'll have more control over your artwork and make it easier to fine-tune your creations using your outline brush procreate.

Effective Stroke Techniques

Mastering different stroke techniques can enhance the look and feel of your artwork. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your outline brush procreate:

  • Varied pressure: Experiment with different pressure levels while drawing to create a range of line thicknesses and opacities. This will add depth and interest to your artwork, making it more visually appealing.
  • Smooth lines: To achieve smoother, more controlled lines, try increasing the streamline setting in your brush settings. This will help your strokes flow more naturally and reduce any wobbles or inconsistencies in your lines.
  • Stylus control: Practice using your stylus or Apple Pencil at different angles and with varying grips to discover the most comfortable and effective way for you to draw with your outline brush procreate.

By refining your stroke techniques, you'll be able to create more polished and dynamic artwork that truly showcases your skills and creativity.

Choosing Color Combinations

Color plays a significant role in the overall impact of your artwork. When using your outline brush procreate, consider the following tips to select color combinations that will enhance your creations:

  • Color schemes: Explore different color schemes, such as complementary, analogous, or triadic, to create harmonious and visually appealing artwork. You can use Procreate's built-in color harmony tool to help you find the perfect palette.
  • Contrast: Utilize contrasting colors for your outline and background or other elements to create a more striking and eye-catching piece of art.
  • Experiment: Don't be afraid to try out different color combinations and see how they affect the mood and atmosphere of your artwork. Sometimes, unexpected color choices can lead to stunning results.

By carefully considering your color choices, you can create artwork that not only looks beautiful but also effectively communicates your artistic vision with your outline brush procreate.

Armed with these best practices, you're ready to create stunning digital art using your outline brush procreate. Remember, practice makes perfect—so keep experimenting, honing your skills, and, most importantly, enjoying the creative process!

Finding Inspiration for Your Outline Brush Procreate Art

Now that you've mastered the techniques and best practices for using your outline brush procreate, you might be wondering where to find inspiration for your next digital masterpiece. Fear not! In this section, we'll explore various sources of inspiration that can spark your creativity and help you produce stunning artwork using your outline brush procreate.

Connecting with the Artist Community

One of the best ways to find inspiration is by connecting with fellow artists who share your passion for digital art. Engaging with the artist community can help you:

  • Discover new techniques: By observing and discussing the work of others, you can learn about different techniques and approaches that can help you improve your own skills with the outline brush procreate.
  • Receive feedback: Sharing your artwork with others can provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism that can help you refine your art and grow as an artist.

Consider joining online forums, Facebook groups, or art-focused Discord servers to connect with other creatives who use Procreate. You can also attend local workshops or art meetups to engage with the artist community in person.

Exploring Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are treasure troves of artistic inspiration. Here are some ways to use social media for inspiration:

  • Follow artists: Keep up with the work of your favorite artists and discover new ones by following their accounts. This will expose you to a variety of styles and ideas that can inspire your own outline brush procreate art.
  • Participate in challenges: Many artists host drawing challenges or prompt lists on social media, which can be a fun way to push your creativity and try new things with your outline brush procreate.

Remember to engage with the content you enjoy by liking, commenting, and sharing. This will not only help support the artists you admire but also foster a sense of community and connection within the digital art world.

Visiting Art Galleries and Exhibitions

Exploring art galleries and exhibitions can be a fantastic source of inspiration for your outline brush procreate art. By viewing different artworks, you can:

  • Expand your horizons: Seeing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums can broaden your perspective and encourage you to think outside the box when creating your own art using the outline brush procreate.
  • Learn from the masters: Observing the techniques and compositions of renowned artists can provide valuable insights that you can apply to your own work.

Don't limit yourself to just digital art exhibitions—traditional art forms can offer just as much inspiration for your outline brush procreate creations. Keep an open mind and let the beauty of the art world fuel your imagination and creativity.

In conclusion, inspiration can be found in many places, from connecting with the artist community to exploring social media and visiting art galleries. By seeking out diverse sources of inspiration and incorporating what you learn into your own work, you'll continue to grow and evolve as an artist—creating captivating, unique pieces of art using your outline brush procreate.

If you enjoyed learning about creating your own Procreate outline brush, you'll love the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will guide you through the process of drawing a fruit in Procreate, further enhancing your digital illustration skills and creativity.