Creating Custom Stickers in Procreate: A Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

If you've been wondering how to make stickers in Procreate, you've come to the right place. This guide will provide you a step-by-step process to create unique, personalized stickers using this powerful digital illustration app. Let's dive right into it.

1. Get Familiar with Procreate

Before we start designing stickers, it's important that you feel comfortable using Procreate. This app is packed full of features that make it a fantastic tool for creating digital art, including stickers. So, let's take a tour:

Navigating the Interface

When you first open Procreate, you'll see a gallery of your projects. To start a new one, you simply tap the '+' icon. But that's just the beginning. The true power of Procreate lies in its versatile workspace. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Canvas: The blank space where you'll create your art.
Toolbar: Located at the top, it has options for painting, erasing, adjusting layers, and more.
Slider: Found on the left, it controls brush size and opacity.
Color Wheel: On the top right, for choosing colors.

Using the Brush Library

Procreate boasts a diverse brush library that can bring your stickers to life. Each brush has a unique texture and can be customized to your preference. You can also create your very own brushes. Remember, the right brush can add depth and personality to your sticker designs.

Adjusting Canvas Settings

Canvas settings are vital when you're figuring out how to make stickers in Procreate. You can adjust the size of your canvas based on your sticker's intended use. For instance, a sticker for a phone case might require a different canvas size than a bumper sticker. You can also change the DPI (dots per inch) settings; a higher DPI ensures a better print quality for your stickers.

Now that you're familiar with Procreate, it's time to let your creativity flow and design your sticker. So, let's proceed to the fun part, shall we?

2. Design Your Sticker

Designing your sticker is where your creativity truly shines. This is the stage where you transform your ideas into visual elements. So, let's find out how to make stickers in Procreate that stand out and capture attention.

Choosing a Theme

Before you start sketching, it's a good idea to decide on a theme for your sticker. Your theme could be anything—from your favorite movie character to a motivational quote or a colorful pattern. The key is to choose something that resonates with you or your intended audience. Remember, a well-chosen theme can make your sticker more appealing and meaningful.

Sketching Your Design

Once you've chosen your theme, it's time to sketch your design. Start by creating a new layer for your sketch. Use a pencil brush for this initial sketching phase, as it closely mimics the feel of sketching on paper. Don't worry about being precise, this stage is all about getting your ideas onto the canvas.

Coloring Your Sticker

Now comes the exciting part—adding color to your sketch. If you're wondering how to make stickers in Procreate that pop, color is your answer! Create a new layer underneath your sketch and start filling in with colors. Procreate's extensive color palette allows you to experiment until you find the perfect combination. Remember, contrasting colors can add a vibrant dynamic to your design.

With your sticker now taking shape, it's time to refine your artwork and add those details that will make your sticker truly special. Ready? Let's go!

3. Refine Your Artwork

Now that you've sketched and colored your design, it's time to refine your artwork. This phase is all about adding depth and character to your sticker, making it more visually appealing. Here's how to make stickers in Procreate that not only look good but also tell a story.

Adding Shadows and Highlights

Shadows and highlights are your secret weapons when it comes to bringing your sticker to life. Start by creating a new layer above your color layer. Use a soft brush to add shadows and highlights, making sure to adjust the opacity to create a more natural effect. Remember, shadows usually appear on the parts that are away from the light source, while highlights are on the parts closer to it. This simple trick can add a 3D effect to your sticker, making it look more realistic.

Using Layers Effectively

Procreate's layer functionality is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your design process. For instance, you can use layers to separate different parts of your design, making it easier to edit specific elements without affecting the others. Want to change the color of the background without disturbing your main design? Just select the background layer and color away! Understanding how to effectively use layers is a crucial step in learning how to make stickers in Procreate.

Final Touches

Now that you've added shadows, highlights, and mastered the use of layers, it's time to add the final touches. This could be anything from adding a textured effect to your sticker, to fine-tuning the colors, to adding a border around your design. The final touches are all about polishing your design and adding that unique touch that makes your sticker truly yours.

With your artwork now refined and polished, it's time to prepare your sticker for printing. Excited? Let's dive in!

4. Prepare for Printing

With your artwork refined and ready to impress, it's time to prep it for the real world. Here's how to make stickers in Procreate that will look just as amazing in print as they do on your screen.

Creating a Cut Line

First, you'll want to create a cut line. This is the line that guides where your sticker will be cut out. To do this, make a new layer on top of your sticker design, then trace around your sticker using a hard brush. Remember to keep it a little bit away from your design to avoid any important elements getting cut off. Once you're done, change the color of the cut line to something that stands out, like bright red or blue. This will make it easier for the person cutting your stickers to see where they need to cut.

Setting Up Bleeds

Next, let's talk about bleeds. No, not the kind you might get from a paper cut. In printing, a bleed is an area of your design that extends beyond the cut lines to ensure that there are no unprinted edges in the final product. To set up bleeds in Procreate, simply extend your background color or design elements beyond your cut line. This ensures your sticker looks professional, even if there's a slight shift during the cutting process.

Exporting Your Design

Finally, it's time to export your design. But wait, what format should you use? If you're sending your design to a professional printer, they'll likely want a high-resolution PDF. If you're printing at home, a JPEG or PNG might suffice. Either way, ensure you're exporting at the highest quality possible to keep your stickers looking sharp. Once you've done this, give yourself a pat on the back. You're now a step closer to bringing your Procreate stickers to life.

Are you ready to take it to the next level? Let's move on to printing and cutting your stickers!

5. Printing and Cutting

Now, let's turn those digital designs into tangible stickers! Here's how to bring your Procreate creations into the physical realm. Ready?

Choosing the Right Sticker Paper

First things first: sticker paper. There's a host of options out there—glossy, matte, clear, vinyl, you name it. Your choice will depend on the look and feel you want for your stickers. Glossy paper tends to make colors pop, while matte gives a more understated, sophisticated vibe. Clear and vinyl are great for durability. So, take a moment to think about where your stickers might end up. Water bottles? Laptops? Notebooks? The choice is yours!

Printing Your Stickers

Next up: printing. This step is pretty straightforward if you have a home printer. Just make sure your design is properly aligned on the page before you hit print. If you're using a professional printer, they'll handle this part. Either way, it's always a good idea to do a test print on regular paper first. This way, you can make sure everything looks just right before you print on your fancy sticker paper. Smart, right?

Cutting and Packaging

Finally, we've reached the cutting stage. If you're doing this by hand, a pair of precision scissors or a craft knife will do the trick. Just follow the cut line you created earlier. If you're using a cutting machine like a Cricut, make sure to set the machine to the correct settings for your sticker paper. Remember, slow and steady wins the race here.

And there you have it! You've learned how to make stickers in Procreate from start to finish. Now all that's left is to share them with the world. Whether you're sticking them on your notebook, giving them to friends, or even selling them, you've created something truly unique. Congrats!

If you enjoyed our guide on creating custom stickers in Procreate, you'll definitely want to check out the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will teach you step-by-step how to create stunning fruit illustrations in Procreate, which can be used to design your own unique stickers and more!