Creating Custom Stickers in Procreate: A Guide

Daisie Team -

Contents

1. Get Started with Procreate

2. Designing Your Sticker

3. Create a Sticker Sheet

4. Printing Your Stickers

5. Sell Your Stickers on Etsy

Creating custom stickers is a fun and creative way to express yourself. And with the Procreate app, you can easily turn your digital art into vibrant, tangible stickers. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your artistic journey, this guide will show you how to create custom Procreate stickers, from the initial design process to selling them on Etsy. So, let's dive into the wonderful world of Procreate stickers.

1. Get Started with Procreate

The first step in creating your Procreate stickers is getting familiar with the Procreate app itself. This involves downloading the app, navigating its interface, and choosing the right brushes for your design.

Download Procreate

The Procreate app is available on the Apple App Store. It's a paid app, but considering the wealth of features and tools it offers, it's definitely a worthwhile investment for any aspiring artist. Once you've downloaded and installed the app on your iPad or iPhone, you're ready to start creating your Procreate stickers.

Procreate's user interface might seem a bit daunting at first, but it's quite intuitive once you get the hang of it. Here are some key features to note:

  • The Gallery View is where you'll find all your artwork. This is the first screen you'll see when you open Procreate.
  • The Canvas is your workspace, where you'll be creating your Procreate stickers.
  • The Toolbar at the top contains all the tools you'll need, such as brushes, erasers, layers, and more.
  • The Color Picker, located on the top right, lets you choose the colors for your design.

Choose Your Brushes

Choosing the right brushes is a crucial part of the design process. Procreate offers a vast selection of brushes, each with its own unique texture and style. For starters, you might want to experiment with different brushes to see which ones suit your style best. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all brush—each design might require a different set of brushes. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the ones that work best for you.

2. Designing Your Sticker

Once you're comfortable with the Procreate interface and have your brushes ready, it's time to start designing your sticker. This involves sketching your design, adding color, and fine-tuning to perfection.

Sketch Your Design

Every great sticker starts with a sketch. Use your chosen brush to draw a rough outline of your design on a new layer. Don't worry about getting it perfect yet—this is just a guide to help you shape your final design. Whether it's a cute animal, a catchy phrase, or an abstract pattern, sketching allows you to visualize your idea and set the foundation for your Procreate sticker.

Add Color

Now comes the fun part—adding color to bring your design to life! Use the Color Picker to choose your colors. You can add color to your design by creating a new layer underneath your sketch and filling it in, allowing you to keep your original sketch intact. Remember to use colors that complement each other and match the mood of your design. Bright, vibrant colors can make your Procreate stickers pop, while softer, pastel shades can give a more relaxed, soothing vibe.

Fine-Tune Your Design

Once you've added color, it's time to fine-tune your design. This is where you can add those intricate details that make your Procreate stickers truly unique. You can also erase any sketch lines that are no longer needed. Lastly, play around with the opacity, saturation, and blend modes to truly make your design stand out. Remember, the key to a great sticker is in the details, so take your time in this step to perfect your design.

3. Create a Sticker Sheet

With your Procreate sticker design ready, it's time to compile your creations onto a sticker sheet. This step involves arranging your stickers, adding backgrounds and borders, and finally saving your sticker sheet.

Arrange Your Stickers

First, let's get your stickers in order. Create a new canvas and begin to arrange your stickers. You can adjust the size and position of each sticker to fit perfectly on your sheet. Remember, balance is key — you don't want your stickers to be too crowded or too spread out. Think of it like a puzzle, where each piece has its perfect spot.

Add Background and Borders

Now, let's add some flair to your sticker sheet. Add a background color that complements your stickers. You could also add borders or frames to each sticker. Not only does this make your Procreate stickers more eye-catching, but it also makes it easier to cut them out later.

Save Your Sticker Sheet

Once you're satisfied with your sticker sheet, it's time to save it. Make sure to save your sticker sheet in a high-quality format like PNG or JPEG to ensure the best print quality. And there you have it! Your Procreate sticker sheet is ready to be printed and shared with the world.

4. Printing Your Stickers

Now that you've created an awesome sheet of Procreate stickers, it's time to bring your designs to life. Let's go through the steps of printing your stickers, choosing the right sticker paper, adjusting print settings, and finally, cutting out your stickers.

Choose the Right Sticker Paper

First things first, you need the right sticker paper. There are different types, from glossy to matte, and the choice largely depends on the look you're going for. Glossy sticker paper tends to make colors pop, while matte gives a more subdued, classy look to your Procreate stickers.

Next up, we need to adjust our print settings. Ensure that you're printing at the highest quality setting your printer allows. This will make your Procreate stickers look professional and vibrant. Also, don't forget to adjust the paper type to match the sticker paper you're using.

Cut Out Your Stickers

Once your stickers are printed, it's time for the final step: cutting them out. You can use a pair of sharp scissors, or for more precision, a craft knife. Be careful, take your time, and remember — there's no rush. You're almost there!

5. Sell Your Stickers on Etsy

So, you've created and printed your Procreate stickers. What's next? It's time to share your creations with the world. Etsy is a great marketplace for handmade items, and your stickers will fit right in. Let's walk through the process of setting up an Etsy account, listing your stickers, and promoting your products.

Create an Etsy Account

To sell on Etsy, you'll need to create an account. The process is simple and straightforward. You'll need to provide some basic information about yourself, choose a username, and you're ready to start your shop.

List Your Stickers

Once your shop is set up, it's time to list your Procreate stickers. Be sure to take clear, well-lit pictures of your stickers. Write a detailed description, including the size, materials used, and any other relevant information. Remember to price your stickers fairly — not too low that you're shortchanging yourself, but not so high that buyers are turned off.

Promote Your Stickers

Now that your stickers are listed, it's time for promotion. Use social media to your advantage, share your Etsy shop link with friends and family, and consider investing in some paid advertising. Building a successful Etsy shop takes time, but with your amazing Procreate stickers, you're off to a great start.

And there you have it! You've not only created your own Procreate stickers, but you've also taken the steps to share them with the world. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start creating!

If you're excited about creating custom stickers in Procreate and want to turn your passion into a business, check out the workshop 'How To Start A Sticker Business' by Lisa Siefert. This workshop will provide you with all the necessary steps and guidance to set up a successful sticker business and monetize your creativity.