Creating Mandala Designs in Procreate: Step-by-Step Guide

Daisie Team -

Contents

1. Get Familiar with Procreate

2. Kickstart Your Mandala Design

3. Create Symmetry for Mandala

4. Add Details to Your Mandala

5. Finalize Your Mandala Design

Diving into the world of digital art can be as fascinating as it is intimidating, especially when you're a newbie. But don't worry, we've got you covered! This guide is here to help you craft your very own procreate mandala. Mandalas have a rich history and are widely recognized for their calming effects. Creating them in Procreate lets you combine traditional design elements with modern digital tools. So, let's get started on your digital artistry journey.

1. Get Familiar with Procreate

First things first, you need to get acquainted with Procreate. This versatile digital art app is a favorite among artists worldwide. Its user-friendly interface and vast array of tools make it ideal for creating a procreate mandala. Let's take a closer look at what you need to know.

Explore the Interface

Procreate's interface is pretty straightforward. Here are some key features:

  • Gallery View: This is where all your art lives. You can easily organize your works into custom named stacks.
  • Toolbar: Located at the top, this is where you find all your essential tools like brushes, smudge, eraser, layers, and more.
  • Color Picker: This little circle on the right lets you choose any color you want for your artwork.

Remember, the more familiar you are with the interface, the easier it'll be to navigate and create your procreate mandala.

Use Basic Tools

Procreate provides a plethora of tools to make your digital art just the way you want it. However, for creating a procreate mandala, you'll mostly be using the following:

  1. Brushes: They come in various styles, emulating the feel of real paintbrushes.
  2. Eraser: Makes corrections a breeze. You can even use it with the same brush style you're painting with.
  3. Layers: Allows you to work on different parts of your design separately without disturbing the rest.

These tools are the basics, and mastering them will give you a solid foundation for your procreate mandala design.

Experiment with Brushes

Brushes are the heart of Procreate, and the app offers an extensive collection. From painting to inking to sketching, there's a brush for everything. Here are some tips:

  • Try Different Brushes: Each brush has a unique texture and feel. Play around with different brushes to see what suits your style.
  • Customize Your Brushes: Procreate allows you to adjust settings like size, opacity, and flow for each brush. This lets you create custom brushes tailored to your needs.

Experimenting with brushes allows you to bring your vision for the procreate mandala to life. So, don't hold back, let your creativity run wild!

2. Kickstart Your Mandala Design

Now that you're familiar with Procreate, it's time to kickstart your procreate mandala design. This is where you set the stage for your artwork. Let's dive right in!

Choose Your Color Palette

Choosing the right color palette is crucial to the overall look of your procreate mandala. Here are some pointers:

  • Consider the Mood: Want your mandala to radiate calmness? Go for cool blues and greens. Looking for something energetic? Bright reds and yellows are your best bet.
  • Use Complementary Colors: Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel work well together. They create a vibrant contrast in your mandala.

Remember, there's no right or wrong when it comes to choosing colors. It's all about what resonates with you and what you want your procreate mandala to represent.

Set Up Your Canvas

Setting up your canvas correctly is vital to your procreate mandala design. Here's how:

  1. Choose the Right Size: If you're planning to print your mandala, a high resolution (300 DPI) is recommended. For digital display, a resolution of 72 DPI is sufficient.
  2. Select the Background Color: This sets the mood for your mandala. You can go with a traditional white background or experiment with different colors.

Setting the canvas right from the start ensures you won't run into any surprises later on. So, take a moment to think about your final product before diving in.

Start with Basic Shapes

Mandalas are built from basic shapes. Starting simple can make the process less intimidating. Here's how to start:

  • Draw a Circle: Most mandalas start with a circle in the center. This will be the guiding outline for your procreate mandala.
  • Add More Shapes: You can draw more shapes like triangles, squares, or even more circles around the central circle. These shapes serve as the skeleton of your mandala.

Remember, your shapes don't have to be perfect. The beauty of a mandala lies in its imperfections. So, take that pressure off and just enjoy the process of creating your procreate mandala.

3. Create Symmetry for Mandala

Alright, you've set the stage for your procreate mandala. Now, let's talk about one of the hallmarks of mandala design — symmetry. This is where your mandala starts to take shape.

Apply Symmetry Guide

Using the symmetry guide in Procreate can make creating mandalas a breeze. Here's how to apply it:

  1. Access the Guide: Click on the wrench icon on the top left, select "Canvas", and then "Drawing Guide".
  2. Choose Symmetry: After enabling the drawing guide, click "Edit Drawing Guide" and select "Symmetry".

With the symmetry guide, every stroke you make is mirrored, saving you time and ensuring a balanced design. It's a game-changer for procreate mandala design!

Draw with Symmetry

Now that you've applied the symmetry guide, it's time to start drawing your mandala. Don't be intimidated, it's easier than you think:

  • Start from the Center: Drawing from the center outwards helps keep your design balanced.
  • Take it Slow: There's no rush. Take your time, and enjoy the process of seeing your mandala come to life.

Remember, it's your mandala, so there are no rules. Draw whatever shapes and patterns make you happy.

Adjust Symmetry Settings

Procreate also allows you to adjust the symmetry settings to suit your design. Here's how:

  1. Change the Division: In the symmetry settings, you can adjust the number of divisions. More divisions mean more complexity in your mandala.
  2. Toggle Assistive Drawing: This feature mirrors your strokes, but you can turn it off if you want more control over your design.

Play around with these settings to see what works best for your procreate mandala. Remember, the most important thing is that you're enjoying the process.

4. Add Details to Your Mandala

Alright, your Procreate mandala is beginning to take shape! It's time to add some flair and personality. Let's dive into the world of details, layers, and textures.

Incorporate Different Shapes

Adding various shapes can give your mandala a unique and dynamic feel. Circles, triangles, squares — they all have a place in your design. Not sure where to start? Try this:

  1. Add Outer Shapes: Surrounding your central design with larger shapes can create depth and interest.
  2. Fill in the Blanks: See any empty areas? Fill them in with smaller shapes or patterns to add complexity.

You can also play around with the brush options in Procreate to create interesting shape effects. The possibilities are endless!

Layer Your Designs

Layers are your friend in the world of Procreate. They allow you to create complex designs without messing up your main artwork. Here's how:

  • Create a New Layer: Tap the "+" sign in the layers panel to create a new layer.
  • Layer Your Shapes: Draw your shapes or designs on this new layer. If you're not happy with them, you can simply delete or hide the layer without affecting your original design.

Remember, you can create as many layers as you need. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Experiment with Textures

Textures can bring your Procreate mandala to life, giving it a tactile, three-dimensional feel. Procreate offers a variety of brushes that can give your artwork different textures. Here are a few tips:

  1. Try Different Brushes: Each brush in Procreate gives a different texture. Explore the brush library and see what you like.
  2. Adjust Brush Settings: You can fine-tune the size, opacity, and other settings of each brush to get the perfect texture.

Remember, there's no right or wrong when it comes to textures. Let your creativity shine!

5. Finalize Your Mandala Design

Bravo! You've designed and detailed your Procreate Mandala. Now it's time to put the finishing touches, make your final edits, and get it ready to share with the world.

Review and Edit

Take a step back and look at your mandala. Does it feel balanced? Is your choice of colors working well together? Here's a quick checklist:

  • Color Harmony: Make sure your colors complement each other and create a pleasing visual experience.
  • Design Balance: Check the symmetry of your mandala. You want to ensure a balanced, harmonious design.
  • Detail Check: Have you filled in all the areas? Are there any details you'd like to add or remove?

Remember, you're the artist. If it feels right to you, then it's perfect!

Save and Export Your Work

Once you're satisfied with your Procreate mandala, it's time to save and export your work. Here, Procreate makes it simple:

  1. Save Your Work: Tap on the wrench icon, select "Share," and then "Procreate." This will save your work in Procreate format, preserving all your layers.
  2. Export Your Work: Want to share your work in other formats? You can also export your mandala as a JPEG, PNG, or PDF.

Remember to always save your work in Procreate format first before exporting. This way, you can always return and make changes if needed.

Share Your Creation

Finally, it's time to show off your beautiful Procreate mandala! Whether you're sharing it on social media, sending it to a friend, or printing it out to hang on your wall, your mandala is a testament to your creativity and hard work. So go ahead, let it shine!

Remember, the journey of creating your mandala is just as important as the final product. So, take pride in your creation process too, and don't hesitate to share your experience along with your mandala.

If you enjoyed learning about creating mandala designs in Procreate, don't miss the workshop 'Procreate Basics: Making Digital Art' by Sameera Maruvada. This workshop will help you master the fundamentals of digital art in Procreate and provide you with the skills to create stunning mandala designs and more.