Creating Symmetrical Art: Procreate Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Mastering symmetry in Procreate is a game-changer, turning your digital artwork into a stunning display of balance and harmony. In this guide, you'll learn how to create symmetrical art in Procreate, guiding you step by step from setting up your canvas to sharing your final masterpiece. So, whether you're a seasoned Procreate user or just starting out, let's dive in and discover how to do symmetry in Procreate.

Setting Up Procreate

Before you can start creating symmetrical art, setting up your Procreate workspace is a crucial first step. Here's how to get started:

Choosing the Right Canvas

Canvas size matters. Larger canvases allow for more detail but also require more storage. On the other hand, smaller canvases can limit your creative potential but save on storage space. For symmetry, a square canvas often works best. Here's how to set it up:

Open Procreate and tap on the '+' sign at the top right corner of the screen.
Select 'Square' from the options. This gives you a canvas size that's perfect for symmetrical art.

Navigating the Interface

Procreate's interface might seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you know your way around, it becomes a powerful tool. Here's a quick run-down:

The Toolbar at the top has options for brush size, opacity, and layer options.
The Brush Library on the right lets you choose your preferred brush.
The Layers Panel on the left helps you manage your artwork's layers.
The Color Picker at the top right lets you choose or mix colors for your artwork.

Selecting the Perfect Brush

The brush you choose can dramatically impact the look and feel of your symmetrical art. Procreate offers a wide range of brushes, but for beginners, the 'Studio Pen' in the Inking set is a great place to start. It offers a clean, precise line that's perfect for symmetrical drawings. Remember, you can always experiment with different brushes to find the one that suits your style.

With your Procreate workspace set up, you're ready to start exploring the wonderful world of symmetrical art. But first, let's understand what symmetry is all about and how it applies to your artwork.

Exploring Symmetrical Art

To master how to do symmetry in Procreate, it's important to first understand the concept of symmetry. Simply put, symmetry is all about balance — it's when one half of something mirrors the other. But how does it apply to art, and more specifically, to Procreate?

Understanding Symmetry

In nature and mathematics, symmetry refers to the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis. It's like folding a piece of paper in half and getting two identical halves. But in art, symmetry can be a bit more flexible, allowing for variations that still maintain a sense of balance.

Symmetry in Art

Throughout history, artists have used symmetry to create a sense of harmony, balance, and proportion in their work. Symmetry can be found in the architecture of the Parthenon, the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, and even in modern art and design. It's a powerful tool that can add depth and interest to your artwork.

Symmetry in Procreate

So, how do you achieve symmetry in Procreate? The answer lies in Procreate's Drawing Guide. This feature allows you to create a guide with as many as eight symmetrical sectors. Any stroke you make in one sector is mirrored in the others, allowing you to create perfect symmetrical art. Here's how to set it up:

Open a new canvas and tap on the wrench icon at the top left of your screen.
Select 'Canvas' from the drop-down menu.
Toggle on 'Drawing Guide', then tap on 'Edit Drawing Guide'.
Select 'Symmetry' from the options at the bottom.
You can adjust the settings to suit your needs, including the number of sectors and their orientation.
Tap 'Done' to save your settings.

With a solid understanding of symmetry and your drawing guide set up, you're ready to start creating symmetrical shapes in Procreate. Let's get drawing!

Drawing Symmetrical Shapes

Creating symmetrical shapes in Procreate can be both fun and rewarding. It's like magic — you draw on one side and Procreate mirrors your strokes on the other! Whether you're drawing basic shapes or complex patterns, knowing how to do symmetry in Procreate will elevate your artwork to new heights.

Basic Shapes

Let's start with the basics. Drawing a symmetrical circle, square, or triangle in Procreate is a piece of cake. Simply select your desired brush, start drawing on one side of your canvas, and watch as Procreate mirrors your stroke on the other side. Remember, the trick is to keep your strokes balanced and even on both sides. It's like you're reflecting your art in a mirror.

Complex Shapes

Once you're comfortable with basic shapes, you can start experimenting with more complex forms. From symmetrical mandalas to intricate snowflakes, the possibilities are endless. Just remember, the key to creating beautiful symmetrical art is patience and practice. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes — that's how you learn and grow as an artist.

Symmetrical Patterns

Beyond individual shapes, you can also create stunning symmetrical patterns in Procreate. Try drawing a series of lines, dots, or shapes and watch as they transform into a mesmerizing pattern. You can even layer different patterns on top of each other for a more complex design. The sky's the limit!

Now that you're a pro at drawing symmetrical shapes, it's time to add some color and texture to your artwork. Let's move on to the next step in your Procreate journey.

Adding Colors & Textures

Now that you've mastered how to do symmetry in Procreate, it's time to bring your symmetrical art to life with colors and textures. This is the part where your artwork really begins to pop and your unique style shines through.

Choosing Color Palettes

Choosing the right color palette can make or break your symmetrical art. Procreate offers a wide range of pre-made color palettes, but don't be afraid to create your own. Think about the mood or feeling you want to convey with your art. Warm colors like red and orange can evoke feelings of excitement or passion, while cool colors like blue and green can create a soothing or calming effect.

Applying Textures

Textures can add depth and dimension to your symmetrical art. Procreate has a variety of built-in brushes that you can use to create different textures. For instance, the "turpentine" brush can give your art a rough, painterly look, while the "airbrush" can create a smooth, soft effect. Experiment with different brushes and see what works best for your artwork.

Blending Colors

Blending colors in Procreate is like mixing paints on a palette. It's a great way to create gradients, shadows, and other visual effects in your symmetrical art. To blend colors, simply select the "smudge tool" and drag it across the colors you want to blend. Remember, blending is an art in itself, so take your time and enjoy the process!

With your symmetrical shapes now filled with vibrant colors and rich textures, you're one step closer to finalizing your artwork. Ready for the home stretch?

Finalizing Your Artwork

You've navigated through the process of creating symmetry in Procreate, and now it's time to put the finishing touches on your masterpiece. This phase is about refining your artwork and making it ready for the world to see. So, let's dive right in!

Adding Final Touches

Adding final touches to your artwork is like seasoning a dish — it enhances the flavors and ties everything together. For instance, you can add highlights or shadows to give your symmetrical art a three-dimensional look. Or, use the eraser tool to clean up any messy lines or unwanted marks. Remember, it's these subtle, thoughtful touches that can truly make your artwork shine.

Saving and Exporting

Once you're satisfied with your symmetrical art, it's time to save and export your work. To save your artwork in Procreate, simply tap the "Actions" button, then "Share" and select the format you want to save in. It's always a good idea to save your work in Procreate's native format (.procreate) first, so you can go back and make changes if needed.

Now for the most exciting part — sharing your symmetrical art with the world! Whether you post it on social media, submit it to an art contest, or simply show it to your friends and family, sharing your artwork is a rewarding experience. It's a way to express yourself, inspire others, and contribute to the global art community. So, go ahead and share your masterpiece. You've worked hard on it, and it deserves to be seen!

And there you have it — a step-by-step guide on how to do symmetry in Procreate. Creating symmetrical art may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you'll be creating stunning pieces in no time. So, pick up your Apple Pencil, fire up Procreate, and let your creativity flow!

If you enjoyed exploring the world of symmetrical art in Procreate, then you'll love the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a stunning fruit illustration using Procreate's powerful tools and features, helping you further develop your digital art skills.