Contents
Introduction to Procreate
Curving Text Basics
Advanced Curving Techniques
Tips for Better Text Curving
Conclusion and Practice Exercises
Dabbling in digital art and design can be fascinating, especially with Procreate — a versatile app that brings your creativity to life. One of the popular techniques in design is the art of curving text. So, in this blog, we're going to explore how to curve text on Procreate, from the basics to advanced methods, along with some handy tips. So, let's dive in and start exploring this fun and creative process.
Introduction to Procreate
Before we start bending and curving text, it's important to get acquainted with Procreate first. This section will introduce you to what Procreate is, why it's a favorite among artists, and familiarize you with its tools.
What is Procreate?
Procreate is a powerful and intuitive digital illustration app available exclusively for iOS. It's a go-to tool for creatives worldwide, packed with features tailored for artists and designers. Procreate offers a complete set of sketching tools, including brushes, inks, and textures, which you can use to create stunning artwork right on your iPad. And the best part? Procreate makes it incredibly easy to curve text, thereby adding a unique twist to your designs.
Why use Procreate?
Procreate stands out in the digital art world due to its user-friendly interface, an impressive range of art tools, and its ability to mimic the feel of drawing on paper. But that's not it! You can create animations, use advanced layer blending, execute precise line work, and more. When it comes to curving text on Procreate, the process is quite straightforward and allows a lot of room for creativity.
Getting familiar with Procreate tools
Procreate is like a Swiss Army knife for digital artists — it has a tool for everything. You'll find a selection tool for detailed adjustments, a smudge tool for blending colors, a text tool for adding words to your art, and many more. Each tool has its own settings that you can customize to your liking. The more familiar you are with these tools, the easier it'll be to create designs, including curving text. We'll cover how to use these tools in the upcoming sections.
Curving Text Basics
Moving on, let's discuss the basics of curving text on Procreate. A strong foundation will make it easier for you when we get into the more advanced techniques. Here, we'll focus on how to select the text tool, type text, and adjust text size and alignment.
How to Select the Text Tool
First things first: accessing the text tool. On your Procreate canvas, you will find a wrench icon on the top left. Tap on it, and a drop-down menu appears. Here, select 'Add', followed by 'Add Text'. Voila! You are now ready to add and curve text on Procreate.
How to Type Text
After you've selected the text tool, a new box will appear on your canvas. This is your text box. Simply tap inside this box and start typing. The keyboard will pop up, allowing you to enter your text. It's just like texting, but more artsy!
How to Adjust Text Size and Alignment
Once you have your text on the canvas, you might want to adjust its size or alignment. To do this, select the text by tapping on it. A blue box will appear around your text, which is your cue. Grab any of the blue dots to adjust the size. For alignment, tap on the 'Style' button above your keyboard, and choose your preferred alignment — left, center, or right. See? Curving text on Procreate is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Advanced Curving Techniques
Now that you've mastered the basics, let's step up our game and explore some advanced techniques on how to curve text on Procreate. We will cover three main methods: the Abstraction Technique, Perspective Distortion, and the Warped Text Effect. Ready to up your Procreate game? Let's get started.
Abstraction Technique
The Abstraction Technique is all about playing with shapes. Start by drawing a shape—let's say a circle—using the 'Shape' tool. Then, type your text and simply place it over the shape. Now, select both the shape and the text, and hit 'Combine'. Just like that, your text will curve following the shape. It's like magic, but better—it's Procreate!
Perspective Distortion
Want to give your text some depth and perspective? The Perspective Distortion technique is your go-to. Start by typing your text. Then, select the 'Transform' tool and switch to the 'Distort' option. Grab the corners of your text box and drag them around to create a sense of depth and perspective. Suddenly, your flat text is popping off the canvas!
The Warped Text Effect
Last but not least, let's dive into the Warped Text Effect. This technique gives your text a fun, wavy look. Start by typing your text, then select it and hit 'Warp'. Now, you'll see a grid over your text. Drag the points on the grid to distort and curve your text. This technique is perfect for creating a playful, dynamic look. Experiment with the points to see what fun shapes you can create!
Tips for Better Text Curving
Mastering the techniques of text curving on Procreate is one thing, but optimizing your work for better results is another. Here are some tips to help you improve your text curving skills and make your artwork stand out even more.
Keep It Simple
When learning how to curve text on Procreate, it's easy to get carried away and overcomplicate things. But remember, simplicity is key. Don't overwhelm your canvas with too much text or overly complex shapes—less is often more. So, keep your designs simple and let your curved text be the star of the show.
Use the Right Font
The font you choose can make or break your curved text design. Some fonts curve beautifully, while others can look distorted or awkward when bent. So, experiment with different fonts and see which ones work best for your design. Remember, the goal is to enhance your artwork, not detract from it.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any new skill, mastering text curving on Procreate takes practice. So, don't be discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. Keep practicing, experimenting, and learning—and before you know it, you'll be curving text like a pro. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are Procreate skills!
Conclusion and Practice Exercises
So there you have it, all the knowledge you need on how to curve text on Procreate, right at your fingertips. By now, you should be familiar with the basic tools, the advanced techniques and some valuable tips to perfect your skills. But don't stop here — practice is the best way to solidify what you've learned.
Summing Up
From the simple Text Tool to the complex Warped Text Effect, curving text in Procreate opens up a world of creative possibilities. It's a skill that can add a unique touch to your digital artwork, making it more dynamic and visually interesting. The key is to start simple, get comfortable with the tools and techniques, and then gradually challenge yourself with more complex designs. Remember, every great artist started somewhere, and every bit of practice brings you one step closer to mastery.
Recommended Practice Exercises
Ready to put your new skills to the test? Here are some practice exercises to help you master curving text on Procreate:
- Start with a simple word or phrase and try to curve it along a basic shape, like a circle or an oval.
- Once you're comfortable with that, try curving text along more complex shapes, like a spiral or a wave.
- Experiment with different fonts and sizes to see how they affect the look of your curved text.
- Finally, create a piece of artwork that incorporates curved text in a creative and meaningful way.
With these exercises and the tips we've discussed, you're well on your way to mastering how to curve text on Procreate. So grab your iPad, open up Procreate, and let your creativity flow!
If you enjoyed learning about curving text in Procreate and want to further develop your skills, don't miss the workshop 'Learn How to Draw in Procreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will help you master the art of drawing in Procreate and unlock your full creative potential on this powerful digital platform.
