Effective Gradient Mapping in Procreate Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Creating stunning, vibrant artwork with Procreate has never been easier, thanks to its fantastic gradient mapping tool. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of effective gradient mapping in Procreate, breaking down every step so you can master this tool and start creating your own captivating designs.

1. Know Your Tools

Before we dive into gradient mapping in Procreate, it's important to understand the tools you'll be using. This knowledge will not only make the process easier but will also open up new possibilities for your designs.

Getting to Know the Procreate App

If you're new to Procreate, don't worry—you'll quickly find it's a user-friendly app packed with powerful features. Here are a few key points to get you started:

Procreate is a raster graphics editor app, which means it works with pixels. This makes it perfect for digital painting, sketching, and creating detailed illustrations.
The app is packed with a variety of brushes, each customizable to fit your specific needs.
With layers and blending modes, you can create complex designs with ease.

What is Gradient Mapping?

Now let's talk about gradient mapping. In simple terms, gradient mapping is a technique where you map a range of colors (a gradient) onto your image. This tool can dramatically change the mood and tone of your artwork. Keep in mind:

The gradient map applies colors based on the lightness values of your image. Dark areas get colors from one end of the gradient, light areas from the other.
Procreate's gradient mapping tool allows you to create custom gradients, giving you full control over the colors in your artwork.

Handling the Palette

Effective gradient mapping in Procreate starts with a good understanding of the palette. Here's how to get the most out of this tool:

The palette allows you to save and organize your favorite colors.
You can create multiple palettes, each for a different project or style.
When setting up a gradient, you can pick colors directly from your palettes.

Now that we've covered the basics, we're ready to start gradient mapping in Procreate. Let's move on to selecting your gradient.

2. Selecting Your Gradient

Choosing the right gradient is key to successful gradient mapping in Procreate. It sets the mood and style of your artwork. So, how do you pick the perfect gradient?

Color Choice Importance

When it comes to gradient mapping, the colors you choose can make or break your design. Here's why:

Your selected colors will define the mood of your artwork. Cool colors like blues and greens can create a calm, serene atmosphere, while warm colors like reds and oranges can evoke energy and passion.
Remember that gradient mapping applies colors based on the lightness values of your image. Therefore, the first color in your gradient will be applied to the darkest areas, and the last color to the lightest.
Don't be afraid to experiment! Procreate allows you to adjust your gradient even after you've applied it, so feel free to try different color combinations until you find the one that fits best.

Setting the Gradient Points

Setting the gradient points allows you to control where and how the colors in your gradient transition. Here's how to do it:

To add a color point, simply tap anywhere along the gradient line. To remove a point, drag it off the line.
You can move your points around to adjust the transition between colors. The closer two points are, the quicker the transition.
It's a good idea to start with just two or three colors in your gradient. This makes it easier to control and gives you a better understanding of how each color affects your image.

Previewing the Gradient

Procreate gives you the option to preview your gradient before applying it. This is a great way to see how your color choices affect your image. Here's how:

When you've set your gradient points, tap the Preview button. This will apply your gradient to your image without making any permanent changes.
If you're happy with the result, tap Apply. If not, tap Cancel and adjust your gradient until you're satisfied.

With the right gradient selected, we're ready to move on to the application process. Let's start gradient mapping in Procreate.

3. Applying the Gradient

Now that you've chosen your gradient, it's time to apply it to your artwork. This is where you'll see your image transform as colors shift and blend. Ready? Let's dive into the world of gradient mapping Procreate.

Using Brushes

Procreate's brushes are your main tool for applying gradients. Here's how to use them:

Select the brush tool from the toolbar and choose a brush that suits your style. Each brush behaves differently, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite.
Brush size and opacity can affect how your gradient is applied. A larger brush will cover more area, while a less opaque brush will apply the gradient more subtly. Adjust these settings to your liking.
Brush over your artwork to apply the gradient. The gradient colors will blend with your image based on the lightness values, creating a unique effect.

Setting the Blending Modes

Blending modes are another powerful tool in gradient mapping Procreate. They determine how your gradient colors mix with your original image. Here's how to set them:

In the layers panel, tap on the 'N' button next to your layer. This opens the blending modes menu.
Scroll through the list and select a mode that creates the effect you want. Each mode will blend your colors differently, so don't hesitate to try them all out.
Remember, you can adjust the opacity of your layer to soften the effect of the blending mode.

Adjusting Opacity

Adjusting the opacity of your gradient layer can help control the intensity of your gradient mapping. Here are some tips:

The opacity slider is found in the layers panel, right above the layer thumbnails. Slide it left to decrease opacity, or right to increase.
A more opaque layer will make your gradient more prominent, while a less opaque layer will make it more subtle.
Don't be afraid to play around with opacity. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to gradient mapping!

By now, you've got a good handle on applying your gradient. Next up, let's fine-tune your artwork to really make it pop.

4. Fine-Tuning Your Work

Applying the gradient is just the first step. Now, the real fun begins as we fine-tune your work to breathe life into your creation. Let's jump right into the gradient mapping Procreate process of refining your artwork.

Using Adjustment Layers

The use of adjustment layers is a game-changer in Procreate. Here are some insights:

Access adjustment layers by tapping the magic wand icon in the top toolbar. You'll see a list of adjustment options, each offering unique ways to tweak your image.
Consider using 'Hue, Saturation, Brightness' to alter the overall color balance of your artwork. This can be particularly useful when fine-tuning gradients.
The 'Gaussian Blur' adjustment can soften your gradient, creating a smoother transition between colors. Just remember: a little blur goes a long way.

Applying Masks

Masks can help you apply your gradient to specific parts of your image. Here's how:

In the layers panel, swipe left on a layer and tap 'Mask'. This adds a layer mask, which you can use to control where your gradient is visible.
Use your brush tool to paint on the mask. Painting with black will hide your gradient, while painting with white will reveal it.
This technique is great for creating complex gradient effects, as you can mask out certain areas to highlight others.

Experimenting with Different Gradients

The real magic of gradient mapping Procreate is to play around and experiment. Here are some tips:

Don't stick to just one gradient. Try different color combinations and see how they alter your image.
Remember, you can always go back and adjust the gradient points if you want to tweak the transition between colors.
There's no right or wrong here, just what works for your individual style and the piece you're working on.

Now that your masterpiece is fine-tuned, let's wrap it up and get it ready to share with the world!

You've worked hard on your artwork and it's time to showcase your talent. Here's how you can save and share your gradient mapping Procreate creations.

Saving Your Creation

Preserving your artwork properly is essential. Here's how you can do it:

In the top left corner of your screen, tap the "Actions" button (it looks like a wrench).
Next, tap "Share" and choose the format you want to save in. Procreate supports several formats, including JPEG, PNG, and even PSD for you Photoshop fans out there.
After selecting the format, your artwork will be saved to your device. Remember to choose a location where you can easily find it later.

Ready to let the world marvel at your gradient mapping Procreate prowess? Here's how:

From the "Actions" menu, tap "Share" and then select the platform where you want to post your artwork.
Each platform will have different requirements for size and format, so make sure you check these before posting.
Remember to use relevant hashtags and credits. Who knows, your creation might trend and inspire others!

Exporting for Print

Maybe you want to see your artwork in print? Let's get that sorted:

Again, go to the "Actions" menu and tap "Share".
Choose "PDF" if you're sending to a professional printer or "JPEG" if you're printing from home.
Ensure your artwork is exported at a high resolution to guarantee the best print quality. Procreate allows you to export up to 300dpi, which is perfect for print.

There you have it! You've journeyed through the process of gradient mapping in Procreate, from understanding your tools to saving and sharing your work. Now, enjoy the satisfaction of creating and sharing your own unique pieces!

If you enjoyed learning about effective gradient mapping in Procreate and want to take your skills even further, don't miss out on the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will help you master the art of animation using both Procreate and Photoshop, expanding your creative possibilities and taking your digital artwork to the next level.