Procreate Brush Blending: 5 Techniques for Seamless Blends

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

Creating stunning digital art is easier when you master the art of procreate brush blending. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned artist, understanding the nuances of brush blending in Procreate can take your artwork to new heights. Let's dive into five techniques that can help you achieve seamless blends in your digital art creations.

1. Choosing the Right Brush

The first step in procreate brush blending is selecting the right brush. The brush you choose can make a world of difference in your artwork—much like how the right ingredients can make a dish taste just right. Let's explore key aspects in choosing the right brush for perfect blending.

Understanding Brush Dynamics

Brush dynamics are the heart and soul of procreate brush blending. They control how the brush behaves when you make a stroke. Think of it as the personality of your brush—it can be smooth, jittery, or anything in between. Understanding these dynamics can help you predict how your brush will behave, and consequently, how your blends will turn out.

Learn to Adjust Brush Settings

Procreate allows you to tweak your brush settings to achieve the desired effect. You can change the size, opacity, and even the texture of your brush. It's like being able to adjust the saltiness of your soup while you're cooking it. Mess around with the settings and see which ones work best for your blending needs.

Familiarize with Procreate Brush Library

Procreate has a vast library of brushes, each with its own unique characteristics. It's like a candy store for digital artists. Spend time exploring this library to find brushes that suit your blending style. You may find some brushes work better than others for procreate brush blending, and those are the ones you should keep in your art toolkit.

2. Mastering the Pressure Technique

Once you've chosen your brush, the next step in procreate brush blending is mastering pressure techniques. The difference between soft pastel shades and bold, dramatic strokes often comes down to the amount of pressure you apply. Let's dive into how you can master this technique.

Learn Pressure Sensitivity

Pressure sensitivity is like the accelerator in a car—it controls the speed and intensity of your brush strokes. The more pressure you apply, the thicker and more intense your stroke will be. This is crucial to procreate brush blending, as it allows you to create a range of effects from soft blends to hard edges.

Practice with Different Pressure Levels

Just as a pianist practices different pressure levels on the keys to perfect a melody, you need to practice using different pressure levels on your brush to perfect your blends. Try drawing the same line with different pressures and observe the effect on the blend. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Apply Pressure Technique on Actual Artwork

Now that you've practiced different pressure levels, it's time to apply these techniques to actual artwork. Start with simple shapes and gradually move on to complex designs. Don't be afraid to experiment—sometimes, the most beautiful blends come from unexpected pressure combinations.

3. Utilizing Layer Blending Modes

Another key to unlocking the magic of procreate brush blending is the use of layer blending modes. These modes can drastically change the appearance of your artwork. So, let's explore how you can utilize these modes to create seamless blends.

Explore Different Blend Modes

Think of blend modes as the secret sauce in your procreate brush blending recipe. Each mode, from Multiply to Overlay, adds a unique flavor to your artwork. Spend some time exploring each mode and note how they affect your brush strokes. You might find some modes are a better fit for your style than others.

Experiment with Layer Opacity

Layer opacity is another vital ingredient in your blending toolkit. By adjusting the opacity of your layers, you can control how much of the underlying artwork shows through. This can create beautiful, ethereal blends that really make your artwork pop.

Apply Blend Modes on Actual Artwork

Now that you've experimented with different blend modes and layer opacity, it's time to apply these techniques to your own artwork. Start small, perhaps by adding a new layer of color to a simple shape. As you gain confidence, start applying these techniques to more complex designs. Remember, there's no right or wrong here—only endless possibilities for creative expression with procreate brush blending.

4. Applying the Gradient Blend

Gradient blending is like the cherry on top of your Procreate artwork. It adds depth, dimension, and a smooth transition between colors. Let's dive into how you can master this technique.

Learn Gradient Creation

Creating a gradient in Procreate is a bit like mixing paints on a palette. You choose your colors and then create a seamless transition between them. Procreate offers a gradient map feature that allows you to create stunning transitions with just a few taps. It's a fun process, so feel free to explore and experiment.

Practice Gradient Blending

Now that you know how to create a gradient, it's time for practice. This might involve a lot of trial and error, but that's all part of the art journey. Try creating gradients with different color combinations and observe how they interact. With practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense for which colors blend well together.

Apply Gradient Blend on Actual Artwork

Once you're comfortable with creating gradients, start incorporating them into your artwork. You can use them to add depth to flat shapes, create stunning skies, or even give your lettering a cool ombre effect. The more you practice, the better you'll understand the magic of gradient procreate brush blending.

5. Exploring the Drag and Drop Technique

Finally, let's explore the drag and drop technique in Procreate. Think of this as the fast-forward button on your remote—it speeds up the blending process without compromising the final result. Here's how you can use it to your advantage.

Understand Drag and Drop Functionality

The drag and drop feature in Procreate is a major time-saver. Simply pick a color from your palette, then drag and drop it onto the canvas to fill an area. It's simple, quick, and effective— perfect for when you want to cover large areas with a single color or when you're laying the base for your Procreate brush blending.

Practice Drag and Drop Blending

Just like any other technique, mastering the drag and drop feature takes practice. Start with simple shapes and basic color schemes. As you get the hang of it, experiment with more complex designs and multicolor blends. Remember, it's not just about speed, but also about precision and control.

Apply Drag and Drop Technique on Actual Artwork

Once you’ve gotten the hang of drag and drop blending, it's time to incorporate it into your artwork. Whether you're creating a vibrant sunset or a detailed character design, this tool can help you achieve smooth, seamless blends. So, the next time you're working on a Procreate brush blending project, remember to use the drag and drop technique—it just might be the time-saving tool you need.

If you enjoyed learning about Procreate brush blending and want to expand your skills even further, don't miss the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning animations using Procreate and Photoshop, taking your digital art to new heights!