Procreate Face Templates: Guide to Stunning Faces

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 8 min read

Creating stunning faces using Procreate can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're new to digital art. But fear not, with the right tools and techniques, and a bit of practice, you'll be able to create your own Procreate face templates in no time. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, from understanding the Procreate tools to perfecting the details of the face. Let's dive in!

1. Know Your Tools

Before we start crafting beautiful faces, it's important to familiarize yourself with the tools you'll be using in Procreate. These tools form the foundation of your digital art journey and mastering them is key to creating perfect Procreate face templates.

Understanding Procreate

Procreate is an award-winning digital illustration app available on iPad. Known for its intuitive interface and powerful features, it's a favorite among professional artists and hobbyists alike. Here are a few key features to understand:

Canvas: This is your workspace, where all the magic happens. You can adjust its size and orientation to suit your needs.
Gallery: This is where your artworks are stored. You can organize them into stacks and even export them in various formats.
Actions: This menu allows you to perform a variety of tasks from importing images to sharing your artwork.

Brushes and Their Uses

What's a painter without their brushes, right? Procreate boasts a vast array of brushes, each with a unique feel and effect. Here are three brushes you'll find particularly useful when creating Procreate face templates:

HB Pencil: Great for sketching out your basic face shape and guide lines. It’s precise and gives a natural pencil-like texture.
Soft Brush: Ideal for blending colors and creating soft shadows.
Hard Brush: Perfect for defining sharp edges and adding finer details.

Layers and Blending Modes

The layers function in Procreate is like having an infinite number of canvases at your disposal. You can add, delete, or hide layers, and even change their order. This makes it possible to work on specific parts of your artwork without affecting the rest. For instance, you can sketch the face on one layer, add color on another, and work on the details on a third layer. It's like a digital sandwich of art!

Blending modes, on the other hand, determine how the colors on different layers interact with each other. They can add depth to your artwork by creating different lighting effects. For instance, the 'Multiply' blending mode is great for adding shadows, while 'Add' can create stunning highlights. Experiment with different blending modes to see what works best for your Procreate face templates.

Now that we're familiar with the basic tools, let's move on to the fun part—drawing the face!

2. Mastering Face Shapes

One of the first steps in creating Procreate face templates is to understand and master the art of drawing face shapes. It may seem like a small detail, but the shape of a face can significantly influence the overall appearance of your character. From oval to square, round to heart-shaped — each face shape has its own unique characteristics. Let's explore how to decide on a face shape, draw guide lines, and define the face outline.

Deciding on Face Shape

Before you start drawing, take a moment to decide on the face shape. If you're drawing from a reference, study the shape closely. Is it round, oval, or more of a square? If you're creating a character from your imagination, think about what kind of personality they have. Believe it or not, face shapes can hint at certain personality traits. For example, square faces are often associated with strong, determined characters, while round faces may suggest a more cheerful, approachable persona.

Drawing Guide Lines

Once you've decided on a face shape, it's time to draw some guide lines. These lines will serve as a map, helping you place the facial features accurately. Start by drawing a vertical line down the middle of the face. This is your symmetry line. Next, draw a horizontal line across the middle — this is where the eyes will go. Another horizontal line halfway between the eye line and the chin will be the nose line, and a line halfway between the nose line and the chin will be the lips line. Trust me, guide lines are like secret weapons when it comes to drawing faces!

Defining the Face Outline

With your guide lines in place, you're ready to define the outline of the face. Start at the top of the head and work your way down, following the shape you decided on earlier. Don't worry about getting it perfect on the first try. The beauty of digital art is that you can easily erase and redraw until you're happy with the result. Remember, the goal here is to create a face template that you can use as a base for various characters, so take your time and make sure you're satisfied with the shape.

Now that we've mastered face shapes, let's move on to the windows of the soul — the eyes!

3. Drawing the Eyes

Creating eyes that are full of life and expression is a vital step in the process of making Procreate face templates. Eyes are more than just a pair of circles on a face; they're the gateway to a character's soul. Let's learn how to set the eye position, create realistic eyes, and add shadows and highlights for a three-dimensional look.

Setting The Eye Position

When it comes to placing the eyes on your face template, there's a simple rule of thumb: the eyes are usually one eye-width apart. Start by drawing two circles on the eye line you marked earlier. Make sure they're the same size and evenly spaced. This will set the basic position and size of the eyes. Remember, when it comes to creating Procreate face templates, accuracy in placement is just as important as artistic flair!

Creating Realistic Eyes

Now that you've set the position, it's time to shape the eyes. Realistic eyes aren't perfect circles. They're more like a lemon or an almond shape. Start by drawing the upper eyelid, then the lower one. Don't forget the tear duct at the inner corner of the eye. Next, add the iris and pupil. The iris is usually a bit covered by the upper eyelid, so only draw part of it. Finally, add a small circle in the iris for the pupil. Remember, pupils should be the same size in both eyes to keep the gaze focused.

Adding Shadows and Highlights

Shadows and highlights can bring your eyes to life. They create depth and make your eyes look three-dimensional. To add shadows, use a darker shade on the upper part of the iris and the area under the upper eyelid. For highlights, use a lighter color on the lower part of the iris and add a small white spot on the pupil. This white spot is the reflection of light and can instantly make your eyes look shiny and realistic.

Great job on the eyes! Now, let's move on down the face and tackle the nose.

4. Perfecting the Nose

After giving your character a pair of expressive eyes, it's time to focus on the nose. In Procreate face templates, the nose serves as the anchor of the face. It's central position links the eyes and the mouth, creating a cohesive look. Let's learn how to get the nose shape right, add shading, and detail it for a realistic appearance.

Getting the Nose Shape Right

Getting the nose shape right is a bit of a challenge, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. It's best to start by sketching a simple triangle on the center line where you want the nose to be. The top of the triangle represents the bridge of the nose, while the base will be the tip. The nostrils are represented by two smaller circles on each side of the triangle's base. Keep in mind that noses come in all shapes and sizes, so feel free to play around with the dimensions until you find a shape that fits your character.

Shading the Nose

Shading helps give your nose depth and dimension. Start by shading the sides of the bridge and the bottom of the nose with a darker color. This will make the nose appear more three-dimensional. Then, add a lighter shade to the tip of the nose and along the bridge to highlight these areas. While shading, remember to follow the contour of the nose to make your shading look more natural.

Adding Nose Details

Adding a few details can make a big difference in how realistic your nose looks. This could be a few lines for the nostrils, or a subtle line down the middle to indicate the nose's ridge. Remember not to overdo it—too many lines can make the nose look harsh. Keep it simple and let the shading do most of the work.

Well done on crafting a perfect nose. It's time to add some luscious lips to complete your Procreate face template!

5. Creating Luscious Lips

After mastering the nose, it's time to give your character some luscious lips. Lips can express a lot about a person's emotions, from a wide smile to a subtle pout. Let's dive into the process of drawing the lip shape, applying color, and adding details to bring your Procreate face template to life.

Drawing Lip Shape

Every pair of lips is unique, but a common approach to drawing lips starts with a simple line for the mouth. From there, draw two arches on the top for the upper lip and a single, broader curve beneath for the lower lip. The key here is to keep your lines soft and not overly defined. Remember, lips are soft and full, not rigid and sharp.

Applying Lip Color

Color can really make your lips pop. Start with a base color that matches the skin tone of your character but is a bit darker. Then, gradually add darker shades towards the corners and the inside of the mouth, and lighter shades on the center of the lips. This will give an effect of fullness and depth to your lips. Remember, with Procreate face templates, you can experiment freely with colors until you achieve the perfect look.

Adding Lip Details

Finally, adding a few subtle details can make your lips look more realistic. This could be a faint line in the middle of the lower lip, or a small highlight on the upper lip to make them appear moist. A touch of shadow below the lower lip can also give the impression of depth.

Well done on creating those luscious lips! You're now ready to bring your Procreate face template together and add the final touches.

6. Bringing It All Together

Now that you've worked on individual facial features, it's time to weave them together into a complete and stunning Procreate face template. This stage involves adding any remaining facial features, making final touch-ups, and reviewing your work. Let's get started.

Adding Facial Features

At this point, your face template already has eyes, a nose, and lips. But what about eyebrows, lashes, or even a beauty mark? Adding these smaller features can bring a lot of personality to your character. Use a thin brush for the eyebrows and lashes, and remember to follow the natural arch of the brow. For any other features, use a small, round brush.

Final Touch-ups

Before you call it done, take a moment to review your work and make any necessary touch-ups. Maybe the lips could use a bit more color, or the eyes need more shading. This is also a great time to adjust the overall proportions or alignment of the face. Remember, with Procreate face templates, you have the flexibility to make changes until you’re satisfied with the result.

Reviewing Your Work

Last but not least, take a step back and admire your work. Creating a face template is no small feat, and you've done an incredible job. But don't just stop at admiring—review your work critically. Look for areas where you struggled and think of ways you can improve in the future. Maybe your next Procreate face template will feature a different face shape or a new skin tone. The possibilities are endless.

Congratulations on successfully creating a Procreate face template! Keep practicing and exploring to refine your skills even further.

If you enjoyed learning about Procreate face templates and want to further improve your digital art skills, be sure to check out Vicky Catalan's workshop on 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate.' This workshop will guide you through the process of creating stunning fruit illustrations in Procreate, helping you build a strong foundation for your digital artwork.