How to Create Realistic Textures in Procreate®: A Step-by-Step Guide

Texturing is a crucial step in bringing your Procreate artwork to life. With the right texture, you can make your digital art look as real as a physical painting or sketch. Ready to add depth, dimension, and real-world charm to your creations? Let’s get started!

Understanding Textures in Art

In the world of art, textures refer to the perceived surface quality or feel of an object. Whether it’s the roughness of a tree bark or the smoothness of a glass surface, textures add depth and realism to your work. In Procreate, we can mimic these textures using brushes and effects.

Creating Textures Using Brushes

Procreate comes with a wide array of brushes that you can use to create different textures. From gritty pencils to smooth airbrushes, you have a whole toolkit at your fingertips. Remember, the key to creating realistic textures lies in observation and practice, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different brushes.

Creating Textures Using Layer Effects

Layer effects, such as blend modes and opacity adjustments, can also be used to create unique textures. For instance, using a ‘Multiply’ blend mode can give a layer a rich, shadowy texture, while a ‘Screen’ blend mode can create a light, airy texture. Experiment with different layer effects to see what works best for your piece.

Using Texture Brushes for Extra Realism

In addition to the standard brushes, Procreate also offers texture brushes that can help you add extra realism to your work. These brushes are specially designed to mimic real-world textures, like fur, fabric, and wood. With a bit of practice, you can use these brushes to bring a whole new level of detail to your art.

Tips for Creating Realistic Textures in Procreate

Here are a few tips to help you create realistic textures in Procreate:

• Always start by observing the texture you want to recreate. If possible, touch it and notice how light interacts with it.
• Use multiple layers to build up your textures. This way, you can tweak each part without affecting the whole texture.
• Don’t be afraid to go back and adjust your texture as you progress. Art is a process of constant refinement!

Creating realistic textures in Procreate is all about observation, experimentation, and patience. So take your time, play around with different techniques, and watch as your digital art comes to life.

Watch the below video to get inspired by even more drawing exercises to improve your skills and build up those drawing muscles!