6 Ways to Create More Interesting Illustrations with Patterns in Procreate

6 Ways to Create More Interesting Illustrations with Patterns in Procreate

Texture is one way to instantly bring warmth and pizzazz into your digital artwork. But with so many options available, which do you choose? And how do you know what to do with them?

Lucky for you, pattern texture packs like TransferTone offer a wide variety of textures to choose from. Inspired by dry transfer sheets from the graphic design days of the 70s and 80s, TransferTone is designed to make your illustrations fun–fast.

Watch the video below or read our step-by-step synopsis for quick tips on making your illustrations more interesting with TransferTone in Procreate.

Can't watch the video? Here's what you missed:

Applying patterns in Procreate by RetroSupply Co.

Apply patterns on a new layer in procreate

  1. Create a new layer within the layer menu after selecting your pattern and paint color.
  2. Paint on the pattern with your Apple Pencil or stylus where you'd like.
Applying patterns with clipping masks in Procreate by RetroSupply Co.

Apply patterns With Masks in procreate

  1. Create a new layer within the layer menu after selecting your pattern and paint color.
  2. Tap the layer and select Clipping Mask.
  3. Paint on the pattern with your Apple Pencil or stylus where you'd like.

Need more help with layer masks, clipping masks, and alpha lock? Read our tutorial here.

Making gradient textures with shader brushes in Procreate.

Make gradient texture with the shader brush in procreate

TransferTone includes solid and shader varieties of each brush.

  1. Create a new layer within the layer menu after selecting your pattern and paint color.
  2. Use the shader brush to create a gradient effect by applying a controlled increase in pressure over the desired area.

Note: This technique can be used using the New Layer and Clipping Mask instructions above.

How to resize pattern textures in Procreate by RetroSupply Co.

Resize the patterns in procreate

  1. Tap on a brush you would like to alter to be taken to the Brush Settings Menu.
  2. Under Grain you will see the Scale opton.
  3. Tap the percentage and type in the size you prefer.
  4. Confirm your choice by tapping Done.

Note: Need extra help? Try following our tutorial here on resizing pattern textures in Procreate.

How to rotate pattern textures in Procreate by RetroSupply Co.

Rotate the patterns in procreate

  1. Tap on a brush you would like to alter to be taken to the Brush Settings Menu.
  2. Under Grain tap Edit and rotate the texture with your fingers.
  3. Tap Done to return back to the Grain tab inn the Brush Settings Menu.
  4. Tap Done again to confirm your changes.
How to invert pattern textures in Procreate by RetroSupply Co.

Invert the patterns in procreate

  1. Tap on a brush you would like to alter to be taken to the Brush Settings Menu.
  2. Under Grain tap Edit and double tap the texture with two fingers.
  3. Tap Done to return back to the Grain tab inn the Brush Settings Menu.
  4. Tap Done again to confirm your changes.

💡Top Tip: Always duplicate your brushes before making any changes. This will make it easy to return to their factory settings if you make a mistake. You can also create multiple copies of a brush and apply the resize, rotate, and invert changes to them to quickly change between brushes without losing momentum in your workflow.

Perfect Patterns

A love letter to late 20th century design techniques, TransferTone takes the unique and quirky world of dry transfer textures into the new millenium.

Effortlessly apply high quality pattern textures over your work in seconds. No experience needed! Just pick a pattern and draw.

Other Tutorials We Think You'll Enjoy

SEVEN TIPS FOR THE PROCREATE APP YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

Whether you’re already familiar with Procreate or opening it for the first time, we’ll be looking at our top 7 features and gestures to help you move around the Procreate interface like a pro!

View the tutorial.

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE MID-CENTURY ILLUSTRATIONS

Mid-century art often has a simple yet charming look. In this easy-to-follow tutorial, you'll learn the 3 simple steps to creating classic mid-century illustrations. You'll be amazed how easy it is to build a series of pieces in this style.

View the tutorial.

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE MID-CENTURY ILLUSTRATIONS

Learn how to use clipping masks, layer masks, and alpha lock in this easy-to-understand tutorial for Procreate. Discover the difference between each type of mask and the pros and cons of each type of mask with visual examples.

View the tutorial.