How to Make a Lo-Fi Two Color Illustration with DupliTone

Interested in learning how to make artwork inspired by your favorite retro resources, but don't know where to start?

Join artist Robin Banks as they guide us through easy step-by-step instructions on how to make a two-color, lo-fi illustration using DupliTone Halftone Brushes!

Note: Although this technique is demonstrated in Procreate, you can follow along in most image software.

Can't Watch the Video? Here's what You missed:

1. Begin by sketching out your final design. Set the sketches' blend mode to Multiply. This will make it easier to reference once you begin inking. Lower the sketch layer's opacity so you can still see it, but that it won't be a distraction when completing the other layers.
2. Create a new layer underneath your sketch and rename it Line Work. Keep the layer's blend mode set to Normal.
3. Use quick, fluid strokes with your inking pen to complete your line work (here, Robin is using the Ramen Brush from Standard Pens.)
4. Turn off your sketch layer when you are finished inking. You can do this by toggling off the checkmark on the right side of the layer.
5. Create a new layer underneath your line work layer and rename it Blue Halftones. Keep the layer's blend mode set to Normal.
6. Begin coloring in your line work with halftones using the same blue as before by selecting them from the Brush Menu. When shading your piece, keep contrast in mind. Aim for using brushes that are 20%-30% separated from one another (e.g. 30% and 60% density.)
7. Create a new layer on top of your line work layer. Rename the layer Red Halftones, and set the blend mode to Multiply.
8. Color in the rest of your piece using your red color and the DupliTone halftone brushes. Keep most of this color on just one element of your design so that your illustration is focused and easy for the view to understand.
9. Select the red layer, and using the Move Tool, slightly offset the layer from the blue layers to mimic print registration error.

And that's it! Now you have successfully created a simple, two-color using the DupliTone Halftone Brushes and Procreate.