How to Make Sneaker Mock-ups!
Mastering Procreate: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Are you like Dillon, eager to learn Procreate but feeling overwhelmed by its complexity? You're not alone. This world-class digital illustration app can seem daunting at first, but with a bit of guidance, you'll be creating high-quality mockups and digital art in no time. Whether you're into sneaker design or other forms of digital art, the tips and techniques in this guide are versatile and easy to apply. Let's dive in!
Jump to Youtube Timestamps
00:46 The Gallery
01:31 Creating a New Canvas
02:11 Navigating the Workspace
03:01 Brushes: Your Creative Arsenal
05:01 Introduction to Layers
06:01 Gestures
07:31 Importing Photos
09:01 Color Palettes + Droppers
11:01 Blend Modes
12:01 Clipping Masks
13:01 Textures + Stencils
14:01 A Creative Hack
15:01 Export Timelapse
Getting Started with Procreate
The Gallery
When you first open Procreate, you're greeted by the Gallery, which showcases all your projects. This is your home base where you can view and manage your artwork.
Creating a New Canvas
To start a new project, tap the plus icon. You'll see multiple standard canvas options, including screen size, which matches your device's resolution. You can also create a custom size by clicking the custom button. For this tutorial, we’ll stick with the stock screen size. A single tap creates your canvas, ready for your artistic touch.
Understanding Procreate's Interface
Navigating the Workspace
Upon entering your new canvas, you'll notice various options at the top. Editing tools are on the left, and painting tools are on the right.
Brushes: Your Creative Arsenal
Clicking the brush icon opens a vast menu of brush categories, each with unique variants. Procreate offers a diverse array of brushes, and you can even find more online. Tapping any brush allows customization through various settings like size, opacity, and more. While mastering these settings isn't necessary right away, it's good to know they exist.
Using the Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil enhances your experience by allowing you to vary pressure, stroke speed, and tilt, unlocking the full potential of each brush. On the canvas, sliders on the left adjust brush size (top slider) and opacity (bottom slider).
Quick Tip: Undo Button
One of the most common gestures you'll use is the undo button. Tap with two fingers to undo, a lifesaver during your creative process.
Mastering Layers
Introduction to Layers
Layers are a fundamental feature in Procreate. To access them, tap the button with two parallel squares, and the layers panel will appear. Your first layer is open by default.
Creating and Managing Layers
To add a new layer, tap the plus icon. Any drawing on this new layer remains separate, simplifying edits. You can toggle layers on and off by tapping the checkbox, adjust transparency with the opacity slider, and explore blend modes by tapping the 'N' button.
Grouping and Merging Layers
Organize layers by grouping them. Swipe right on each layer you want to group and click "Group" at the top. Rename your group for easy reference. If you don't need to edit layers separately, merge them by pinching the topmost and bottom layers together.
Essential Gestures for Efficiency
Undo and Redo
Remember, a two-finger tap undoes an action, while a three-finger tap redoes it. Hold the two-finger or three-finger tap to undo or redo multiple actions.
Erasing and Zooming
A three-finger swipe erases everything on the current layer. Pinch with two fingers to zoom in and out. For a better view, pinch to see your artwork in full screen and tap with four fingers to remove interfaces.
Creating Perfect Shapes
Draw a shape and hold at the end to let Procreate smooth it out. Tap with another finger to autocorrect to a perfect shape, like a circle. Adjust the size and alignment while still holding your pencil.
Alpha Lock
Swipe right with two fingers on a layer to activate alpha lock, ensuring painted elements stay within the shape. You'll know it's on when a checkered pattern appears or by double-tapping the layer.
Importing Photos and Using Mockups
Importing Photos
To import a photo, tap the wrench icon, go to the add menu, and select ‘Insert a photo’. Choose the photo from your gallery. The image is automatically selected with marching ants around it, indicating the transform tool is active. You can rotate, flip, and adjust the size or alignment.
Using Sneaker Mockups
Angelus provides free sneaker mockups as .psd files, which include all the various sections of a shoe as individual layers, making customization easier.
Exploring Color Palettes and Droppers
Organizing Canvases
Navigate back to the Gallery if you have multiple canvases for the same project and want to organize them. Select the canvases, then tap on 'Stack' to create a folder.
Using the Color Picker
To add color, tap the color picker menu (circle in the top right). Choose from modes like disc, classic, harmony, value, and palette. Drag and drop colors directly onto closed shapes to fill them. Use the color picker tool to select any color on your canvas.
Blend Modes and Clipping Masks
Understanding Blend Modes
Blend modes control how colors interact between layers, allowing effects like adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and blending colors for shadows or highlights. Set blend modes through the layers tab, using options like linear burn or multiply.
Using Clipping Masks
Clipping masks allow drawing within specific boundaries. Create a new layer, select clipping mask, and anything drawn stays within the underlying shape. This method is non-destructive, allowing for erasing and other adjustments without affecting the layer below.
Adding Textures and Stencils
Applying Textures
Create a new clipping mask above the layer you plan to work on. Use brushes like the decimals brush to add textures. Adjust size and opacity sliders for different looks. Explore the stock library or our Procreate brush pack for more options. Just click the item below to try our FREE Sample Pack.
Inserting Images
To insert images, use the selection tool to isolate and adjust elements. For manual selections, choose the freehand option, draw around the area, tap the grey dot to close the selection, click "invert" if needed, and swipe with three fingers to clear the rest of the layer.
Taking Mid-Progress Photos
A Creative Hack
Taking mid-progress photos can be a game-changer. When stuck on a design decision, photograph your project and experiment with different options in Procreate. This technique can help you break through creative blocks.
Exporting Timelapse Videos
Recording Your Process
Procreate records your actions, allowing you to review your progress in a timelapse. Access this feature through the wrench icon, then the video section. Share your journey from concept to completion by exporting the timelapse.
Conclusion: Bringing Your Designs to Life
By now, you should have a solid grasp of the basics of Procreate and how to create stunning sneaker mock-ups. Practice and experimentation are key, so don't hesitate to try different brushes and techniques to refine your skills.
If you have any questions or want to share your creations, reach out to me on social media. I'm excited to see your designs and offer any additional tips.
Now everybody get out there and Just Create!