How can you add texture to print designs?

1 Use paper stock

One of the simplest ways to add texture to print designs is to choose the right paper stock for your project. Paper stock can vary in weight, thickness, color, finish, and even shape. You can use different paper stocks to create layers, borders, cut-outs, or embossed effects. For example, you can use a textured paper for your background and a smooth paper for your foreground elements. Or you can use a colored paper for your base and a white paper for your text and graphics.

2 Apply filters and effects

Another way to add texture to print designs is to use filters and effects in your software. You can apply filters and effects to your images, text, shapes, or backgrounds to create various textures, such as grain, noise, halftone, watercolor, or wood. You can also use filters and effects to adjust the opacity, blending mode, or color of your elements. For example, you can use a grain filter to give your image a vintage look, or you can use a watercolor effect to create a soft and artistic feel.

3 Use brushes and patterns

A third way to add texture to print designs is to use brushes and patterns in your software. Brushes and patterns are tools that allow you to create custom textures, such as splatters, strokes, dots, lines, or swirls. You can use brushes and patterns to fill or outline your elements, or to create masks or overlays. For example, you can use a splatter brush to create a dynamic and messy texture, or you can use a dot pattern to create a retro and geometric texture.

4 Incorporate natural elements

A fourth way to add texture to print designs is to incorporate natural elements, such as plants, flowers, leaves, feathers, or stones. Natural elements can add organic and realistic textures to your print projects, as well as color and contrast. You can use natural elements as images, illustrations, or icons, or you can use them as physical materials. For example, you can use a plant image as a background, or you can use a feather as a bookmark.

5 Experiment with typography

A fifth way to add texture to print designs is to experiment with typography. Typography is the art and technique of arranging text in your layout. You can use typography to create texture by choosing different fonts, sizes, colors, styles, or alignments. You can also use typography to create texture by manipulating the shape, spacing, or orientation of your text. For example, you can use a handwritten font to create a casual and personal texture, or you can use a distorted font to create a dramatic and edgy texture.

6 Mix and match textures

A sixth way to add texture to print designs is to mix and match different textures in your layout. Mixing and matching textures can help you create contrast, balance, and harmony in your print projects. You can mix and match textures by using different paper stocks, filters, effects, brushes, patterns, natural elements, or typography. You can also mix and match textures by using different levels of intensity, complexity, or scale. For example, you can use a subtle texture for your background and a bold texture for your headline, or you can use a large texture for your focal point and a small texture for your details.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?