What are some tips and tricks for adding texture and depth to your brushes in Procreate?

2 Use the blend modes

The blend modes are another way to add texture and depth to your brushes in Procreate. They are the options that determine how your brush strokes interact with the layers below them. You can find them by tapping on the letter N next to the brush opacity slider in the toolbar. There are different categories of blend modes, such as normal, darken, lighten, contrast, color, and luminosity. Each blend mode has a different effect on the color, brightness, and transparency of your brush strokes. For example, you can use the multiply blend mode to create shadows, the overlay blend mode to create highlights, or the color burn blend mode to create rich and saturated colors. Experiment with different blend modes and see how they affect your brushes.

3 Use the brush opacity

The brush opacity is another simple but effective way to add texture and depth to your brushes in Procreate. It is the slider that controls how transparent or opaque your brush strokes are. You can find it by tapping on the brush icon in the toolbar and dragging it left or right. By adjusting the brush opacity, you can create different levels of intensity and contrast for your brushes. For example, you can use a low opacity to create soft and subtle effects, such as mist, smoke, or watercolor. Or you can use a high opacity to create bold and solid effects, such as metal, stone, or wood. You can also vary the brush opacity as you paint by using the pressure sensitivity of your stylus or the tilt gesture of your finger.

4 Use the layer effects

The layer effects are another way to add texture and depth to your brushes in Procreate. They are the options that allow you to apply filters, adjustments, masks, and clipping masks to your layers. You can find them by tapping on the wrench icon in the toolbar and then tapping on the layer icon. The layer effects can help you enhance, modify, or transform your brushes in various ways. For example, you can use the noise filter to add some grain and texture to your brushes, the hue/saturation/brightness adjustment to change the color and tone of your brushes, or the alpha lock mask to lock the transparency of your brushes. You can also use the clipping mask option to limit your brush strokes to the shape of the layer below them, creating interesting effects and patterns.

5 Use the reference layer

The reference layer is a special layer that you can use to add texture and depth to your brushes in Procreate. It is a layer that you can use as a guide or a template for your other layers. You can find it by tapping on the layer thumbnail and then tapping on the reference option. The reference layer can help you create realistic and consistent effects and patterns for your brushes. For example, you can use a photo or a sketch as a reference layer and then use your brushes to paint over it, following the contours, colors, and details of the reference layer. Or you can use a shape or a pattern as a reference layer and then use your brushes to fill it in, creating interesting textures and designs.

6 Use the smudge tool

The smudge tool is a tool that you can use to blend, blur, or smear your brush strokes in Procreate. You can find it by tapping on the finger icon in the toolbar and then selecting a brush. The smudge tool can help you add texture and depth to your brushes in Procreate by creating smooth transitions, gradients, or effects for your brushes. For example, you can use the smudge tool to blend the edges of your brush strokes, creating a softer and more natural look. Or you can use the smudge tool to blur or distort your brush strokes, creating a motion or a depth of field effect. You can also vary the smudge strength by using the pressure sensitivity of your stylus or the tilt gesture of your finger.

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?