Block Print Illustrations in Procreate with Free Brushes and Textures

When looking for inspiration for a new Procreate class, I decided to look back at some of the favorites my former students used to love. One of the top ones on the list was Printmaking, and the easiest process was the block print. There’s a certain type of satisfaction that comes from carving into a fresh linocut block, for example, and then the thrill of printing multiple copies of an art piece. I’ve tried plenty of other carving, but I really love line block, and I knew I could find a way to capture the look and feel of this art form digitally. I really love block printing and the whole ritual of carving, but it is a time-consuming endeavor. Realistically, I am getting to the point where I need to figure out faster ways to do things in order to keep up with art licensing demands. Through plenty of experimentation, which you will see, I discovered a few iPad methods to create a block print style in Procreate in this class, Block Print Illustrations in Procreate. I have had a lot of fun practicing and playing. I am thrilled that this digital alternative can be a solution to my challenges and can give me tons of freedom to manipulate the design and look in so many interesting ways.

In this class, you’ll learn how to create a block print style illustration on your iPad using Procreate. We will discuss and I will demonstrate my entire process, from concept to completion. To make things super easy, I show you how to use resident Procreate brushes as well as purchased assets, so you can see the benefits of both. I have also decided to give you a set of 20+ block print brushes as downloads so you can start experimenting with the process without having to spend anything! I also give you a few backgrounds so you can dig in immediately.

This is a great course for you to take no matter what you plan to be using the art for. Learn to work efficiently in a professional way. And by the end, you will have a striking piece of art you can use for gifts or sale.

Introduction:

This short intro will give you an overview of the class.

Lesson 1: Overview and Examples

In this lesson, I will explain what we are going to be trying to achieve with our mock lino-block print project. Showing you examples of some of the best block printing I have ever seen will be the start, with an explanation of the reduction method. Then I will show you a look that might not be achievable in traditional block printing, but can give us the same textural feel, a-la-Procreate.

Lesson 2: Explaining the Reduction Method

In this lesson, I will demonstrate my process for the reduction method in Procreate. This is a step-by-step demo and will make a good first project for you if you follow along in Procreate.

Lesson 3: Planning and Set Up Strategies

In this lesson, I show you how to progress from the last lesson and draw all of the motifs. I explain how I filled in the drawing and explain strategies behind having a release around all the motifs.

Lesson 4: Carving Motifs with Texture in Mind

In this lesson, I continue to show you how to add detail and texture. I will show you how I filled in the drawing and the purpose behind having a release around all the motifs. I also speak to having and using authentic details from both purchased sets and the assets I am supplying in the course materials. 

Lesson 5: Alternate Color Ideas and Adding More Texture

In this lesson, I talk about use of color. We will experiment with a bunch of different approaches. I work with blending modes as well as layering the textures. All of this is done through demonstration of the use of alpha lock to make the process easier.

Lesson 6: Finessing and Finishing the Final Layout

Here we look at some of the color options and different experimental strategies to achieve unity with the design. We import some backgrounds here and I will show you the use of some of the course assets.

Lesson 7: Wrap Up

In this wrap up I will show you my final art. This last segment will wrap up all we discussed and give you a starting point and encouragement to start today!

Concepts covered:

Concepts covered include but are not limited to Procreate filter techniques, the reduction method in block-printing, using purchased assets, importing images, Procreate brushes, color balance filter, hue and saturation adjustment layer, adjustment layers, alpha lock, alternate backgrounds, color, importing and organizing brushes in Procreate, production workflow best practices, and much more.

You will get the bonus of…

1. about 50 minutes of direction from an instructor who has been in the graphic design business and education for over 40 years
2. knowledge of multiple ways to solve each design challenge

IMPORTANT INFO FOR UP AND COMING DESIGNERS:

1. Building a body of work with a consistent, signature style is the best way to become recognized.
2. Things may not happen quickly but keep moving forward with your skills.
3. You must be willing to build your portfolio and be a versatile and willing participant in your journey.
4. Remember that “overnight” success is a myth. Even the great graphic design artists out there had to start somewhere. Research as many as you can and heed their advice. Their stories can be really inspirational. Try ALL the techniques until you find one that is just right for you.
5. Most artists take several years to build a successful business. Take the steps necessary to get there. Take as many courses as you can! Carve out a small portion of each week dedicated solely to educating yourself. 
6. Publish in as many venues as possible. Start building your passive income streams, like Creative Market, Zazzle, Red Bubble, Society 6, Art of Where, etc. Open online-stores and keep fresh art going on to your products on a regular basis. Test. Test. TEST!
7. Experiment until you find what works for you and your particular style of art. 
8. You must be patient and keep your nose to the grindstone. Make progress and keep your mind and heart open! Good luck!

Thanks so much for checking out my course here. I always appreciate artists who are committed to learning their craft more thoroughly. Please join me in the countless other on-line classes I offer. I teach and speak from experience – over 40 year’s worth! I love my craft and thoroughly enjoy sharing what I know.

Good luck and be sure to let me know how it's going! Please leave a review if you have the time. I sincerely congratulate you! You have added a number of new of skills to your graphic design skillset. You should continue on your journey to learn all there is to know about the business. Check out all the courses I offer. Let's add to your successes together!