Procreate Art: From Digital To T-Shirt Printing

Procreate is a popular digital art application used by designers to create t-shirt designs. It is a powerful tool that allows designers to create high-quality prints with collaborative apparel. When creating t-shirt designs in Procreate, the file size and DPI are crucial. A small file size or low DPI will result in a blurry and pixelated print. It is recommended to create the largest canvas size possible at the highest DPI available, depending on the memory and power of the iPad. For instance, the iPad Pro can create a 12x16in file at 450 DPI, while the iPad Air is limited to a smaller size and lower DPI. Additionally, it is important to use high-quality brushes in Procreate, as low-quality brushes can result in a messy and pixelated design. Keeping the line work, shading, and colours on separate layers gives more control over the design and makes it easier for print shops to make adjustments.

Choosing the right file size and DPI

When creating a design in Procreate that you plan to print on a T-shirt, choosing the right file size and DPI is crucial. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you make the right choice:

• Start by creating the largest-sized canvas possible at the highest DPI available. This will depend on the memory and power of your iPad. Newer iPad models with more memory and processing power will allow for larger file sizes and higher DPI. For example, while the iPad Pro can create a 12x16-inch file at 450 DPI, the iPad Air is limited to a smaller size of 9x12 inches at 450 DPI.
• Remember that when designing in Procreate, larger is always better if you intend to print. A small file size or low DPI will result in a blurry and pixelated print, which will not look good on a T-shirt.
• Consider the printing method you plan to use. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, screen printing, and heat transfer methods are limited to specific areas on the T-shirt and require a flat surface. Therefore, you need to design your file based on their maximum printable area requirements. Dye sublimation printing, on the other hand, allows for printing all over the garment but is a more expensive technique.
• Keep in mind the requirements of your print provider. Different providers may have specific guidelines for file size, DPI, and other specifications. It is essential to be aware of these requirements before designing your image.
• Maintain a high image resolution. An image resolution of 300 DPI is generally recommended by print providers, but some, like Printbest, will accept lower resolutions, with a minimum of 150 DPI.
• Understand the difference between vector and raster (bitmap) images. Vector images are computer-generated graphics made up of mathematical points, lines, and curves, while raster images are pixel-based and can lose quality when scaled beyond their original dimensions. Vector images are ideal for T-shirt printing as they can be resized without losing quality. However, some printing companies require files in JPEG or PNG format, which are raster file types.
• If you are using a raster image, ensure that altering the size does not decrease the DPI below the recommended range. Increasing the size of a raster image will lower the DPI, resulting in a lower resolution and a blurry or pixelated print. Conversely, decreasing the size will increase the DPI and improve the resolution.
• Use high-quality brushes in Procreate to ensure the best results. Low-quality brushes can produce messy and pixelated designs that will not print well on a T-shirt.
• Keep your design elements on separate layers. This gives you more control over your design and makes it easier for your print shop to make adjustments if needed.
• Clean up your artwork before exporting. Remove any stray marks or colours that go over or don't meet up with your line work. This will ensure that your final print looks neat and professional.
• Finally, export and save your design in the appropriate format. It is recommended to export your design as both a high-quality TIFF and PSD file, as this gives your print shop flexibility in working with the file. Additionally, consider uploading your design to cloud storage as a backup.

Using quality brushes

• When choosing a brush for line work, zoom in to check for pixelation. A pixelated brush will result in a messy and blurry design.
• Select a brush with a suitable size and resolution. A brush that is too small or has a low resolution will affect the print quality.
• For lettering and line work, consider using a brush set specifically designed for this purpose, such as the BJ Bets Penmanship Round Tips from Tattoo Smart.
• Avoid using gradients and "airbrush" brushes for shading. Instead, opt for stippling brushes or solid fills to achieve a clean and professional look. A recommended brush set for this purpose is the Stipple Studio from True Grit Supply.
• If you prefer using gradients and airbrushes, consider printing your design using the DTG method, which will preserve the original look.
• Keep your brushes organised by labelling each layer with a specific colour or element. This will make it easier to adjust your design if needed.
• Before exporting, clean up any stray marks or colours that go over your line work. Remember, "shit in = shit out".
• Duplicate your brushes before making any changes, so you can always revert to the original version if needed.
• Experiment with different brushes and adjust their settings to find the ones that suit your style and the specific needs of your T-shirt design.
• Take advantage of the abundance of free and affordable brush sets available for Procreate, which can provide you with the tools you need to create stunning designs.

Keeping line work, shading and colours on separate layers

Keeping your line work, shading, and colours on separate layers is essential when designing a T-shirt in Procreate. This gives you more control over your design and makes it easier for your print shop to make adjustments. For example, if the print shop needs to adjust the colour of a specific element in your design, they can do so without affecting the rest of the design.

To keep your design organised, label each layer with a specific colour or element. This will make it easier for you and your print shop to make any necessary adjustments. Here are some tips for keeping your line work, shading, and colours on separate layers:

• Make your outline a reference layer: Set the reference option in the layer settings for your line work. This will ensure that any colour or shading you add will respect the lines and stay within the boundaries of your design.
• Create a new layer underneath: Fill this entire layer with white or a neutral colour that is easy to colour over. This will be your base colour layer.
• Disable the outline reference layer: Add another layer above the base colour layer and make it a clipping mask. This will ensure that your shading and colours stay within the lines of your design.
• Duplicate the line work layer: You can also duplicate your line work layer and use the fill tool or selection tool to colour within the lines. This method allows you to preserve your original line work layer and make adjustments as needed.
• Use Alpha Lock or Clipping Mask: These features in Procreate allow you to colour within the lines without permanently affecting your design. Alpha Lock only allows colouring over pre-existing brush strokes, while Clipping Mask creates a separate layer for colouring, making it easier to change or adjust your design.

Cleaning up your artwork

Import Your Sketch

Begin by importing your sketch or artwork into Procreate. It is recommended to have a separate layer for your lines to facilitate easy cleanup without altering the original sketch. This way, you can experiment and make changes without compromising the original artwork.

Select the Right Brushes

The brushes you choose for your line work will significantly impact the quality of your T-shirt design. Avoid using low-quality brushes as they can result in a messy and pixelated design. Instead, opt for high-quality brushes designed specifically for lettering and line work, such as the BJ Bets Penmanship Round Tips from Tattoo Smart. These brushes will give your design a clean and professional look.

When selecting a brush, zoom in and check if the lines are pixelated. A brush that is too small or has a low resolution will affect the print quality of your file. For shading, it is best to stay away from gradients and "airbrush" brushes. Instead, use stippling brushes or solid fills to create solid fields of colour. The Stipple Studio brush set from True Grit Supply is an excellent option for this purpose.

Zoom In for Precision

To ensure precise cleanup without missing any imperfections, zoom in on your artwork. This allows you to focus on intricate details and make refined adjustments.

Start the Cleanup Process

Begin the cleanup process by gently tracing over your lines. Follow the original lines, refining them as you go. Adjust the brush size and opacity as needed to achieve the desired effect.

Use the Eraser Tool

The eraser tool is a valuable asset in achieving clean lines. Procreate's eraser tool allows for variable opacity settings, enabling you to delicately lift away unwanted lines or make subtle adjustments. This feature ensures that even the most intricate details remain intact while cleaning up.

Smooth and Streamline

Procreate's "Smooth" feature is designed to refine wobbly lines and curves, making them appear more fluid and polished. The "Streamline" feature takes precision to the next level by smoothing out hand-drawn lines in real-time, ensuring a steady and controlled stroke. Adjust the Streamline setting to your preference for a tailored experience.

Correct Shaky Lines

To correct shaky lines, first, identify the areas that need attention, such as wobbly curves, uneven lines, or jagged edges. Increase the Streamline setting to its maximum to achieve the most stable strokes and minimise the impact of hand tremors or unsteady movements. When correcting shaky lines, use short, confident strokes, and break down complex lines into smaller segments to maintain control and precision.

Practice and Patience

Correcting shaky lines and achieving smooth lines takes practice and patience. Don't be discouraged by initial challenges. With time and practice, your hands will become steadier, and your lines will become smoother.

Exporting and saving your design

Once you've finished your t-shirt design, it's time to export and save it. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you through the process:

Double-Check Your Artwork:

Before exporting, ensure your art is finished and all layers are visible. Check the Layers panel to ensure all necessary layers are checked and visible. Also, verify that your artwork is the correct size, as you don't want to export it and realise it's too big or small.

Open the Actions Panel:

On your top toolbar in Procreate, click on the wrench icon to open the Actions panel. This is where you'll find various export options.

Choose Your File Format:

Procreate offers several file formats for exporting your artwork, including Procreate file, PSD, PDF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. Each format has its advantages and specific use cases:

• Procreate file: This will maintain your design as it exists in Procreate, with all layers maintained. It's a good idea to back up your art as Procreate files in case something happens to your iPad.
• PSD: Photoshop files are ideal if you or your client needs to work with the art in Photoshop.
• PDF: PDF files are versatile and compatible. They are excellent for digital distribution and sending files to print houses and publishers.
• JPEG: JPEG is a common and versatile format, but it flattens your artwork into a single layer and may result in some loss of quality.
• PNG: PNG files are high-quality, support transparency, and tend to be more crisp and clear than JPEGs.
• TIFF: TIFF files are commonly used by photographers and graphic designers to maintain the quality of raster-based images.

Choose Your Export Destination:

After selecting your file format, choose where you want to export your artwork. You can export to various locations, including other apps on your iPad, cloud storage services like Google Drive, or directly to your computer via AirDrop or email.

Transparent Background:

If you plan to sell your art on products like t-shirts or mugs, or use it in another design project, you'll need a transparent background. To achieve this, open the Layers panel and hide the background layer by clicking the checkmark next to it before exporting.

Backup Your Artwork:

It's always a good idea to back up your artwork by uploading it to cloud storage or saving it on your computer. This ensures that you have a copy of your design in case anything happens to your iPad or primary device.

High-Resolution Images:

When exporting, ensure you select high-resolution images, especially if you plan to print your design. Check the DPI (dots per inch) setting and aim for 300 DPI or higher for the best print quality.

Vector Export:

If you want to make your design infinitely scalable without losing quality, you can export your artwork as vector files such as SVG, PDF, or AI. Vector export is excellent for creating designs that need to be used at various sizes, like logos or illustrations.

File Compatibility:

Consider the software that you or your collaborators will be using to open and edit your exported files. Choose a compatible file format to ensure a smooth workflow and maintain the integrity of your design.

Layer Organisation:

Keep your line work, shading, and colours on separate layers. This gives you more control over your design and makes it easier for print shops to make adjustments. Label each layer with a specific colour or element for better organisation.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to export and save your Procreate t-shirt designs effectively, ensuring they are ready for printing or further editing.

Frequently asked questions