Art and Artists

Procreate Tips & Tricks You May Not Know About

It might be simple to overlook certain tried-and-true methods for speeding up your productivity when Procreate receives more regular upgrades.

Whether you’re a seasoned Procreate user or just starting, we’ll go through the seven features and gestures that we think are essential for using the app with simplicity.

1. COLOR PALETTE

Mid-Century artwork is easily recognized by its use of bright, clashing colors. When dealing with a color palette that is not very complex, it is essential to have quick access to all colors.

The Color Palette Panel in Procreate has a user interface that is both friendly and natural to work with. A color picker may be accessed by clicking the square outline icon on the toolbar’s left side.

You can sample color by dragging this over it, and it will show up in the color circle in the main menu.

You will see that there is an option for you to change the Palette to the ‘Default’ option. If you follow these steps, the Palette will remain active even after moving on to the other color-setting windows.

You also have the option to erase a color swatch by clicking and holding on the square that contains the swatch and then selecting the “Delete” option from the context menu.

Alternatively, you may slide to the left and then press the ‘Delete’ button to remove the whole Palette.

You may take Procreate courses if you’re having trouble figuring out how to use certain parts of the program, and this will allow you to progress much more quickly.

You can access the same global color palette in all your documents.

2. COLOR DROP FILL

The color drop option is another helpful tool that greatly reduces prep time. Make sure the outline you draw around the area you wish to fill is entirely closed, and there are no gaps in it.

To fill in the space, move the color circle located in the top menu down into the shape.

3. LIQUIFY

Liquify can produce insane images that appear like gateways to another universe when used carelessly.

On the other hand, when used in moderation, Liquify can give genuine ripples to forms and strokes. Liquify can be compared to a psychedelic time machine.

The perfect tool for sketching coffee vapor or roughening up the margins of an outline!

The Liquify options may be accessed through the drop-down menu located in the Adjustments Panel. Choosing this option will show a list of preferences at the bottom of the screen.

You have the option of selecting either “Push,” “Twirl Right,” “Twirl Left,” “Pinch,” “Expand,” or “Crystals.”

4. SYMMETRY

The Symmetry tool is another outstanding addition made available in a recent release. The community around Procreate went crazy over it, and they filled Instagram with beautiful, complicated designs.

However, even if painting mandalas isn’t your thing, you could find that this technique is helpful for the way you normally draw.

When you turn on symmetry, your changes will be duplicated on the other side of the canvas.

The Symmetry options may be accessed by opening the “Actions” panel and activating the “Drawing Guide” toggle in the “Canvas” menu. Tap ‘Edit Drawing Guide’ (below the toggle).

You have the option of going with either horizontal, vertical, quadrant, or radial symmetry. Simply returning to your canvas by tapping the “Done” button.

Press the thumbnail of the layer you want to modify, and then tap the toggle for ‘Drawing Assist’ to turn off the symmetry settings.

5. QUICKSHAPE

One of the limitations of using Procreate for illustration has always been that it does not have any form tools.

Shapes like circles, rectangles, and triangles had to be drawn in a separate program and then imported into Procreate for usage.

On the other hand, such times now belong to the ancient history books.

QuickShape is a feature introduced in an earlier update, version 4.2. Make your rough outline into a polished, symmetrical form using this method.

To do this, finish drawing the contour of the form, then stop before closing the route. It’s almost as if magic, but the shape falls perfectly into place!

6. BRUSH SWITCH

If you keep your finger pressed down on the eraser tool in the top menu for a few seconds, it will change the brush to the one you now use for painting (and vice versa). This a piece of advice that is simple yet effective!

The texture effects are enhanced by switching between painting and erasing.

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Art and Artists

Artist Anna Chekh Showcases “Diversity of Shadow Man” at Icon Siam

Anna Chekh presents "Diversity of Shadow Man"

International contemporary artist Anna Chekh presents “Diversity of Shadow Man.” The artist showcases her trendy 3D art objects, a large Shadow Man sculpture, digital art, art prints, and innovative 3D pictures at the ArtVentureNFT gallery (1st floor, Icon Siam).

Step into the captivating world of “Shadow Man” by international contemporary artist Anna Chekh, where her iconic art character unveils the rich tapestry of her artistic vision. This enigmatic figure symbolizes curiosity and exploration of the world while steadfastly guarding his private life and values, embodying a faceless hero for the public. Shadow Man reflects the spirit of our generation, resonating with profound insights and captivating storytelling.

Artist Anna Chekh

The exhibition features a collection of unique art objects from Chekh’s acclaimed ‘Shadow Man’ series, previously showcased at prestigious international venues including DIFC Art Nights in Dubai and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Soon, this compelling collection will be presented in Miami, New York, and Venice.

Artist Anna Chekh

Alongside the ‘Shadow Man’ series, Anna Chekh presents a captivating selection of paintings, art prints, and digital artworks. Delve into the symbolic narrative crafted by Chekh, blending neo-symbolism with surrealistic elements to offer a profound visual journey into the human psyche and societal themes.

Artist Anna Chekh

As a multidisciplinary artist, Anna Chekh extends her creative vision across various mediums, from traditional canvases and sculptures to cutting-edge NFTs, interactive installations, and innovative web 3.0 projects.

Her artworks, celebrated for their depth and innovation, have been showcased at esteemed venues worldwide from New York and Tokyo to Bangkok and Dubai, including the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.

Anna has received numerous prestigious awards, including Best Innovative NFT 2024 and Best Phygital NFT 2023 (Dubai, Burj Khalifa).

The Enduring Appeal of Custom Vinyl Stickers: Creativity on a Stick

In a digital age where personal and business branding evolves at lightning speed, one tactile marketing tool has remained as relevant and effective as ever: custom vinyl stickers. Versatile, durable, and colorful, these stickers offer an impactful way to convey messages, demonstrate personality, and even enhance brand visibility. This detailed exploration of custom vinyl stickers will reveal why they continue to be a preferred choice for both individuals and businesses, detailing their uses, benefits, and creative possibilities.

The Allure of Vinyl Stickers

Vinyl stickers aren’t just popular; they are a phenomenon in their own right. Their robustness and aesthetic appeal make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from car decals to storefront decorations. Here’s why they stand out:

Durability: Vinyl is a strong, flexible material resistant to environmental factors like UV rays and moisture. This makes vinyl stickers perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, as they don’t fade quickly or peel off easily.

Quality: The quality of printing on vinyl is generally higher than on other materials. Colors appear brighter and more vibrant, which is crucial for capturing attention and conveying specific styles or brands.

Customization: The adaptability of vinyl allows for a myriad of customization options in size, shape, color, and finish. Whether you need a glossy finish to catch the light or a matte finish to reduce glare, vinyl stickers can be tailored to meet specific requirements.

Uses of Custom Vinyl Stickers

The uses of custom vinyl stickers are as varied as they are imaginative. Here are some of the most popular applications:

Personal Use:

Vehicle Decals: Custom vinyl stickers are often used to decorate cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, allowing enthusiasts to showcase their unique style or membership in clubs and communities.
Home Decor: Vinyl stickers can be applied to walls, furniture, and appliances, making them an easy way to revitalize a space without permanent changes.
Personal Belongings: Laptops, phone cases, and water bottles are commonly adorned with vinyl stickers to personalize everyday items.

Business Use:

Branding: Businesses use custom vinyl stickers as a cost-effective branding tool. Placing logo stickers on products, packaging, and even at physical locations enhances brand visibility.
Promotions: Companies often give away vinyl stickers as part of promotional campaigns. Because they are seen as a value-added item, stickers can improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Wayfinding: Vinyl stickers are excellent for directional purposes within businesses, helping guide customers and creating a more organized space.

The Design Process: From Concept to Completion

Creating custom vinyl stickers is an art form that involves several steps to ensure the final product perfectly captures the intended aesthetic and functional needs.

Designing the Artwork: The first step involves designing the artwork. This can be done using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. The design must consider the intended size of the sticker to ensure that details are not lost in translation from screen to print.

Choosing the Right Vinyl: There are different types of vinyl, each suitable for different conditions. For instance, cast vinyl is better for outdoor use due to its ability to withstand harsher conditions, whereas calendared vinyl might be sufficient for indoor use.

Printing and Cutting: Once the design is finalized, it’s printed using high-quality digital printers. After printing, the stickers are cut into the desired shape. Precision cutting is essential, especially for complex designs or shapes.

Quality Control: Before the stickers are packaged and sent out, they undergo quality control checks to ensure that every sticker meets the set standards of durability, color accuracy, and adhesion.

Creative Ideas for Vinyl Sticker Designs

Seasonal Themes: Capitalize on holiday seasons by creating themed stickers that can be used as part of promotional packages or as seasonal decorations.

Inspirational Quotes: Stickers with motivational quotes are perennial favorites. They can serve as personal reminders or inspirational gifts for others.

Artistic Collaborations: Collaborating with artists to create limited-edition sticker designs can add an exclusivity factor that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.

Eco-Friendly Messages: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, stickers promoting eco-friendly practices or green branding can resonate well with a conscientious audience.

Conclusion

The charm of custom vinyl stickers lies in their simplicity and the profound impact they can have. Whether used to inject a bit of fun into personal items, add a professional touch to business products, or anything in between, vinyl stickers are an excellent choice for those looking to make a statement in a durable, customizable, and cost-effective way. As they continue to stick around in various forms, it’s clear that when it comes to making a mark, few options are as enduring—and adhesive—as vinyl stickers.

Art and Artists

Exploring Cloud Imagery and Cultural Expression: An Interview with Huaqi Liu

Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Huaqi Liu, a talented artist whose journey into the world of painting began at the age of 16. Over the years, Liu has explored various artistic styles, beginning with traditional Chinese painting. As he delved deeper into his craft, his journey led him to evolve his artistic expression, and Liu’s passion for painting endured and flourished. This evolution has been marked by a natural progression, driven by his inner creative spark and ongoing exploration of different artistic mediums and techniques.

Q: Could you discuss some of the awards and recognition you’ve received in recent years, such as the Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from the City of Baltimore in 2022?

Huaqi Liu: The Mayoral Certificate of Recognition was my project where I taught children to draw and handled technical aspects like video tech. We connected children from Baltimore and Korea through artwork exchanges, culminating in an exhibition of the children’s art.

Q: In 2023, you gave a lecture titled “Clouds and Chinese Destiny” at the GFA department of the Maryland Institute College of Art. What was the focus of this lecture?

Huaqi Liu: I was invited by a friend who teaches at MICA. I shared my experiences from struggling to integrate into the American environment during my undergraduate studies to eventually applying for exhibitions. During the interactive session, students were interested in my projects, which led to discussions about my artwork. I shared the story about why I chose clouds as my subject, and what’s the meaning in Chinese traditional aesthetic.

Q: What style or genre of painting are you currently studying or practicing, and how would you define your own style?

Huaqi Liu: I don’t confine myself to a particular genre. Six years ago, I might have called myself an abstract artist, but now I feel it’s unnecessary to frame myself in that way.

Q: Who are some of your favorite and least favorite artists, and why?

Huaqi Liu: My top favorite artist is René Magritte because of his journey from wealth to poverty and his determination to pursue art with just a pen. I admire his innovation, especially his use of light strokes. Monet’s use of color and brushstrokes also influences my work, capturing the atmosphere and romanticism that I seek. I’m not fond of art that depicts violence or explicit sexuality as I find these themes aesthetically tiresome. I prefer art that allows for interpretation and symbolism, fostering a connection between the artist and the viewer.

Q: You have numerous publications, such as the academic paper “Cloud-infused artistry: unraveling the enigmatic bond between destiny and oil painting” in 2024. Could you share the significance of these awards and publications, along with the stories behind them?

Huaqi Liu: “Cloud-infused artistry” is an academic paper I wrote at the end of 2023, published in the CPCI journal. It provides a detailed explanation of my artwork, including my techniques using clouds and colors, and explores contemporary artists’ interest in clouds. For instance, there’s a contemporary artist who visualizes weather patterns with computer-generated lines, reflecting my own interest in clouds and their connection to human fate.

Q: How do you understand the role of this art form in society, and what value does it bring to you in terms of joy or fulfillment?

Huaqi Liu: Painting is a form of emotional output for me. It’s a sanctuary in the chaos of life, allowing me to express myself authentically. Though it can be stressful, I find solace in the process. Through my art, I aim to showcase my cultural contributions as an immigrant in America and my appreciation for multiculturalism. I hope when people see my work, they can resonate with me, that’s my goal.