Discover how to create a trendy block print style illustration in Procreate! Perfect for standalone art prints, greeting cards, or seamless patterns, this tutorial will help you achieve a beautiful handmade look.
Watch the Tutorial
If you’re a see it on “paper” person, keep reading below. Otherwise, check out this quick video tutorial in my new iPad Art Break Series on Youtube:
The Steps
1. Start with a Rough Sketch. Open a square canvas (3,000 x 3,000 pixels) to keep your project print-ready. Choose a simple composition like a sunset, shell, or waves. Use a loose sketch style to map out your shapes, such as a diamond layout for a block print effect.
2. Tighten Your Composition. Turn on the drawing guide (Actions > Canvas > Edit Drawing Guide) and bump up the grid size to help center and align your sketch. Sketch clean shapes for your sun, waves, or other chosen objects, experimenting with placement for variety.
3. Block Out Your Base Layer. Create a new layer, drop a background color, and alpha lock it. Then, merge and duplicate your sketch for backup. Use brushes from the Everything Bagel Brush Set (linked above) to “carve out” shapes by erasing parts of the block for a handmade, textured feel.
4. Experiment with Carving Styles. Keep it loose, playful, and varied to emulate a block print look. Don’t be afraid to test multiple versions—create different carving styles for more visual interest.
5. Add Block Print Textures. Use an eraser to create “messy” ink textures between elements like waves or sky. This adds an organic, vintage block print aesthetic. Round off sharp edges and leave imperfections for a handmade effect.
6. Apply Colors to Your Block Print. Select your carved shapes, cut and paste them into separate layers. Apply bold, contrasting colors (e.g., orange for the sun, blue for the waves) for a striking composition.
7. Turn Your Illustration Into a Pattern. Align your illustration using the drawing guide and snapping tool. Duplicate and place blocks carefully into each corner without crossing the canvas edge to create a seamless repeat. If you’re running out of layers, merge groups to stay organized while retaining flexibility for adjustments.
8. Experiment with Offsets and Overlapping
For a creative twist, offset your prints slightly or layer colors using blend modes for overlapping effects. Add gritty ink textures to mimic the look of traditional block prints.
make it professional!
Take your block print skills to the next level with this in-depth class. Learn how to create detailed illustrations and stunning patterns using Procreate’s powerful tools and custom block print brushes.
Block Print Style Pattern and Illustration
- Master clean and gritty block print styles
- Add realistic carving textures
- Create art for prints, greeting cards, and seamless patterns
