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Advisory on Using Blue and Red Pencil as a Basis for Ink Drawings in Procreate


When creating an ink drawing in Procreate, using blue and red pencil layers as a foundation can greatly enhance your workflow and organization. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively use blue and red pencils as a basis for your ink drawing, utilizing three types of brushes: HB6 Pencil, HB Pencil, and Inker.


Step-by-Step Guide


1. Initial Sketch with Blue Pencil

Tool: HB6 Pencil

  • Purpose: The blue pencil serves as the rough layout for your drawing.

  • Steps:

  1. Create a New Layer: Open Procreate and create a new layer for your initial sketch.

  2. Select HB6 Pencil: Choose the HB6 Pencil from your brush library. This brush is perfect for rough sketching due to its thicker, softer lines.

  3. Sketch the Layout: Draw the basic shapes and composition of your piece. Don’t worry about details at this stage; focus on the overall structure and proportions.

  4. Adjust Opacity: Once you’re satisfied with the rough sketch, lower the opacity of this layer. This will help you see the subsequent layers more clearly.


2. Refine with Red Pencil

Tool: HB Pencil

  • Purpose: The red pencil is used to refine the sketch and highlight the elements that will be inked.

  • Steps:

  1. Create a New Layer: Add a new layer above the blue sketch layer.

  2. Select HB Pencil: Choose the HB Pencil for a more precise and defined line.

  3. Refine the Sketch: Trace over the blue sketch, refining shapes and adding details. Use the red pencil to mark the specific areas and lines that will be inked. This step helps in clearly distinguishing the final lines from the rough sketch.

  4. Toggle Visibility: Keep this layer’s visibility toggle in mind; you may need to turn it on and off to compare it with your initial sketch.



3. Inking

Tool: Inker

  • Purpose: The inker is used to finalize the drawing with clean, bold lines.

  • Steps:

  1. Create a New Layer: Add a new layer above the red pencil layer for your inking.

  2. Select Inker: Choose the Inker brush from your brush library.

  3. Ink the Drawing: Carefully trace over the red pencil lines, focusing on creating smooth, confident strokes. Use varying pressure to control line weight and add depth to your drawing.

  4. Hide Sketch Layers: Once the inking is complete, you can hide the blue and red pencil layers to see the final inked drawing clearly.


Tips for Effective Use


Layer Management: Keep your layers well-organized and named appropriately (e.g., “Blue Sketch,” “Red Refine,” “Inking”).

  • Brush Settings: Adjust the brush size and opacity as needed to suit your style and the specific requirements of your drawing.

  • Zoom and Rotate: Use Procreate’s zoom and rotate features to work on details more comfortably.

  • Undo and Redo: Take advantage of the undo and redo functions to correct mistakes quickly.

By following this structured approach, you can maintain a clear and efficient workflow, resulting in a polished and professional ink drawing. The use of blue and red pencils as foundational layers not only helps in planning and refining your work but also ensures that the final inked lines are clean and well-defined.

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