Overview
This tutorial explains how to design swimwear using Procreate, covering sourcing inspiration, outlining, integrating fabric ideas, and adding finishing touches, suitable even for beginners without a design background.
Finding Inspiration and Preparation
- Search for design inspiration on platforms like Pinterest, focusing on the clothing type you want to create.
- Save reference images for elements you wish to incorporate, such as patterns or fabric ideas (e.g., lava and flowers).
- Prepare by downloading Procreate, which has a one-time purchase fee.
Setting Up Procreate Workspace
- Open Procreate and create a new canvas, recommended at 4000x4000 pixels for a square layout.
- Import a body figure template and decrease its opacity to around 30% to make your design more visible on top.
- Enable symmetry in Procreate settings to mirror designs for balanced, efficient outlining.
Outlining and Tracing Designs
- Import swimwear references and adjust sizing to fit the body figure template.
- Trace the silhouette of the desired swimwear design using an outline brush, turning off drawing assist for asymmetrical features.
- Integrate unique design twists, such as twisted knots, using specialized free brush sets or manual tracing.
Refining and Customizing Outlines
- Resize, align, and clean design elements to better fit the body figure.
- Use Procreate’s transform tool to adjust individual parts of your design.
Designing Additional Elements
- Source and trace additional elements like beach skirts, adjusting shapes and opacity as needed.
- Modify outlines to add personalized touches and ensure visual cohesion among different pieces.
Creating Custom Fabric Patterns
- Gather color inspiration from reference images.
- Paint color patterns on a separate layer and apply the liquify effect to achieve a fluid, blended appearance.
- Adjust settings (pressure, size) to create a desired fabric pattern.
Coloring and Applying Fabrics
- Create new layers beneath the outlines to paint base colors.
- Paste and rescale the custom fabric pattern, ensuring high-quality (use bicubic interpolation).
- Use clipping masks to apply fabric only to relevant design areas.
- Paint details like straps or ropes in separate colors for contrast.
Organizing and Grouping Designs
- Group layers for each design for easier management.
- Repeat the process for multiple designs, merging or grouping as needed.
Final Adjustments and Presentation
- For mesh or transparent fabrics, tweak saturation and darkness to enhance vibrancy.
- Duplicate and arrange layers as required to show all completed designs together.
- Optionally, label each design for easier communication with manufacturers.
Sharing and Resources
- Links to relevant brushes and fabric patterns are available in the description for further use.
- Video encourages sharing and engagement, with more tutorials planned for the future.