Create Stickers in Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Stickers are a great way to make your mark on the world, whether you’re adding them to your planner, decorating your laptop, or sharing them with friends. I have to admit, I LOVE collecting AND creating stickers! Here’s a bunch I have made over the years for peeps in the skoolie community:

With Procreate, you can create your own custom stickers that are unique to you. Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting out, Procreate makes it easy to create stickers that look great and express your personality.

To get started with Procreate, it’s important to understand the basics of the software. Procreate is a powerful digital art tool that allows you to create stunning illustrations, paintings, and designs. With Procreate, you can create custom brushes, use layers to add depth to your work, and export your creations in a variety of formats. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, Procreate is a great tool for creating stickers that look great and express your personality.

Key Takeaways

• Procreate is a powerful digital art tool that allows you to create stunning illustrations, paintings, and designs.
• With Procreate, you can create custom brushes, use layers to add depth to your work, and export your creations in a variety of formats.
• Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, Procreate is a great tool for creating stickers that look great and express your personality.

Understanding Procreate

Procreate is a digital art app designed for the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. It is a powerful tool for artists and designers who want to create digital art, illustrations, and graphics. The app is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a wide range of features and tools that allow users to create high-quality artwork.

The Procreate app has a simple and easy-to-use interface, with a toolbar that provides quick access to all the essential tools and features. The toolbar can be customized to suit the user’s preferences, and it includes a range of tools such as brushes, erasers, smudge tools, and more. The app also has a brush library, which includes a wide range of brushes that can be used for different types of artwork and illustrations.

The actions menu in Procreate provides access to a range of important editing and formatting tools, including layers, masks, and blending modes. The app also includes a range of filters and effects that can be used to enhance the appearance of artwork and illustrations.

One of the key features of Procreate is its ability to work with layers. Layers allow users to work on different elements of their artwork separately, making it easier to make changes and adjustments. The app also includes a range of selection tools, which can be used to select and manipulate specific elements of an artwork.

Overall, Procreate is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to create a wide range of artwork and illustrations. Its intuitive interface, customizable toolbar, and extensive range of features and tools make it a popular choice for artists and designers.

If you’d like access to my free Procreate beginners guide, you can join my facebook group.

Starting Your Sticker Design

To start creating custom stickers in Procreate, the user needs to open the app and create a new canvas. Procreate offers a variety of canvas sizes, including custom canvas sizes for those who want to create stickers in a specific size. The user can choose the canvas size by tapping on the “+” icon in the top right corner and selecting “Create Custom Canvas.” I recommend using no less than 6 inches by 6 inches at 300dpi. Since Procreate is not vector based, this is a great size for creating high quality designs that print well.

Once the user has created a canvas, they can begin sketching their sticker design using the brush tool. Procreate offers a variety of brushes to choose from, including pencils, markers, and paint brushes. The user can adjust the brush size and opacity to their liking using the sliders located at the top of the screen.

After sketching the initial design, the user can begin adding color to their sticker using the color picker tool. The color picker tool allows the user to choose from a wide range of colors or create their own custom color using the color wheel.

Procreate also offers the ability to work with layers, which can be accessed by tapping on the layers icon located on the right-hand side of the screen. Layers allow the user to separate different elements of their design and make adjustments without affecting the rest of the design.

Once the user is satisfied with their sticker design, they can save it as a PNG file by exporting it using the share icon located in the top right corner of the screen. The user can then print their sticker design or use it digitally for various purposes.

In conclusion, creating custom stickers in Procreate is a straightforward process that requires the user to have a basic understanding of the app’s tools and features. By using the brush tool, color picker tool, and layers, the user can create a unique and personalized sticker design.

Adding Details to Your Stickers

Once you have created the basic design of your sticker, it’s time to add some details to make it stand out. Here are some tips on how to add details to your sticker in Procreate:

Outlining and Coloring Your Design

Use the outline tool to create a clear and defined shape for your sticker. You can adjust the thickness and opacity of the outline to achieve the desired effect. Once you have outlined your design, it’s time to add some color. Procreate offers a wide range of brushes and colors to choose from. Use the brush tool to apply color to your design, and experiment with different brush sizes and textures to create the desired effect.

Adding a White Outline

Adding a white outline to your sticker can help it stand out and give it a more professional look. Use the brush tool to create a thin white outline around the edge of your design. You can adjust the thickness and opacity of the white outline to achieve the desired effect.

Adding Highlights and Shadows

Adding highlights and shadows to your sticker can give it depth and dimension. Use the brush tool to apply highlights and shadows to your design, and experiment with different brush sizes and textures to create the desired effect.

Adding a Border

Adding a border to your sticker can help it stand out and give it a more finished look. Use the brush tool to create a thin border around the edge of your design. You can adjust the thickness and opacity of the border to achieve the desired effect.

Adding Photos to Your Sticker

If you want to add a personal touch to your sticker, you can use the Photos app to import a photo and incorporate it into your design. Use the brush tool to blend the photo into your design, and experiment with different brush sizes and textures to create the desired effect.

Creating Transparent Backgrounds

When creating stickers in Procreate, it’s important to have a transparent background to make the sticker versatile and easy to use. A transparent background means that the background of the sticker is not visible, allowing the sticker to blend seamlessly into any design or project.

To create a transparent background in Procreate, the first step is to select the “Create Custom Size” option when setting up the canvas. This will allow the user to choose the canvas size and color profile. Once the canvas size has been selected, the next step is to locate the background color switch and toggle it off. This action ensures that the canvas background is transparent, not white.

After confirming the settings, the user can tap “Create,” and a new canvas with a transparent background is now ready to use. It’s important to note that the transparent background will appear as a gray and white checkerboard pattern in Procreate.

When creating a sticker with a transparent background, it’s essential to work with layers in Procreate. The sticker design should be created on a separate layer above the transparent background layer. This allows the user to edit and adjust the sticker design without affecting the transparent background.

In conclusion, creating a transparent background in Procreate is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, users can create versatile stickers that can be used in a variety of projects and designs. Remember to work with layers when creating a sticker with a transparent background to ensure that the design is editable and easy to adjust.

Exporting Your Sticker Design

Once you have finished creating your sticker design in Procreate, the next step is to export it. Procreate allows you to export your designs in various formats, including PNG, which is the most commonly used format for stickers.

To export your design as a PNG, go to the “Share” button located in the top right corner of the screen. From there, select “PNG” as the file format. You can also choose the resolution of your exported image. It is recommended to export your sticker design at a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure that the image is of high quality.

When exporting your sticker design, make sure that the color mode is set to RGB, as opposed to CMYK. RGB is the color mode used for digital images, while CMYK is used for print. By exporting your design in RGB, you ensure that the colors in your design are accurately represented on digital platforms.

It’s important to note that the resolution of your exported image will affect the quality of the final product. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the image will appear. However, higher resolution images also result in larger file sizes, which can affect the load time of your sticker on digital platforms.

In summary, exporting your sticker design in PNG format with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI and in RGB color mode is recommended for high-quality digital stickers.

Printing Your Stickers

Once you have designed your custom stickers in Procreate, the next step is to print them. There are several ways to print your stickers, including printing at home or using a professional printing service.

Printing at Home

Printing your stickers at home is a cost-effective option that allows you to print your stickers on demand. To print your stickers at home, you will need a printer and sticker paper. There are different types of sticker paper available, including matte, glossy, and clear. It is important to choose the right sticker paper for your needs, as each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Matte sticker paper is ideal for designs that require a more subtle finish and are not intended to be too flashy. Glossy sticker paper, on the other hand, provides a high-shine finish and is perfect for designs that require a vibrant and eye-catching look. Clear sticker paper is ideal for designs that require a transparent background.

When printing your stickers at home, it is important to ensure that your printer is set up correctly. You should also adjust your printer settings to ensure that your stickers are printed at the correct size and resolution.

Using a Professional Printing Service

If you need a large number of stickers or want a professional finish, using a professional printing service is a good option. Professional printing services online and locally offer a range of sticker paper options, including printable vinyl, which is a popular choice for those who want to create high-quality stickers.

Printable vinyl is a type of sticker paper that is suitable for use with inkjet printers. It is waterproof, tear-resistant, and provides a high-quality finish. Printable vinyl is also ideal for print and cut projects, where you print your design onto the vinyl and then cut it out using a cutting machine.

When using a professional printing service, it is important to provide them with the correct file format and size. You should also specify the type of sticker paper you want to use and any other special requirements you may have.

In conclusion, whether you choose to print your stickers at home or use a professional printing service, it is important to choose the right sticker paper and ensure that your printer is set up correctly. By following these tips, you can create high-quality custom stickers that are perfect for a range of applications.

After working in a sign shop for 5 years, I got spoiled with the marine grade vinyl I had access to for stickers. After hitting the road, I discovered StickerMule does an equal job with quality at an affordable price. I like to print stickers that withstand the elements, so I recommend StickerMule stickers with UV coating for durability.
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Using Cutting Machines

Procreate is a powerful tool for creating custom stickers, but if you want to turn your designs into physical stickers, you’ll need to use a cutting machine. There are several cutting machines available on the market, including the Cricut and Silhouette machines.

Cricut

I had a Cricut for two years and hated it….BUT, lotsa peeps love the Cricut and it is a popular cutting machine that can be used to create custom stickers. To get started, you’ll need to create your design in Procreate and then export it as a PNG file. Next, you’ll need to import the PNG file into Cricut Design Space and create a cut line around your design. This cut line will tell the Cricut where to cut your stickers.

Once you’ve created your cut line, you can send the file to your Cricut machine and begin cutting your stickers. The Cricut can cut both kiss cut and die cut stickers, depending on your preferences.

Silhouette

The Silhouette is another popular cutting machine that can be used to create custom stickers. Like the Cricut, you’ll need to create your design in Procreate and then export it as a PNG file. Next, you’ll need to import the PNG file into Silhouette Studio and create a cut line around your design.

Once you’ve created your cut line, you can send the file to your Silhouette machine and begin cutting your stickers. The Silhouette can also cut both kiss cut and die cut stickers, depending on your preferences.

Cut Line

The cut line is an important part of creating custom stickers with a cutting machine. The cut line tells the machine where to cut your stickers, so it’s important to create a precise cut line that accurately follows the shape of your design.

Kiss Cut

Kiss cut stickers are stickers that are cut through the top layer of vinyl, but not through the backing paper. This allows the sticker to be easily peeled off the backing paper and applied to a surface.

Die Cut

Die cut stickers are stickers that are cut all the way through the vinyl and backing paper. This means that the sticker is cut into a specific shape, rather than just around the edges of the design.

Overall, using a cutting machine can be a great way to turn your Procreate designs into physical stickers. Whether you choose to use a Cricut or Silhouette machine, it’s important to create a precise cut line and choose the right cutting settings for your stickers.

Creating Sticker Sheets

One of the great things about Procreate is that it allows you to easily create sticker sheets. Sticker sheets are a collection of stickers that are arranged together on a single sheet of paper or vinyl. They can be kiss-cut, which means that the stickers are cut out in the shape of the design, or they can be cut out around the design.

To create a sticker sheet in Procreate, first, design your stickers using the steps outlined in the previous section. Once you have your stickers designed, you can create a new canvas that is the size of the sticker sheet you want to create. You can also use a pre-made template to make this process even easier.

Next, arrange your stickers on the canvas in the way that you want them to appear on the sticker sheet. You can use layers to keep your stickers organized and make it easier to move them around as needed. You can also add a background or border to your sticker sheet to make it look more professional.

Once you have your sticker sheet designed, you can export it as a PNG file. This file can then be printed onto sticker paper or vinyl using a printer. If you have a Cricut or other cutting machine, you can also use it to cut out your stickers.

Overall, creating sticker sheets in Procreate is a simple and straightforward process. With a little bit of creativity and some basic design skills, you can create beautiful and unique sticker sheets that are perfect for personal use or for selling online.

Selling Your Stickers

Once you’ve created your custom stickers in Procreate, you might want to consider selling them. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Small Business

Starting a small business selling stickers is a great way to turn your hobby into a profitable venture. You can sell your stickers online or in person at craft fairs, markets, and other events. One advantage of selling online is that you can reach a larger audience, but selling in person allows you to connect with customers and get feedback on your products.

Packaging

When it comes to packaging your stickers, there are several options to consider. You can package them individually or in sets, and you can use clear plastic bags or decorative envelopes. Make sure to include your branding and contact information on the packaging, so customers can easily find you again.

Pinterest

Pinterest is a great platform for promoting your stickers. You can create boards showcasing your designs, and use keywords and hashtags to make them more discoverable. Make sure to link back to your website or online shop, so customers can easily purchase your stickers.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing your stickers, you’ll need to consider the cost of materials, production, and packaging, as well as your time and overhead expenses. Research what other sticker sellers are charging, and try to price your stickers competitively. You can also offer discounts for bulk purchases or special promotions to attract customers.

Legal Considerations

Before you start selling your stickers, make sure to research any legal considerations. Depending on where you live, you may need to register your business, collect sales tax, or obtain permits for selling at events. Make sure to follow all applicable laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues.

Selling your custom stickers in Procreate can be a fun and rewarding way to earn some extra income. With a little planning and effort, you can turn your hobby into a successful small business.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Creating stickers in Procreate can be a fun and artistic process. Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your experience.

• Use tutorials and guides: If you’re new to Procreate or want to learn new techniques, there are many tutorials and guides available online. These resources can help you learn new skills and improve your sticker-making abilities.

• Add personality to your stickers: Stickers are a great way to express your personality and style. Experiment with different colors, shapes, and designs to create unique and eye-catching stickers.

• Try different pencil brushes: The pencil brush is a popular tool for creating stickers in Procreate. Experiment with different pencil brushes to find the one that works best for you. There are many free and paid pencil brushes available online.

• Use calligraphy brushes: Calligraphy brushes can add a unique and artistic touch to your stickers. Experiment with different calligraphy brushes to create elegant and stylish designs.

• Use layers: Layers can help you create complex designs and make editing easier. Use layers to separate different elements of your sticker design and make adjustments as needed.

• Export in different formats: Procreate allows you to export your stickers in various formats, including PNG and JPEG. Experiment with different formats to find the one that works best for your needs.

Overall, creating stickers in Procreate is a fun and rewarding process. By using these tips and tricks, you can improve your skills, add personality to your designs, and create unique and eye-catching stickers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I outline my stickers in Procreate?

To outline your stickers in Procreate, you can use the “Inking” brush set. This set includes a variety of brushes that are perfect for outlining your stickers. You can also adjust the brush settings to create a custom brush that suits your needs. To do this, go to the “Brush Studio” and experiment with the settings until you find the perfect brush.

How do I print my stickers from Procreate?

To print your stickers from Procreate, you will need to export your artwork as a PNG file. Then, you can use a printing service or your own printer to print the stickers. If you plan on printing your stickers at home, make sure to use high-quality sticker paper and adjust your printer settings accordingly.

What are some creative Procreate sticker ideas?

There are countless creative Procreate sticker ideas, but some popular options include animals, food, plants, and motivational quotes. You can also create stickers that are specific to your interests, such as stickers featuring your favorite TV show or sports team.

What is the process for drawing stickers on paper?

To draw stickers on paper, you will need to start by sketching out your design. Once you have your sketch, you can use a pen or marker to outline the design and add details. Then, you can color in the sticker using markers or colored pencils. Once you are finished, you can cut out the sticker and use adhesive to stick it to your desired surface.

How can I create a circular sticker in Procreate?

To create a circular sticker in Procreate, you can use the “Ellipse” tool to create a perfect circle. Then, you can use the brush tool to draw your design within the circle. Once you are finished, you can export the design as a PNG file and print it as a circular sticker.

Read more about how to make stickers in Procreate WITHOUT having to draw.