Masking in Procreate: Understanding Clipping and Layer Masks

Digital painting is a great addition to our creative repertoire. It permits us to include texture, transparency, symmetry, repetition, distortion, perfect shapes... to our artworks super quickly but, if we want to get the most of it, we must learn how to use properly the tools that it has to offer.

In this class, we will learn all about two fantastic tools that will make our lives much more easier: layer masks and clipping masks. Thanks to these tools we will speed up our drawing process and stop making destructive edits to our drawings.

We will start learning what masking is and the different ways we have to mask an image in Procreate. Then we will talk about layer masks and clipping mask, how to create, modify and the differences between them. And finally, I will show you when and how I use them to create illustrations, lettering effects, animations...

We will learn:

• How clipping and layer masks work and when to use them.
• To create smooth transitions between textures and colors (gradients).
• To intertwine letters and images.
• To add a pattern, gradient or texture to our lettering.
• To composite and blend images.
• To animate a drawing.
• To make collages.
• To make mockups.

This class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to use Procreate to its fullest potential. I will explain everything step by step but you will make the most of this class if you have basic knowledge of Procreate.

There are 10 class projects to choose from! I would love you to make and share them all, but you are free to decide which one or ones you want to create. Here is the list:

1. Redraw a specific part of your drawing using layer masks.

2. Create a smooth transition between textures, colors or shadows in your illustration.

3. Animate your drawing.

4. Intertwine letters, drawings, images...

5. Combine two or more images.

6. Make a collage.

7. Add a pattern, texture or gradient to your lettering.

8. Add shadows and lights to your drawing.

9. Make a mock-up.