How to Create a Long Shadow in Procreate
Ever wonder how to create a long shadow in Procreate? The trend of using long shadows has been making a comeback lately. It’s a way to give a design depth, but still, have that flat feel to it that’s popular. In this post, I’m going to show you how to create a long shadow in Procreate.
What is a Long Shadow?
To me, a long shadow is a realistic use of shadows where a light source is coming from an angle. The letters or icons act like branches on a tree, blocking the sunlight in some areas. Then, to make the effect complete, you create a gradient of the shadow just like you would see in real life. The light fades as it gets further away.
How to Create a Long Shadow in Procreate
I’ve done plenty of long shadows in Photoshop and Illustrator, but my go-to app is on my iPad Pro, Procreate. I love this app and how I can do much of my brush lettering projects while sitting anywhere in the house.
Take a look at this video to see how simple it is to create long shadows in Procreate.
- Simple Steps to Create a Long Shadow in Procreate
- First, write your word or words.
- Next, on a new layer above the background layer in Procreate, fill it with black and then angle the black square.
- Resize the new black angle layer so that the outside edges are touching the outside edges of your words.
- Next, draw guidelines on new layers where the sunlight would guide you to either see a shadow or light.
- Finally, erase away the areas of shadows at the top of your design using the guides on where to start and stop.
- And, complete the look by applying a gradient with a soft airbrush
Show me your long shadows projects on Procreate! Be sure to tag me @hollymccaig on Instagram so I can see and like your work!
