Ever scrolled through Instagram looking at other lettering artists’ work, wondering why yours just doesn’t feel as polished?

Maybe you’ve tried adding texture and illustration to your lettering, but it always looks disjointed. Maybe you've bought the Procreate brushes you see your favorite artists using, but they just don’t seem to “work” when you use them. You can’t figure out what you’re doing wrong, or how to create one beautiful, cohesive composition.
Hand lettering piece on Instagram

You can buy every Procreate brush your favorite artists recommend, but it won’t make a difference if you don’t know the principles behind how, where, and why to use each one.


That's where this course comes in. To truly stand out in the lettering artist crowd, you need to understand how to do things like:

  • Incorporate lighting & shadow

    Understanding where to place shading and highlighting (and which brushes are best for doing so) can give your lettering depth and dimension - and scroll-stopping power.

  • Choose the right brush for your style

    Incorporating texture can't be done at random. The brush you choose can dramatically alter the style and mood of your piece, so you want to be sure you're doing it intentionally.

  • Create cohesion and balance

    Like texture, illustration needs to be added strategically. There are principles you must keep in mind so that your lettering and illustration "fit" together, and your canvas is balanced.

Adding Texture & Illustration to Lettering in Procreate

Learn all these techniques and more in:

Here's what we'll cover:

Module 1

Intro to Texture in Procreate Lettering

  • Develop a complete understanding of how texture is created in Procreate, including what a "grain" is vs. brush "shape," and how these elements work together to create unique and stunning effects in your pieces.
A grain and shape source for the 6B Pencil brush in Procreate

Module 2

Hand-Drawn Texture with Line Brushes

  • Learn how to infuse your piece with texture from the very beginning, using only the tools in Procreate that you’re already using right now
  • Master a handful of different decorative effects you can use to make your lettering more interesting just using simple lines and shapes
  • Practice techniques for adding perfectly balanced illustration to your lettering pieces using key tools in Procreate

Module 3

Creating Texture with Brushes and Blend Modes

  • Learn how to use texture brushes and layer blend modes in Procreate to transform a flat piece into one with texture in a matter of seconds
  • Discover how to use image overlays, blend modes, and adjustments in Procreate to make realistic mockups of your lettering - a must-have skill for anyone looking to build a portfolio!
  • Master techniques to create believable 3D lettering with realistic shading and complementary illustration

Module 4

Creating Print-Like Textures

  • Learn how to create artwork that looks hand-printed by adding print textures and simulating the effects of ink
  • Master layer masks in Procreate to create complex textures and effects while saving time and frustration in your creative process
  • Create pieces that evoke a certain style or time period by strategically using specific textures and effects

Ready to finally start getting more eyes on your lettering?

How the course works:

  • Video walkthroughs

    Lessons are taught through video walkthroughs, where you can watch me demonstrate the techniques in Procreate as you follow along.

  • Guided worksheets

    Each video is accompanied by a Procreate worksheet. Words are already lettered for you, so you can focus on and follow along directly with the techniques in each video.

  • Module projects

    Each module ends with a project that you can use for your portfolio. A prompt is given, along with a description of how I completed the project, and my final Procreate file for you to explore.

Bonus Materials & Resources

In addition to the core lessons, videos, and worksheets, you'll also get these resources to help you dive deeper and improve your lettering even further.

  • Full access to my completed sample project files.
    Download and explore the exact Procreate files I used to create each module project.

  • Procreate Lettering Brush Cheatsheet.
    A comprehensive guide gives you all my recommendations for specific Procreate brushes and when to use each one

  • Access to an exclusive Facebook group.
    Post your work and get personalized feedback from me and other course members

What people are saying about the course:

“I loved this class. I thought I already knew Procreate very well, but Gracia showed me many more possibilities. She explains how to use the different blend modes, how to add textures to make the final piece look really professional. She also shows her doodles, how to quickly and easily enhance the lettering with the illustrations. I'm ready for the next level and am already practicing hard.”

“Going into this course, I didn't know what to expect other than to be blown away since Gracia generously shares a wealth of knowledge of Procreate tips on her Instagram and blog. I honestly wasn't sure if texture was for me or my lettering but I was curious to see how she taught it and what other hidden Procreate tricks were out there. Adding texture to my backgrounds and letters was something I didn't even know I needed but in the week of taking the course, I have seen a huge improvement in my pieces and my approach to digital lettering will never be the same. The course was very well laid out and easy to follow and I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking to improve their digital lettering or learn more about Procreate's features. I know many people have different lettering styles and pens/Procreate brushes of choice but Gracia's course is applicable to a variety of styles. I even plan to apply some of these cool effects to my non-digital pieces where possible.”

“Looking for ways to level-up your lettering skills? Gracia’s course “Adding Texture and Illustration to Lettering in Procreate” is the perfect course to do so. Her course provides all the files you need in order to get started. She breaks down her techniques in a super easy to understand way that you’ll be using a few of these party tricks on your next project!”

FAQ

  • How long can I access the course?

    Forever! As long as Unfettered Letters exists, you’ll have access to all of the course content (as well as any future updates). Everything is self-paced, so you can access the content whenever and wherever best suits you.

  • What will I need in order to take this course?

    You will need an Apple Pencil and iPad that is compatible with the Apple Pencil, as well as the app Procreate (available through the App Store).

  • Do I need to buy any special Procreate brushes to take this course?

    Not necessarily - I designed the course and its projects to be as accessible as possible, so all the techniques can be accomplished using default brushes that come with the Procreate app (which I identify for you in each lesson).

    However, I do have personal preferences for custom brushes that I think work better for a few techniques than the Procreate defaults that I use in some of the course videos, and I let you know exactly which brushes those are - so that if you do want to make some small investments in your lettering tools, you don’t waste any money buying brushes that are subpar.

  • I'm new to lettering. Is this course for me?

    If you want to know how to add texture and illustration to your lettering, then yes! This course is focused specifically on the Procreate tools, processes, and techniques you can use to add texture and illustration to your lettering, so you’ll be able to follow along with the course content regardless of how advanced your actual lettering skills are (meaning - the course is more focused on decorating and applying effects to your lettering than on lettering itself).

    In fact, I provide you with pre-lettered words to practice the techniques covered in each lesson, so you don’t have to worry about lettering your own words if you don’t want to! You can just focus on the techniques we cover, and apply them to your own lettering as you continue to grow your skills.

  • I'm not good at drawing. Will I be able to follow along with the illustration techniques?

    Yes! I had zero formal training or education in drawing, but over the years I’ve found and taught myself some simple ways to add illustration to my lettering compositions that anyone can do. The illustrative elements covered in the projects for this course are all relatively easy, based on simple shapes and lines.

    Throughout the modules, you’ll get resources that will help you create illustrations, such as: a cheatsheet of floral illustrative elements that you can use for inspiration (or simply trace if you want!), video walkthroughs and step by step explanations of me creating complementary illustrations for lettering projects, and access to all of the Procreate files I created for my sample module projects so you can look at any of those illustrations in detail as well. The main focus of the course is to give you techniques and tools that you can use and apply to any illustration to make it more cohesive with your lettering and to help you think about how to create balanced illustration, rather than learning how to draw any one particular thing.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Yes - I genuinely only want you to invest in this course if it’s going to be a good fit for your skills and aspirations. If you start taking this course and feel like it’s not the right fit for you, please contact me at [email protected] within the first 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

Meet Your Instructor

I'm Gracia, a hand lettering artist with an affinity for lively, fun illustrated words with authentic, hand-drawn vibes. And I've been in your shoes before - with my artwork blending into the crowd of other lettering artists, always feeling like something was missing to give it that extra appeal. But I saw interest in my work soar after I started using the full range of Procreate's tools to add texture, depth, and dimension to my lettering. I've combined those techniques with some beginner-friendly tricks for complementing lettering with illustration in this course, so that you can see a transformation in your lettering too!

Gracia Ostendorf

Watch your skills and audience soar with new Procreate techniques

When you learn the strategy and techniques behind adding texture and illustration to your lettering, you'll see a huge transformation. Not only will your pieces look complete, polished, refined, and ready for your portfolio - but your audience will take notice too. You'll see increased engagement and a growing audience who's excited to see your work.

Ready to get started?

Course curriculum

  • 01

    Resources

    • Join the Course Facebook Group

    • Procreate Basics

    • Procreate Lettering Brush Cheatsheet

    • Brushset Download: Procreate defaults used in this course

  • 02

    Module 1: Introduction to Texture in Procreate Lettering

  • 03

    Module 2: Hand-Drawn Texture with Line Brushes

    • Module 2 Intro

    • Creating Textured Letters with Simple Lines

    • Adding Complementary Line Illustration

    • Module 2 Project: Sketchy Florals Card

  • 04

    Module 3: Creating Texture with Brushes and Blend Modes

    • Module 3 Intro

    • Background Textures & Intro to Blend Modes

    • Importing Background Texture Images for Realistic Effects

    • Creating Extrusions & 3D Elements (I)

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Creating Extrusions & 3D Elements (II)

    • Using Grainy Texture Brushes for Shading (I)

    • Using Grainy Texture Brushes for Shading (II)

    • Creating Cohesive Grainy Shaded Illustration

    • Module 3 Project: Punny Birthday Card

  • 05

    Module 4: Creating Print-Like Textures

    • Module 4 Intro

    • Simulating Printed Ink with Blend Modes

    • Using Layer Masks to Build Print Texture

    • Retro Print Textures: Intro to Halftones

    • Halftone Shading

    • Techniques with Halftones

    • Illustration with Halftones

    • Module 4 Project: Vintage Cocktail/Mocktail Recipe

  • 06

    Conclusion

    • Congratulations!

Transform your lettering with texture & illustration.

Get more eyes on your work and turn followers into clients