Procreate and how I use it for murals in the bay area

Apr 6, 2021

Dive into the world of Procreate with SF Bay Murals' blog series. Unlock digital artistry and elevate your creativity

Direct answer: Digital planning makes murals easier to sell and easier to paint: mock up the wall, test color/scale, and build a transfer plan (grid or projection) before paint hits the surface.

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Quick takeaways

  • Start with a straight-on wall photo with a known measurement in frame.
  • Design at the right aspect ratio so nothing “creeps” during transfer.
  • Create a simplified value map (lights/mids/darks) for painting order.
  • Export a clean line layer for transfer.

Hey all! Today I am going to start out the first in a series about how I use the app Procreate with my ipad and Apple pencil.

Procreate is the complete art studio you can take anywhere.

— Procreate, Procreate for iPad, Source

Project checklist

  • Wall photo + reference measurement
  • Design locked to final dimensions
  • Palette chosen + test swatches planned
  • Transfer plan (grid/projection) chosen
  • Print/export line art + key anchors

FAQ

Do you need an iPad to plan a mural digitally?

No—any tool that lets you mock up scale and color works. An iPad workflow is common because it’s fast on site.

What’s the biggest digital-to-wall mistake?

Designing without a measurement reference. One missing dimension can throw off scale when you transfer.

Want help with a mural in the Bay Area?

If you want a recommendation for your wall (surface prep, paint system, timeline), send photos and rough dimensions and we’ll help you scope it.

Start my mural project →

See finished murals →

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