Hello and welcome!

In this class, we will be taking vector shapes from flat to fabulous using texture and non-destructive effects in Affinity Designer V1.

By the end of the class, you'll have several effective and efficient methods for adding texture and effects for your creative arsenal. With those in hand, you'll be able to take ANY future vector illustration you create from flat to fabulous for those time when your designs need a boost of realism, whether you create them in Affinity Designer, or another illustration app.

PLEASE NOTE

If you are using V2 of the app, you can still follow along, as long as you know where tools are located. The process itself hasn't changed, however the interface is much different. Thank you!

Why add texture to vectors?

Flat vectors have their place in the design world, especially when you need something to be infinitely scalable but, let's face it, sometimes they can be kind of... well... flat! There's a misconception though, that it's impossible to add realism to vectors using texture and, in this class, I'm going to show you otherwise.

For our class project, we're going to be creating fun, Scandi inspired felt ornament illustrations by adding beautiful felt texture and other effects to a base layer of flat shapes to take them from flat to realistic, making them feel like they're about to pop out of the canvas.

These illustrations can be used in seamless patterns for fabric or wrapping paper, on greeting cards or as a fun, textural illustration.

In this class, we will cover:

Five key things to consider before you begin your textured illustration in Affinity Designer
The benefits of using neutral textures in your work
Common misunderstandings about the Designer (Vector) Persona in Affinity Designer
How to create, and effectively layer, your flat vector shapes to make adding texture easier
How to quickly add a single layer of texture to a group using Vector Masks
How to consolidate shapes, and plan out layers, to reduce the number of large textures in your design
How to use Empty Masks keep shapes independent and editable while using less texture layers
How to use light and shadow effectively when adding dimension to your flat vectors
How to use the FX Studio in Affinity Designer to add a number of non-destructive, realistic effects
How to evaluate a layered flat illustration to determine which texture method would be most effective

What do I need for the class?

For this class, you will need...

Affinity Designer (either desktop or iPad version)**
An Apple Pencil or other stylus

** I'll be using the iPad version for the class but, as long as you know where the tools are located, you can easily follow along on the desktop version of the app. The brushes, assets and textures will work exactly the same.

** While the class is taught in Affinity Designer, the overall steps shown in class are easily adaptable to most illustration apps.

When you take this class, you will receive:

A set of high-resolution, textured vector embroidery brushes made from scans of actual stitches
A high-resolution, felt texture pixel brush made from a scan of actual felt to add an extra touch of felt texture where needed.
The Scandi Felt Ornament Assets Pack with tons of fun, flat vector shapes ready to turn in to ornaments and add beautiful texture to.
A set of 40 high-resolution, colorful felt textures, created from scans of real felt.

I'm providing everything you need to complete the class project so that you can concentrate on learning the different methods for adding texture and effects.

Who is this class for?

**PLEASE NOTE** This class is beginner friendly though it is assumed you have some experience with Designer going in to the class. If this is the first time you're using the app, I suggest checking out my first class in the Designer series, "Textured Florals in Affinity Designer," where I take you start to finish through the entire app and show you how to use it to create beautiful floral and leaf elements. A bonus? You get tons of free assets and knowledge that can be used to create your illustrations in this class! Find the class below:

Do you love texture in digital illustration or photography as much as I do? Come join my Facebook group, dedicated to all things digital texture. It's a friendly group, where you can share your work, ask questions, or share tips and tricks of your own. Come find the group here!

If you enjoy creating with vectors, but have been struggling to make them look less, "vectory," then this class is for you! Grab you iPad and Apple Pencil and come join me in class... I'll see you there!

Music Credit: "Calming Acoustic Guitar," by ARCHIMUSIC on Envato Elements

Di O'Ferrall

Digital Artist, Australia

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