Note: This class was recorded in AD1 but is perfectly compatible with AD2; you may find the tools or functions are located slightly differently.

This class, The Pixel Persona - Adding Raster to Vector in Affinity Designer, will help to reinforce what you have learned in Affinity Designer and add a whole new set of skills, this time using the Pixel Persona. I have a repeat pattern set up for testing this class, but you can try it on any artwork you already have existing, or even some assets you have. In this case, we will use the pixel brushes supplied with the software, specifically the Gouache Brushes.

If you are in AD2, you will notice that the brushes are slightly different. You can export the set from AD1, if you still have it installed, and then import it into AD2 if you want the exact set I am using in class.This class is chock full of many important workflows for working with the Pixel Persona which you will learn.

Essentially, we will be using the original shapes or motifs like a stencil or set of stencils to work with. I group all the parts of a flower together to form one curve, and within that curve we create a pixel layer. To clip this pixel layer specifically to that curve, we simply drag the pixel layer over the label on the layer and that clips it. I will show you how to individually paint within a flower shape. I explain the use of the Gouache Brushes and show you all about creating “values” to your flowers.

There are many little things that come up, but I show you all my methods so that you can really understand what the goals are and what you must do to perfect the pattern. I show you how to adjust the vectors too, and this can be done at any stage. They always remain fully editable! Once the main shading and highlights are done, I will also show you how I add detail.

Upon conclusion of this class, you will have a very interesting repeat pattern. I love how dimensional and tactile everything looks at the end. You will love it too and this will open a whole new way of looking at what can be done combining raster and vector in one document!

In this class I’ll walk you through:

the difference between raster and vector
adjusting the individual vector shapes
using vectors as “stencils” to paint within
using clipping to constrain the pixel data within a vector
using the Pixel Persona and the resident Gouache Brushes
adding dimension to the small details
adding interest to the pattern’s background, including importing a texture

Working with repeat patterns in vector documents is another important skill to learn, and my guidance will help you through the questions you may have. This class will benefit anyone looking to add illustration in a vector program to their skillset.

The key concepts I will include:

creating value areas to show dimension
working with both the Vector and Pixel Personas in Affinity Designer
working with the different context menus

Adding yet another method to combine raster and vector software workflows is a real asset in today’s art world. Upon completion, you will have a beautiful flower pattern that you can use for multiple purposes. Remember to work with a high resolution (minimum 300 ppi) image so it can be used for any application afterwards. This would be ideal for any POD items. Curious about the difference between PPI and DPI? Download this supplement sheet and read more found in my Artist Resources to learn more.

Intro to The Pixel Persona - Adding Raster to Vector in Affinity Designer

This short intro will give you an overview of the class and I talk about the advantages of the combination of personas in Affinity Designer. Note: This class was recorded in AD1 but is perfectly compatible with AD2; you may find the tools or functions are located slightly differently.

Lesson 1: Overview and Pattern Prep

In this lesson, I will give an overview of the document set-up. I will explain all the considerations here.

Lesson 2: Resolution and Raster vs Vector

In this lesson, I will break down the importance of resolution when working with raster images, even if they are on a vector document. I show you how to adjust the resolution even after the document has been created using the Resize Command. I show you several of the brushes I use for shading. Next, we paint a few of the flowers and I explain the reasoning behind the choices I make.

Lesson 3: The Context Menu

In this lesson, I will explain the settings and sizing of the brushes in relation to the look we are trying to achieve. I will show you some of the key techniques I use and explain every step of the way. The context menu allows us to make changes on the fly and I explain the settings and demonstrate how those settings affect the brushes and what you can do with them.

Lesson 4: Applying and Recoloring a Texture

I wanted to take the time to show you how to add one of my textures and show you various methods for adjusting the color. I show you the use of the recolor adjustment as well as a few combinations you can do using layer blending modes.

Lesson 5: Using Real Media Brushes

In this lesson, we start getting to the nitty gritty of the final artwork. I will be showing you a bunch of pointers to do with painting, mainly with gouache brushes. Much of what I show you in this lesson has to do with layers and blend modes, as well as adjusting opacity and flow. We are one step closer to finalizing our design now.

Lesson 6: Painting Small Details

At this stage, we pull our layout together, and I will add the small details that make it work. I give you a couple of new ideas that use the adjustments and we talk about blend modes and other methods to add gradients and highlights and shadows to some of the small detail.

Lesson 7: Ideas for Background

Adding all the finishing touches is the focus of this lesson. I will be adding all the background textures into the piece and then further enhancing all the background with Gouache Paint and textures. We try out all sorts of blend modes in combination wih the paint. I show you in this lesson how to adjust the brushes as well.

Lesson 8: Review of the Finishing Touches

In this lesson I will share with you all the little things I did to finish off the project.

Lesson 9: Conclusion and Wrap Up

We will conclude everything in this lesson. I show you a couple of quick mock-ups with the pattern and we end with a chat about next steps.

Concepts covered:

Concepts covered include but are not limited to using the Pixel Persona in Affinity Designer, the Affinity Designer Studios, raster vs vector, drawing vector shapes, pattern design in Affinity Designer, repeat patterns, adjusting opacity and flow on layers and brushes, Affinity Designer Vector Persona, layering, how to group motif parts and organize layers, Affinity Designer Color Studio, canvas settings, color schemes and variety with color, working with color values, Affinity Designer composites, and curves, color swatches and lightening or darkening a color quickly, and much more.

You will get…

70 minutes of direction from an instructor who has been in graphic design business and education for over 40 years
knowledge of multiple ways to solve each design challenge

Michelle Guajardo

Artist, Illustrator, Author & Teacher

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