Unlike traditional neon art, creating on an iPad provides the freedom to easily modify, edit, and experiment with different elements of your artwork. Learn the key mistakes to AVOID when translating this art to a digital form as I walk you through this sample project step-by-step.
You can watch the video tutorial HERE.
The basic info to create these artwork is listed below, but for a step-by-step walkthrough, I recommend watching the video tutorial. 😉
You can get a sample wall background here: https://www.pexels.com/search/brick%20wall/
Best practices for Neon Art:
Use bright colors for text/artwork
Use dark background or overlay behind Neon
Set up CANVAS in Procreate
I’m using a square, but you can do whatever size you want
Start with a Black background (easier to see the Neon effect)
NEON ART:
Add your text/art in bright color on new layer
Duplicate twice
Top - “Light”
Mid - “Bloom” (Add)
Bottom - “Shadow” (Multiply)
Hide Shadow for now
Light layer - HSB to 75-90% (70-90% opacity)
Bloom layer - Adjustments > Bloom (settings vary depending on color of light, adjust them until you get the glow you like)
May have to duplicate if effect isn’t strong enough…
Add layers above & below Shadow (name Glow 1 & Glow 2)
Glow 1 layer - use a slightly darker color than your light w/monoline brush & outline the art
Blend mode to Add
Gaussian blur
Add WALL BACKGROUND:
Add a layer above the background
Insert image (Pexels, Unsplash, etc.) - link in video description
Adjust photo as needed (HSB, etc.)
Add dark vignette layer above photo
FINAL EFFECTS:
Glow 2 layer - use darker color than Glow 1 and thicker monoline brush to outline art (make more of a cloud shape around it)
Blend mode to Color (not Color Burn, etc.)
Gaussian Blur
Reveal Shadow layer
Alpha-lock & fill with black
Remove alpha-lock
Offset & small blur if desired
Optional: add ELECTRIC CORDS above Glow 2