New Skillshare Class: Flat to Fabulous Vectors in Affinity Designer | Four Texture Methods for Creating Realistic Illustrations

My latest Skillshare class, “Flat to Fabulous Vectors in Affinity Designer | Four Texture Methods for Creating Realistic Illustrations,” is now live on my channel!

In this class, we will be taking vector shapes from flat to fabulous using texture and non-destructive effects in Affinity Designer. Throughout the class, you will learn to create fun, realistic felt ornament shapes, using a variety of texture methods and effects, which can be used on greeting cards, in surface patterns for wrapping paper or fabric or just as fun, decorative illustrations.

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! In my new class, I’m going to show you how to take flat vector illustrations and kick them up a notch by effectively using texture, non-destructive masks and effects for a more realistic feel.

For the class project, we’re going to be creating fun, Scandi inspired felt ornament illustrations by building up our base layers using flat vectors, then adding beautiful felt texture and other effects to take them from flat to realistic, making them feel like they’re about to pop out of the canvas.

By the end of the class, you will have a better understanding of four ways to effectively use texture, masks and effects to take ANY vector illustration you create from flat to fabulous for those time when your designs need a little boost of realism.

Watch the intro to the class below:

In this class, we are going to cover:

• Five key things to consider before you begin your textured illustration in Affinity Designer
• 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

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 Find the class here. (new Skillshare members receive one month free when they click the link)

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!

Happy Creating!