##1. Create a new layer above your artwork. [![enter image description here][1]][1] ##2. Create a shape over the whole artboard (or the area you want the texture applied to). ##3. Apply your Grain (Effects → Texture → Grain). [![enter image description here][2]][2] ##4. With your textured shape selected open the transparency palette and change the blending mode. Different blending modes will have different results. I suggest starting with *Multiply*. [![enter image description here][3]][3] You can achieve the same effect by using a [textured image](https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=texture&tbm=isch). If you only want the texture applied to a certain area just mask off the texture. [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/P7QMH.png [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/Yklmu.jpg [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/pO5ls.png