We all know Photoshop Brushes can be used to add texture, depth, and intrigue to your artwork, but it takes tons of practice to perfect the techniques and people simply don’t know where to start. In this tutorial, I’ll show you 10 advanced Photoshop Brushes techniques that you can use right now to become a pro.
1. Experiememt with Various Photoshop Brush Settings
It is essential to experiment with various Photoshop Brushes settings to get the desired effect – experiment with the size, hardness, spacing, and other variables to determine what works best for your specific project.
The Brush Settings panel can be turned on under Window > Brush Settings:
2. Use a Drawing Tablet
For more precise control over your brushstrokes, use a drawing tablet: If you’re serious about using Photoshop brushes, you should consider purchasing a drawing tablet. A tablet allows you to draw directly on the screen with a stylus, giving you far more control over your brushstrokes than a mouse would.
There are lots of drawing tablets on the market and It’s important to choose one based on your specific requirements and budget. Here is a great list that has a list of top brands.
3. Use the “Flow” Setting
Use the Flow setting in the options bar to control the build-up of color when using multiple brushstrokes: The Flow setting determines how much color is applied with each brushstroke. A higher Flow setting will result in more color being applied, while a lower setting will result in less color. This can be useful for building up layers of color or for creating a more subtle effect.
4. Use “Smoothing” option for Low-Res Photos
The “Smoothing” option in the settings bar can be used to smooth down jagged brushstrokes. When working with low-resolution photographs, this option comes in handy.
5. Use “Shape Dynamics” and “Scattering” Option
To add diversity to your brushstrokes, use the Shape Dynamics and Scattering options: You may change the size, angle, roundness, and location of your brushstrokes using the Shape Dynamics and Scattering settings, respectively. This can assist to give interest and diversity to your brushwork while also keeping it from seeming too uniform.
6. Try Combination of Different Brushes
Combine different brushes to create compelling effects: Photoshop brushes are meant to be used in conjunction, so don’t be hesitant to mix and combine them to create your own unique effects. Blending modes and layer masks may also be used to further modify your brushwork.
7. Clever Use of Eraser Tool + Brush Tool
Combine the use of the Eraser Tool and the Brush Tool – you can remove areas of your brushstrokes with the Eraser tool (keyboard shortcut E). The Eraser tool will help smoothing up edges and creating more sophisticated brushwork.
8. Make Use of “History” Panel
Make use of the History Panel when you paint with Photoshop brushes. If you make a mistake or wish to attempt a different method, you may undo your brushstrokes and start again using the History panel.
9. Clone Stamp Tool + Brush Tool
Use the Clone Stamp tool (or press S on your keyboard) to clone brushstrokes or parts of your image. This can be useful for creating repeating patterns or for fixing imperfections in your brushwork.
10. Use The Mixer Brush to Blend Colors
Use the Mixer Brush tool (or press Shift + B on your keyboard) to blend colors and create more natural-looking brushstrokes. The Mixer Brush tool allows you to pick up and mix colors from the canvas as you paint, giving you more control over the final result.
That’s it for this post! These 10 areas should be the starting point for every beginners who use Photoshop and create digital art. Now go ahead and practice!