In this article, you will get some digital painting tips today to help you get started with Adobe Illustrator! Find out the importance of choosing the right brushes for Illustrator and create your next digital masterpiece.
What Brush Should I Use?
Brushes are always top of mind. Brushes are crucial to your digital painting, regardless of whether you’re looking for the right size, setting, or color.
Does the Brush Really Matter?
Both yes and no. Brushes can be used as tools. You can create many effects with brushes, but you must still know how to use them.
Brush Misconceptions
A brush or a brush set does not guarantee a particular look or quality. Likewise, a popular brush set doesn’t guarantee that you will become an expert artist.
It is impossible to avoid building foundation skills. As you learn to use these tools, make sure you understand the basics of art.
What Are They Actually Used For?
It’s essential to learn how brushes work in Adobe Illustrator before you can paint with them.
You can use Illustrator brushes to:
- Drawing and painting
- Fill in large areas of color with the Paint Bucket tool
- Create beautiful gradients with transitioning colors
- Use dark tones, middle tones, and highlights for general shading
- Add realistic texture to your piece
- Save time by painting patterns
- Fine-tune every detail of your painting
Why Do You Need a Pen Tablet?
Even if Photoshop is installed, you may still need a pen tablet. For example, you can digitally paint with a pen tablet using a stylus or pad that imitates the feeling of drawing on paper.
Is it possible to paint Illustrator using a pen tablet without a pen? Yes. It will be possible.
Pen tablets are connected to Illustrator and allow you to access additional settings within the brush panel. Without one, you won’t have that painterly look.
Pretty Standard
Digital artists often have difficulty offering advice because they use one brush: the Standard Round Brush.
If an artist says they use a round brush, this is precisely what they mean.
You can achieve many different effects and textures with one brush. As long as you are familiar with the settings, it is possible. This brush is equivalent to having dozens of brushes because of its versatility.
You can create a variety of brushes by simply changing the Hardness value from 0% to 100%.
Specialty and Texture Brushes
Everyone loves brush packs. If I can use a brush to do the job, why draw so many leaves and fur by hand?
You choose a texture or specialty brush for a variety of reasons. A brush that creates an effect quickly can help you save time and energy.
Conclusion
Instead of asking, “Which brush should I use?” ask yourself, “What am I trying to paint?” The answer will help you choose the right brushes for Illustrator and help you create digital painting projects. Let’s hope you feel a bit more confident using brushes in Illustrator.
