For those who asked. I say it every time, but you donāt needĀ fancy brushes to make digital art if you donāt want to use them or canāt afford them. To further my point, Iāve included a list of completely free brush packs at the end of this post.Ā
| ā Sketches & Linework |
I donāt so much do linework as I do clean sketches, all one layer,Ā Ć l'ancienne. So, I like my brushes to have a natural, textured look.Ā
My go-to are Kyle T Websterās pencil brushes (free with PS);Ā
For something with more bite and less texture, Iāve been using one of Deharmeās sketch brushes from this set;Ā
If I want to go all out and do full linework (new layer, broad strokesā¦), I use this Matt Rhodes imitation brush (free).
| š Colour & Painting |Ā
My painting brushes change all the time, but the sets below have become staples.Ā
For a more illustrative style, I use a combination of Marc Brunetās Advanced Painterās Brushes andĀ Piotr JabÅoÅskiās brushes.
For semi-realistic work, I use Istebrakās Dry Oil Brushes and Deharmeās Figure Painting Set (my current favourites).
| ā Free Packs & Recommendations |
Below are four free brush packs that Iāve used in the past and can highly recommend, all of which are similar to those I currently work with (squared or angled blendable brushes). They also come with special effect brushes (splatters, foliage, smokeā¦).
From left to right, top to bottom, least to most complex:Ā
Ahmed Aldooriās Brushes;
Noah Bradleyās tool presets (which can be set to brushes);Ā
Charlie Bowaterās brush pack;
Greg Rutkowskiās brushes
For sets I havenāt used extensively but have heard good things about:
DeharmeĀ free brush pack ;
As a little bonus, if you donāt feel comfortable using advanced brushes but still want a textured look, you can download these free paper textures to play with, by S3PTIC-SHOCK on Deviant Art. Put them on overlay, multiply or divide over your painting for a little kick of texture.Ā
gamechangershow
areudirty
snowghoul
titsay
germansingergirl
tangentwithtanner
vaporwave
prguitarman
