how to make custom brushes in procreate

3 min read 01-02-2025

Procreate's power lies not just in its pre-loaded brushes, but in its ability to let you craft custom brushes perfectly tailored to your style. This guide will walk you through creating your own brushes, from simple to complex, unlocking a new level of artistic expression. Whether you're a seasoned digital artist or just starting out, creating custom brushes in Procreate is easier than you think. Let's dive in!

Getting Started: Understanding Brush Basics

Before we begin creating, it helps to understand the core components of a Procreate brush:

Shape: This determines the basic form of your brushstroke (round, square, textured, etc.).
Size: Controls the width of your strokes. You can have a static size or one that varies with pressure.
Opacity: Determines how transparent your strokes are. Again, this can be fixed or pressure-sensitive.
Flow: Similar to opacity, this controls how much paint is deposited with each stroke. Pressure sensitivity adds dynamic control.
Texture: This adds surface detail to your strokes, giving them a unique look and feel (e.g., paper grain, canvas texture).
Dynamics: This is where the magic happens. Adjusting settings like pressure, tilt, velocity, and more lets you create expressive and varied strokes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your First Custom Brush

Let's create a simple textured brush. Follow these steps:

Tap the "+" icon: In the Brush Studio, tap the "+" icon to create a new brush.
Choose a Starting Point: Select a pre-existing brush as a base. This is a great shortcut—modify an existing brush instead of starting from scratch.
Name Your Brush: Give your brush a descriptive name (e.g., "Textured Charcoal").
Shape: Experiment with the shape options, adjusting the size and roundness.
Texture: This is crucial for creating unique brushes. Import a high-resolution image (like a scanned texture or a custom-made one). Make sure the image is properly sized for optimal results. Place your image into a new Procreate canvas and then import the image into the brush texture settings.
Dynamics: Adjust the settings under "Brush Tip Dynamics" and "Brush Stroke Dynamics" to control how your brush responds to pressure, tilt, and velocity. Try experimenting with the settings to see how they affect your brushstrokes.
Opacity and Flow: Fine-tune the opacity and flow to achieve your desired effect.
Test and Refine: Test your brush on a separate canvas. Make adjustments until you're satisfied with the results. Save your custom brush!

Advanced Brush Techniques: Taking it Further

Once you've mastered the basics, explore these advanced techniques:

Creating a Dual Brush:

Dual brushes combine two separate brush tips for interesting effects. You can mix textures, shapes, and colors to create complex and dynamic strokes. Procreate's dual brush feature is a powerful way to create highly unique results.

Using Stencils:

Create custom brushes from stencils, allowing you to achieve precise shapes and patterns. This technique is useful for creating repeating elements, intricate designs, or unique effects. This requires careful planning and execution of your stencil design.

Importing Custom Textures:

Enhance your brushes by importing high-resolution textures. This allows you to add realism and depth to your artwork, from realistic paper grain to intricate fabric weaves. Experiment with various texture types to create truly unique brushes.

Tips for Creating Effective Custom Brushes

Start Simple: Begin with basic adjustments before moving to advanced settings.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different combinations of settings.
High-Resolution Textures: Using high-resolution images for textures will yield better results.
Regular Testing: Test your brush frequently to see how changes affect the outcome.
Organize Your Brushes: Create folders to keep your custom brushes organized.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Procreate Brush Set

Creating custom brushes in Procreate is a journey of experimentation and discovery. By mastering these techniques, you can unlock a whole new world of creative possibilities, transforming your digital art workflow. Remember to save your creations and explore the endless possibilities of your own custom brushes. Now go forth and create!