Learning customization techniques in Adobe Illustrator can allow you to enhance your artistic expression, create images faster and apply special effects to your images. One customization option is to create your own brushes in Illustrator. Brush effects can be used to modify lines, drawings or enhance an existing image. Customized brushes can be created using built-in images in Illustrator, from your own imported drawings or from other images.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57zL-8oA3fY Learn the step-by-step process of creating your own brush through this Adobe Illustrator tutorial.
How to Create Your Own Brush in Adobe Illustrator Video
Award winning graphic artist Janee Meadows offers instruction on how to create your own brush in Adobe Illustrator. She illustrates the step-by-step process, brush options and how to use your newly created brushes. This graphics art tutorial is offered as part of a larger series of Adobe Illustrator guides on the Mahalo.com YouTube channel.
Step 1: Create a Brush Image
Create an image for a brush. You can use built-in images such as stars, or you can import your own image. Images can even be your own drawings that you vectorize using the auto trace functions in Illustrator.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57zL-8oA3fY
Step 2: Group Objects
Use the selection tool to outline the image you want to use to create your brush. On an Apple-based operating system, press the command button and then press "G". On a Windows-based system, press and hold the control (CTRL) button, then press the letter "G". This action will group the items together.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57zL-8oA3fY
Step 3: Create the Brush
Drag your image grouping to the brushes window. A pop-up window labeled "New Brush" will appear. You can select between a scatter brush, an art brush or a pattern brush. Make your selection then press "OK". A box labeled "Art Brush Options" will appear. Name your brush in the top box, then make adjustments as desired. You can change directions, flip objects and change the brush proportions. After making your desired changes, press the "OK" button and your new brush will appear in the brush window.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57zL-8oA3fY
More Adobe Illustrator Tips from Mahalo
Check out the how tos below to learn other tips for Adobe Illustrator:
- How to Use Brushes in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Auto Trace in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Create Your Own Brush in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Gradient Tool in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Layers Panel in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator
- How to Use the Selection Tool in Adobe Illustrator
References
Fast Facts
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Create brushes using Illustrator's built-in images.
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Use the auto trace function to create brushes from imported images.
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Experiment with brush creation options to achieve your desired brush features.
