APPS USED
Note: Stock assets provided are for practice purposes only. See terms.
The names and logos referred to in this tutorial are fictional and not intended to refer to any actual organization or products.
Did you know you can create custom brushes in Photoshop? It’s a handy workflow to use when creating a set of graphics with repeated motifs. If you’re a marketer or small business owner, for example, a custom brush would come in handy for creating business cards, sales flyers, newsletter headers, social posts, or even an original logo.
Here, graphic designer Capucine Ayxeres of the branding atelier Dayenah Studio demonstrates how to achieve an effect that appears like a rubber stamp or wood block print — in just a few simple steps — using Adobe Stock images as an example.
Grab Capucine’s practice file to get started, or try this technique using your own photos.
STEP 1/5
Select your subject.
To create a distinct brush, first select a discrete subject from your photo. In this example, Capucine selects a cabin and tree from a landscape portrait.
To do so, import your photo into a Layer. Choose the Object Selection tool. Click and drag your cursor to make a rectangular selection around your desired subject — the Object Selection tool will work to automatically create a more precise selection.
Next, click the Mask icon in the Layers panel to view your selection.
STEP 2/5
Make it black and white.
Now that you've selected and created a mask of your desired subject, go back to your source photo by clicking on its icon in then Layers panel. Convert it to black and white (Image > Adjustments > Black & White). Choose the preset Maximum Black.
This will allow us to emphasize contrast.
STEP 3/5
Invert it.
Next, Invert your image (Image > Adjustments > Invert).
This will turn your dark hues into light hues and vice-versa, to lend your image a stamp-like look and feel.
STEP 4/5
Adjust the image size.
Use the Crop tool to center your final retouched subject. Then go to Image > Image Size, and reduce the image width to 1000px. Keep the Constraint Proportions setting on, which will adjust the height accordingly. Press OK.
This will condense your image down to a suitable size for a brush preset.
STEP 5/5
Save and enjoy your custom brush.
Now you’re all set to save your image as a brush. Select your image, then go to Define Brush Preset (Edit > Define Brush Preset) and name your brush. In this case, Capucine goes with “Cabin.” Press OK to save it to your Brushes library (Window > Brushes). Your custom brush is now complete. Select the Brush tool to access and make further adjustments to your brush settings, such as size and color, to fit your uses.
Try the sample brushes and assets Capucine has shared in her practice file, or make your own. Use this workflow to design your next set of brand collateral, using your brush to create a set of consistent, repeated graphics.
Keep creating.
Try this technique with your next marketing graphic, brand identity, or social media post. Here, Capucine shows us what’s possible with an imaginary mountain lodge hotel.
Show us what you create by tagging us on Instagram @adobecreate.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Capucine Ayxeres, founder of the France-based Dayenah Studio, is a designer specializing in branding, illustration and packaging. Inspired by vintage illustrations and “the French touch,” she creates refined, remarkable and timeless brands rooted in visual storytelling, from the logo, to the company’s stationery elements, to the presentation mockups.
