Finding the Right Brushes for Digital Art

When it comes to digital art, one of the most debated topics is the importance of brushes. Some artists argue that brushes don't matter, while others claim that they make all the difference. Ori, a seasoned digital artist, takes a more nuanced approach, suggesting that the importance of brushes changes at different stages of artistic development.

Prioritizing Style Over Brushes

When starting out, it's easy to get caught up in the search for the perfect brush. However, Ori advises against spending too much time on this quest. Instead, focus on discovering your style and developing your drawing techniques. Comparing finding the perfect brush early on to finding the perfect ingredients for a dish that doesn't exist yet, Ori emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation in art before worrying about the tools.

Using Well-Made Brushes from the Start

On the other hand, using well-made brushes from the start can be beneficial. Clip Studio Asset Store offers a wide range of free and high-quality brushes that are easy to access and try out. This can save time and energy in the long run, allowing artists to focus on honing their skills.

Searching for Brushes on Clip Studio Asset Store

To find the perfect brushes, Ori recommends searching the Clip Studio Asset Store in a specific way. Open the Clip Studio app, go to the Assets tab, and use the search bar to find specific types of brushes (e.g., lines, paint). A recommended search method is to type a letter (e.g., A) and then delete it, then click the Popular tab to see top-rated and popular brushes. Most popular brushes are usually free and worth trying out.

Discovering High-Quality Brushes on the Asset Store

Benefits of Using Brushes

Using high-quality brushes can be worth the investment, as they are usually not expensive and can save time. These brushes are often of good quality and can help artists achieve the desired effects.

Using Japanese Search Terms for Better Results

Searching for specific terms using Japanese keywords can yield better and higher-quality results. Japanese artists often upload brushes with Japanese titles, making it easier to find what you're looking for. For example, searching for "line art" in English vs. "Senga" () in Japanese yields more and interesting results.

Common Art Terms for Copy and Paste

To make searching easier, Ori provides a list of common art terms in Japanese, such as "line art" (), "watercolors" (), "hair" (), and "skin" (). These terms can be copied and pasted into the asset store search bar to find relevant results.

Understanding Brush Descriptions

Artist-uploaded brushes usually come with a description of how to use them. Descriptions often include tips on layer modes, suitable uses, and effects that can be achieved. However, the asset store's automatic Google translation can be poor and nonsensical. Ori recommends clicking "view original" and copying and pasting the text into Google Translate (or better yet, DeepL translator) to get a better translation.

Brush Management Tips

To avoid overwhelm, Ori advises against downloading too many new brushes at once. Instead, introduce a few new brushes at a time and try them out with a painting or two to get a feel for each one. Compare the performance of each brush and adjust settings later in your art journey.

Brush Settings and Customization

When starting out, it's best to focus on drawing and learning, rather than spending too much time optimizing brush settings. Defaults are usually great, and it's better to gain experience points in art before experimenting with brush settings and creating custom brushes.

Recommended Brush

The #1 popular brush on the store is flexible and easy to use. The brush size and pressure affect the outcome, making it suitable for various techniques. Ori provides tips for using the brush, including using small sizes for lines, medium sizes for painting, and large sizes for soft touch.

Using the Brush for Painting

To add more lines, make the brush small and press lightly to create thin lines. To add shadows to the hair, make the brush a bit bigger and use a medium touch to create soft shadows. Pressing lightly can create a gradient effect.

Limitations of the Brush

The brush is not suitable for blocking in colors because it requires pressing hard, which can be inconsistent. Ori recommends using the default G-Pen for blocking in colors, which can apply flat colors more effectively.

Alternative Brushes

The default soft brush is recommended for smoother application and is easier to use. It's possible to take the brush too far by trying to do everything with it, but it works well for many things.

Additional Resources

For more tips and tutorials on drawing anime art, check out a video on anime body proportions and practice methods for improvement. Subscribe to the channel for more content, and follow on Twitter and Instagram for updates and connections.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading, and look forward to the next article!