Create Crayon Effect Drawings In Photoshop
Photoshop’s brushes are extremely versatile. You can customize everything from the shape tip to the color dynamics of a brush. In this tutorial, we’ll take a look at how to customize a brush so that it gives the impression of a crayon drawing when used.
1. Create a new blank document. I set mine to 600 x 600 pixels.
2. Select the Brush tool (B) from the toolbar and in the tool options at the top of the screen, find the spatter brush, size 24 pixels in the drop down menu. You can pick a smaller brush diameter if you want it to look like a thinner crayon.
3. Open up the Brushes palette by choosing Window > Brushes.
Click on the words “Brush Tip Shape” on the left hand side and drag the Spacing slider to about 25%, so your brush looks like this in the preview area.
4. Click on the words “Shape Dynamics” and set the Size Jitter to 20%, Angle Jitter to 100%, Roundness Jitter to 50% and Minimum Roundness to 25%.
5. Click on the words “Color Dynamics” and set the Saturation Jitter to 50% and Brightness Jitter to 15%.
6. Click on the words “Other Dynamics” and set the Opacity Jitter to 50%. If you are using a pressure sensitive pen table, set the Control to Pen Pressure to really get the most out of this effect.
Now you should now have a crayon effect brush on your hands. Almost as good as playing with real crayons. You can vary the size of the brush by clicking on the Brush Tip Shape and changing the diameter there.
Once you’ve made a brush like this, you can save it by clicking on the Create New Brush Button at the bottom of the Brushes palette, then give it a suitable name.
As well as drawing freehand with the brush, it also works well when used to stroke a path. Here’s an example.
1. Select the Custom Shape tool in the toolbox.
2. On the Tool Options bar at the top of the screen, make sure Paths are selected. Then on the Shape dropdown box choose any shape you like. I’ve picked the Right Foot shape. If you can’t see this in the dropdown box, click on the triangle in the upper right corner of the drop down box, and from the menu choose Objects. You will be asked if you want to Replace or Append. Choose Append. This just adds the Object Shapes on to the end of the shapes you already have.
3. Drag out the foot shape on your document. Hold down the Shift key to contrain the proportions.
4. Now open up the Paths palette. Choose Windows > Paths. You should see a thumbnail of the foot shape you just drew.
Click on the context menu at the top right of the Paths palette and choose Stroke Path. Check the Simulate Pressure button to get a varied brush thickness around the path, then press OK.
Your crayon foot should look a little bit like this:
Frequently Asked Questions about Creating Crayon Effect Drawings in Photoshop
What are the best brushes to use for creating a crayon effect in Photoshop?
The best brushes to use for creating a crayon effect in Photoshop are those that have a rough, textured edge. This mimics the uneven application of a real crayon. You can find a variety of these brushes online, many of which are free to download. Some popular options include the Crayon Brush Set from Brusheezy and the Artist Crayon Brushes from SVS Learn. Experiment with different brushes to find the one that best suits your style and the specific effect you’re trying to achieve.
How can I adjust the settings of my brush to create a more realistic crayon effect?
Adjusting the settings of your brush can greatly enhance the realism of your crayon effect. In the Brush Settings panel, you can modify the size, angle, and roundness of your brush. You can also adjust the scattering and texture settings to create a more uneven, crayon-like stroke. Experiment with these settings until you achieve the desired effect.
Can I create a crayon effect using the default brushes in Photoshop?
Yes, you can create a crayon effect using the default brushes in Photoshop. However, the effect may not be as realistic or as textured as when using a specialized crayon brush. To enhance the crayon effect, you can adjust the brush settings as mentioned in the previous question.
How can I create a multicolored crayon effect in Photoshop?
To create a multicolored crayon effect, you can use the Color Dynamics setting in the Brush Settings panel. This allows you to vary the foreground and background colors of your brush stroke, creating a more dynamic and colorful effect. You can also manually change the color of your brush as you draw to create a multicolored effect.
Can I save my custom crayon brush for future use?
Yes, you can save your custom crayon brush for future use. To do this, simply click on the “Create New Brush” button in the Brush Settings panel. You can then name your brush and save it to your brush presets. This allows you to easily access and use your custom crayon brush in future projects.
How can I create a crayon texture in Photoshop?
To create a crayon texture, you can use the Texturizer filter in Photoshop. This allows you to apply a texture to your image, mimicking the rough, uneven surface of a crayon drawing. You can adjust the scale and relief of the texture to achieve the desired effect.
Can I use the crayon effect on photos?
Yes, you can use the crayon effect on photos. This can create a unique, artistic effect, transforming your photo into a crayon drawing. Simply apply your crayon brush to a new layer above your photo, and then blend the two layers together using the blending modes in the Layers panel.
How can I create a crayon outline effect in Photoshop?
To create a crayon outline effect, you can use the Stroke Path command in Photoshop. This allows you to create a rough, crayon-like outline around your image. You can adjust the size and color of the stroke to achieve the desired effect.
Can I create a crayon effect in other Adobe programs, like Illustrator?
Yes, you can create a crayon effect in other Adobe programs like Illustrator. However, the process may be slightly different, as Illustrator uses vector graphics instead of raster graphics. You can still use brushes and textures to create a crayon effect, but you may need to adjust your technique to suit the different program.
Are there any tutorials or resources available to help me create a crayon effect in Photoshop?
Yes, there are many tutorials and resources available online to help you create a crayon effect in Photoshop. Websites like Photoshop Training Channel and Behance offer detailed guides and free resources to help you achieve this effect. You can also find video tutorials on platforms like YouTube, which can provide a more visual and interactive learning experience.
Jennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
