How to Create a Photoshop Paintbrush - Using Your Own Photo

Creating a paintbrush in photoshop is really much simpler than you might expect...and fun to do as well! Just follow the directions below and you will be well on your way to creating a list of paintbrushes that are unique to you.



1.) Locate the image you wish to create a paintbrush with. This is easiest to do with an image that is on a simple white background like the one above.



2.) Once you have the image you would like to use, you will need to convert it using the "threshold" menu. Go to "Image" --> "Adjustments"--> "Threshold".




3.) Use the slider on the "threshold" menu to get the maximum amount of detail out of the image.



4.) Using this adjusted image you will now create the paintbrush. Go to the "Edit" -->"Define Brush Preset".

5.) Give your paintbrush a name and click on the OK button. The brush will now appear in your listing of available brushes, at the bottom of the list.




6. Choose a color from the pallete, and you are now ready to use the brush you just created...


YEA!!!

Here are two designs I created using the paintbrush I just showed you how to fabricate:


Comments

Let me know how if you have any questions and please leave comments!
Rocki Adams said…
Oh wow! I'm going to try this and hope I can do it. Thanks so much!
Thank you for the instructions. I can't wait to try it out.
Ilove learning new tips and tricks using photoshop.
If you decide to post anymore please let me know.
Anonymous said…
Can you make a paintbrush from an image that keeps its original colors?