Using Brushes vs. jpegs in PS & Elements - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

shand · #1 (**permalink**) 03-04-2004

I saw in one of the recent LOs done by one of the members here the use of brushes in PS to create columns in her layout. That made me wonder, as a newbie to this, when do you use a brush versus using a jpeg to create the graphic elements?

Is there a technical reason to use one over the other in a LO or is it a preference? I haven't used brushes much in this manner so far, only to paint and fill areas etc... now you know exactly how new I am to this art form.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Mom2EllaRose · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2004

Your absolutely correct - it is all down to personal preference. You're probably already beginning to realize that that is alway more than one way to do something in Photoshop. I personally would use brushes over jpegs files just because I think they're easier to use. The neat thing is that you can make a brushes out of a jpeg file if you want to. Hope this answers your question.

Anna

shand · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2004

Thanks Anna, need to spend more time playing with all of the tools. I need to play with the brushes more. I saw something really neat where you scan your signature and make it a brush to sign all of your layouts. Guess I just didn't think of brushes in this manner.

So any jpeg can be turned into a brush? It would make sense to use this for things you might add most often like the beautiful ribbons and embellishments I see on everyone's LOs?

Mom2EllaRose · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2004

Yes but be careful with this. A brush does not give an exact replica of of the jpeg. I feel I may have mislead you here. A jpeg image most likely has color, depth and dimension all of which are not always retained when making a brush. When you make your brush you usually turn the image to black and white and then alter the brightness and contrast to make it more contrasty. Make a selection and then define your brush. You will end up with a montone version of the original jpeg which is great for backgrounds and a signature too. Is this a better description?

Anna

shand · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2004

Yes, that does help clarify... thanks. I'm off to play and experiment.

melcab · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2004

So say I wanted to use an element often, but I wanted to change its shape-like a fiber, for instance...how would I do it since making a brush out of it will make it a grayscale image.

-Melissa

alisondiane · #7 (**permalink**) 03-30-2004

I think I understand what you are asking about the fiber and making a brush. Let's see if I can put it into words, LOL. If you want to make a fiber brush you wouldn't make a brush for the whole fiber, just a section since you use brushes to draw or stamp. There is a brush tutorial that explains it here.
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/tutor...iber-brush.htm
A lot of brushes that you see used are used the way rubber stamps are. They give you a one color "printed-look" image. Element JPGs usually have a 3D look and are usually made up of more than one color, with drop shadows, and bevels. But, lets say you make a fiber brush and you make your fiber on a new layer, then you can apply layer effects like bevel or shadows, filters, and styles to change the look. Eyecandy is used a lot for making fibers. -Ali