Photoshop brushes – DesignWebKit

How to Choose Art Stock Photos One Can Turn into Artworks

Zoey Peregrine — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 09:29:42 +0000

It’s hard to find free images of the top quality on the Internet that you can legally use. But some enthusiasts are changing things. Every year more and more archives of professional high-resolution photographs appear online as a part of different stock collections. However, just using those high-quality images and showing them to the audience is not enough anymore as the competition in the industry is high, and viewers require more extraordinary things. The new demand is for creative photography formats, art stock photos, and collages that can be perceived as art items.

Good authentic-looking art stock photos, which don’t make you laugh at them and which can, with your effort, become an authentic art piece, are out there. Here are some strategies for finding images that can become real art in the future.

Unconventional Approach to Art Stock Photos

They say that to make your wish come true, you need to formulate it right. The same goes for choosing pics at stock platforms! Start with the most accurate search requests and use filters. For example, Depositphotos can give you an opportunity to browse through the Best Choice, Newest Files, and files never downloaded before. Filtering, according to the narrowest topic possible, will show you only images that suit your request completely. Besides, applying the non-stocky filters, which enable excluding too trivial images, can also be very helpful for art creators. This way, you will get access to so-called less stocky art stock photos in no time.

One more thing before starting your art project is to make up your mind on the palette and colors. In most of the stock galleries, filters allow you to pick not only photo orientation but also prevailing colors, including monochrome and black-and-white images. By choosing colors that coincide with your color palette, the pictures picked will seamlessly blend into your layout.

If you decided to create an art composition, you should start by selecting several art stock photos or images as a basis for the future thing. Always choose a few ‘spare’ pictures for the project as creating something is a very unexpected process, and if any of the previously selected images don’t fit, you can always use the fall-backs.

Find the Inspiration

If you haven’t defined your topic clearly or if your muse has left you along the way, the shortest way out is to search for the ideas online. Google the most powerful stock photography trends and art tendencies. Look through the portfolios of other authors, browse art stock photos, watch movies about art and artists, visit social network profiles of some creative freaks, and more. It does not mean that you need to copy other artists’ works. The thing you should do is to draw inspiration and then develop your style.

Don’t limit yourself with the traditional rules – change the prospective, create strange objects and things, move elements, put them in the unique positions, and mix them individually. You can even combine art objects or images from different styles and epochs to emphasize their contrast or similarity. Space is not the final frontier!

Then try to imagine your audience. What people is this artwork aimed at? Who are its viewers? Moreover, consider the purpose of your project and the message you would like to convey using it. The more different target audience you can attract with your artwork, the more customers will be interested in buying it or using it. Afterward, select that tools which will facilitate achieving this goal.

Pick The Right Tools for Art Stock Photos

We all know those fantastic stories about the guys who create their genial artworks with some simple painting or even non-painting apps. However, if you chose the most appropriate and convenient tool for your work and suitable art stock photos, you are already halfway through.

One of the most well-known tools for both professionals and amateurs is Photoshop. Using it, you can easily create an image from scratch or mix as many pictures as you wish. Work with layers, apply filters, and special effects to different elements of your image, use various Photoshop brushes and overlay modes.

One more popular tool, which suits the art purpose perfectly, is GIMP. This one is free. It also has a set of instruments for color-correct, filters, masks, and layers. Although the number of tools is limited, you can still make collages, images, and even videos with the help of it.

The next contestant is the right choice for those who prefer online photo editing without downloading special apps to your PC or tablet. Crello is an online editor that enables creating beautiful images with the help of pre-defined and pre-designed layouts and templates. They are also adaptable and open to modifications. So, this tool will work for you even if you are a newbie in the world of digital art.

Other famous Photoshop analogs are Photo Pos Pro, Photoshop Online, Krira, Paint.NET, ChocoFlop, Cinepaint, Pixia, Pixen, Splashup, Picnic, and many more. Most of them are a bit less functional and powerful, then leading Photoshop and GIMP, though each of them has its unique features and tricks. So each of them is worth trying!

Unity and Harmony

The first step is to choose the main or the core image out of your bunch of art stock photos. The artwork combination starts from it. Select the picture which attracts your attention and begin to build new layers around it. If the first variant doesn’t look harmonious enough, change the location, size, and rotation of different elements. Try out adding new exclusive details, though still be moderate. Don’t overload the final art item with too many details. In the end, your artworks should form a cohesive whole.

The next stage is working out the composition. Here you will need the rules from traditional art. Probably, the most well-known of them is the rule of thirds that claims that the point of interest must lie in the intersection of the lines, which can hypothetically divide the image into three equal parts horizontally and vertically.

The golden ratio is another traditional composition rule, known due to the ancient Greeks and Leonardo da Vinci. They say that the golden ratio was applied during the building of the Parthenon and other famous Greek architectural constructions, paintings, and sculptures. The guides help align objects and develop a connection between them. One can also apply them to create a complex graphic composition.

Choosing Art Stock Photos for a Masterpiece

Picking art stock photos doesn’t have to be a complicated process. However, it requires more effort, attention, and significant consideration than just a random download. Formulate your artwork’s aim and the message you want to convey. Then choose high-quality images from a reputable stock gallery and make sure they all suit the core image. Use various filters and ways of formulating your request to select the less stocky ones.

If you implement these tips while choosing your art stock photos or images and making artworks out of them, then you’re sure to achieve your goal.

The post How to Choose Art Stock Photos One Can Turn into Artworks appeared first on DesignWebKit.

Now vs. Then – A Look at Photography Before the Digital Age

Karen Foley — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:19:55 +0000

The old is new again. It seems that movies, fashion, food, even cookware are trending towards the nostalgic. Some photographers have even caught the bug – with many professionals in photography trading in their digital cameras for film cameras again.

But before you decide to take that trip down memory lane, take a quick look at these common photography trends and techniques “Then and Now” to decide if you are really ready to give up that DSLR.

Color Correction and Effects

Concept photo of Adobe Photoshop workspace

Photoshop, or other post-processing software, make a color correction or adding color effects to images as easy as moving sliders in dedicated windows. Adjusting color in film processing is a complex set of steps that include using filters over-developed images to determine the exact color and strength of the cast to adjust (or add), and then adding the correct amount of chemicals in the color filtration enlarger to achieve the desired results. Usually through lots of trial and error.

In both cases, filters can be added to the front of the lens BEFORE the shot is taken to achieve the desired cast. Which means, of course, that you must own and carry the said filters at all times just in case you need them.

Dodge and Burn

Historical photographic enlarger and vintage camera, darkroom equipment, sepia tone

The process of dodging (lightening areas of a photo) or burning (darkening areas of the photo) is again easily achieved using tools from the toolbar in your favorite post-processing software.

In the film, this is done in the darkroom by covering (dodging) or exposing (burning) the area of the image to be affected for longer periods during the print paper exposure. This also means processing the image, identifying the area to adjust, and then creating the exact template to place over the print while exposing the new image.

Exposure in Photography

Speaking of exposure, this is an area today that we often find ourselves using those handy sliders in post-processing (seeing a trend here?). That is, of course, if you didn’t use the histogram display on your DSLR to correct the exposure settings in real-time.

Film cameras don’t come with a histogram. Film shooting means taking readings with a light meter and using the results to manually set shutter speed and aperture. And if you don’t get it correct in-camera, there is always the old doge and burn method described above.

Composites in Photography

Compositing elements in post-processing can be an outlet of creative thinking for so many. And while this takes more advanced post-processing skills, there really is nothing you can’t isolate, copy, overlay, duplicate, remove, or double expose in the finished image if you so choose.

In the film, you have two choices. You can double expose a frame in-camera – with little control over the resulting image, or you can learn to work in the darkroom with tiny cutouts. Basically, it is a matter of cutting out the area of an image you want in the final result, overlaying that template on the print area exposed to the area of the image to expose, and repeating with each element you want in the image – making sure that you correctly control the layering, exposure, and opacity of each object. And if you make a mistake, you start all over again.

Removing Elements

Who hasn’t learned to love Content-Aware Fill in Photoshop? Simply lasso the area to be removed, and then tweak the tool to control how to magically remove it from the image. In the film, the process of composting is done in reverse. A template of the area to remove must be produced and used to hide the element in the final print and then the inverse used to include what you want to be in its place.

White Balance in Photography

Detailed close-up of an old film strip

The correct way to control white balance today is to choose the right setting in the camera, but we don’t always remember to do that. That’s when those white balance adjustment sliders, or even that handy eyedropper control, makes adjusting white balance snap-in post-processing.

In the film, white balance is controlled by the film you use. Film rolls come in daylight balanced or tungsten balance. Using the wrong one will result in the color cast issue mentioned above. You can “trick” daylight film into looking correct by using a daylight-balanced flash for the image, or you can get really familiar with the chemical compounds used in darkroom developing.

Number of Images

Today memory cards are larger and cheaper than ever before. I carry 64GB, 128GB and even 256GB cards on every shoot. Being able to quickly switch cards when traveling, even backing up to portable hard drives and reusing cards, means never running out of capacity for capturing images.

The film comes in 24-36 shots. That’s what a roll of the film gives you. Need more than that, then carry lots, and lots, and lots of rolls of film at all times. Especially if you are taking pictures on an extended trip.

Traveling Photography

Speaking of traveling, a digital camera owner will never think about an x-ray machine. They just do not affect memory cards. Film camera owners must think about x-ray machines. X-ray machines can damage sensitive film by causing all your beautiful images to develop a fog. The airport authority will tell you that anything up to ISO 800 film should be safe going through the machine. But do you want to take the chance? The best bet is to pack (all) your rolls of film in lead-lined film bags just to be safe.

That’s not to say that going old fashioned is always a bad thing, and photography trends are out of the question. Making ourselves slow down, think about all the aspects that go into a shot, and knowing we only have a limited number of attempts to get it right can help to challenge our creativity. And quite possibly make us better photographers – no matter what type of camera we use.

Images copyright Dreamtime Stock Photos.

The post Now vs. Then – A Look at Photography Before the Digital Age appeared first on DesignWebKit.

30 Free Photoshop Brushes to Enliven Your New Project

Allison Reed — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:11:37 +0000

It goes without saying that free Photoshop brushes are an indispensable tool for many designers nowadays. It’s not surprising. First and foremost, Photoshop brushes let you release your inner artist even if you are just a novice in design. Furthermore, they are an easy, diverse way to enliven any project. Moreover, Photoshop brushes are able to take your design to a new level and make it flourish.

Are you looking for free Photoshop brushes to start a new project? Then you are at the right place. Stop surfing the net and have a look at the amazing collection we’ve rounded up to save your time and effort. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you’ll definitely find some fresh ideas for your upcoming design.

Ultimate Paint

Ultimate Paint is a rich collection of 30 free Photoshop brushes. It was created by splashing paint onto white boards. As Jonas Stoltz scanned the results in high resolution the quality of the brushes is really incredible.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Paint set may become your choice number one if you want to express the inner vibes of your soul. No doubt that this set is able to do a nice job due to capturing the wispy qualities of dry brushing with acrylic paint.

Spray Paint Drip Brushes 1

Are you interested in spray brush Photoshop for your next project? Then Spray Paint Drip with its ten free Photoshop brushes is worth your attention. The resolution of the brushes is pretty high, around 1000 to 2000 pixels each. Moreover, you can convert this brush file to be compatible with any version of Photoshop via abrMate free software.

Hi-Res Spraypaint Photoshop Brushes-Set One

Does your project require some kind of the distressed or grungy look? Then you will appreciate this Hi-Res Spraypaint Photoshop Brushes set. The set includes five brushes consisting of splatters, drips, and fine sprays. The resolution of each brush is 2500 pixels.

Watercolor Splatters

Watercolor Splatters is a set of 32 high-resolution free Photoshop brushes. What’s more, it also contains three high photo textures. The set was created with artist-quality watercolor paint on cold press watercolor paper for any project that requires some positive and energetic vibe.

Hi-Res Watercolor Photoshop Brushes

The pastel colors of this Hi-Res Watercolor Photoshop Brushes set may be a perfect solution for almost any design type. The set not only contains 38 gorgeous watercolor brushes. It also includes an image pack.

Wet Grungy Brushes

Wet Grungy Brushes is excellent for creating grungy, funky, and wet backgrounds. It won’t take you long to create that special atmosphere your project badly needs. Furthermore, this free Photoshop brushes set in high-res guarantees the hi-definition of your work. By the way, if you need some creative ideas concerning a grunge style you can find them in our Grunge Photoshop Tutorials.

Alphabet Graffiti PS Brushes

Are you searching for some street art design elements to complete your project? Try these Alphabet Graffiti free Photoshop brushes. The pack offers you 26 unique high-resolution brushes that will enhance your wild and funky artworks.

Solid Ink Splatter

If you dream of adding some grunge to your artwork you can easily do it with Solid Ink Splatter. This set of 50 ink splatters was created from acrylic ink and scanned at high resolution for excellent edge sharpness.

Pencil Brush Set

Pencil Brush Set may give your design either a harder edge or sophistication. Whatever your aim is, these black and white HD pencil brushes will undoubtedly add some hand drawn effect. In other words, they will make the general atmosphere of your design more personalized.

Colored Pencil Brush Set

Do you intend to give your next design an organic textured feel? Then download and use this Colored Pencil Brush Set. The set is capable of enlivening any design and filling it with light, joy, and happiness.

Waves Brush Photoshop

Do you need various curves for your next design? Then have a look at this set of Waves Brush Photoshop brushes. The set gives you an opportunity of creating almost all the curves that you can imagine. Download this free Photoshop brushes set to come up with the most exciting and unexpected design.

Digital Waves

Do you think that wave Photoshop brushes work well only to create water designs? If so, download this Digital Waves set and start experimenting. Probably, you’ll be surprised with the wide range of opportunities these 15 free Photoshop brushes offer. Try using them to design a flame, fire, or wind and you’ll definitely enjoy the result.

Silhouettes Brushes

Are you working on a new social project design? Perhaps, this unusual set of Silhouettes Brushes created by Stephanie Shimerdla is the very thing you need. The pack comes out with 26 free Photoshop brushes made up of various silhouettes of people. All the brushes are painted by hand vector designs in a very high resolution.

Girls Silhouettes

Girls Silhouettes from Gratiela Dascalu will perfectly suit any sports design. The set includes 8 awesome brushes created in Photoshop CS3. Girls Silhouettes set is available both for personal and commercial use.

Cracks Photoshop Brushes

If you want to create professional visual effects for your project Cracks Photoshop Brushes set may become your helping hand. The set consists of 15 high-quality cracks brushes. Each brush is 2500+ pixels size and enables you to achieve your goals in seconds.

Interstellar Clouds

Interstellar Clouds is a pack of 12 free Photoshop brushes that will undoubtedly make your new project look really appealing. Don’t hesitate to use these interstellar clouds aka nebula in your space exploration or sci-fi design to fully grab the attention of your online audience.

Ice Crack Fractals

Ice Crack Fractals is a cool set of free Photoshop brushes that are able to take your new design to the new level. Designed by Icecrack, the set comes out with a total of nine brushes. Note that the brushes are compatible with CS and CS 2.

Fog Photoshop Brushes 3

Fog Photoshop Brushes 3 is a wonderful pack that contains 15 high-quality fog effect brushes. Each brush is 2500+ pixels size. Actually, the pack is a handy tool to create professional visual effects for your art, illustrations or other projects on the fly.

Directional

Directional is a rich collection of free Photoshop brushes that provide you with a great variety of different arrows. This stylish set contains curved arrows, straight arrows, arrows that form shapes, and branching arrows. Moreover, it includes grungy distressed and clean vector arrows.

Flourish Title Brushes

If you are crazy about vintage designs Flourish Title Brushes set should become a part of your Photoshop brushes collection. The set represents 6 high-resolution vintage banner and title brushes designed by Coolest Brushes. Each brush is around 1400 pixels and is perfect for print and digital projects.

Vintage Dividers Brushes

Vintage Dividers Brushes by Innuend is one more amazing pack of free Photoshop brushes to highlight the uniqueness of your project. The pack consists of 8 vintage dividers brushes able to stir up feelings of nostalgia in your audience.

Crocus Brushes

Crocus Brushes set by Vector Beast is your chance to add a note of charm and tenderness to your project. The set comes out with 12 free Photoshop brushes created to inspire both you and your audience. There’s no doubt that Crocus Brushes will fill your new design with light, joyful sunny mood.

The Smell of Roses

The Smell of Roses pack designed by Anna Dadiani may become one of your favorites due to the positive emotions it arouses. The set includes 125 super-useful hand-drawn watercolor flower brushes. Each of the brushes adds its unique deft touch to your design.

Huge Pack of Lions

Huge Pack of Lions by Designdio is a wonderful nature free Photoshop brushes set for your inspiration. 30 free lions are waiting for you here. What’s more, the brushes range from 413 to 1500 pixels, certainly enough to work with. This set is really one more great way to enliven your project.

Love Brushes

Do you need a lovely ornament in your design? Then this pack of 28 Love Brushes may arouse your interest. Its creator, Rachel Weaverdesign, used his Valentine’s Day Vector Pack as the basis for the collection. These brushes can definitely make your design stand out.

Abstract PS Brushes

If you wish to bring some extra visual interest to your design this set of Abstract PS Brushes is just for you. The set contains 12 free Photoshop brushes designed by Innuend. To tell the truth, this set is a perfect tool to give your project a “wow” effect without drawing attention away from the main subject.

Neon Brushes

Neon Brushes set by Kime-ra offers you 8 abstract neon Photoshop brushes for free downloading. First and foremost, this set can help you break up the monotony of any design. Moreover, it may enhance the “flavor” of your project and add that extra edge you’re dreaming of.

Glitter-n-Smoke

Glitter-n-Smoke is an amazing set of Photoshop abstract brushes. In fact, these smoke brushes are compatible with almost all Photoshop versions. The set includes several types of glitter and smoke brushes great for space scenes and any fantasy stuff.

Fireworks Free Photoshop Brushes

Fireworks Brushes is one more pack of abstract free Photoshop brushes. Created by Webdesigner Lab the pack offers you 12 brushes of different shapes and sizes. The brushes are compatible with Photoshop CS3 and above.

So, grab these free Photoshop brushes and add them to your designer toolbox to enliven your upcoming projects. Hope, you’ll find them useful and enjoy every minute creating your new stunning design!

The post 30 Free Photoshop Brushes to Enliven Your New Project appeared first on DesignWebKit.

100 Fresh & Free Packs of Photoshop Brushes You Should Have in 2012

Nancy Young — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 07:00:07 +0000

Having a great collection of Photoshop brushes is essential for any creative person. These days the main issue with Photoshop brushes is not in looking for them, but in finding high-quality brushes. An overstock of materials for a designs creation leads to time loss.

In order to save time and efforts you need to have your own “web design arsenal” in bookmarks. I mean, you should have some websites and tools collections, where you would find proper free brushes, custom shapes, icons and whatever you need for amazing web designs. It’s not so hard to collect such kind of a “web design arsenal”, moreover I’m pretty sure that you’re browsing the web day by day.

I’ve found these 100 Photoshop brushes sets of 2012 myself. The collection is a result of daily downloads and experiments. I’ve kept all these brushes in my bookmarks for a long time and then decided to create this round-up in order to share them with you, our lovely readers.

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Easy Installation

All the Photoshop brushes sets you see below are free and high-quality. To install any brushes set on your computer you need to download it first. The brushes set comes in an archived format. Use your favourite archive unpacker program to get the set. After that open Photoshop and find Brushes Palette. Click on the small arrow in the upper right corner of the palette and choose “load brushes” from the list. So, the new brushes will be added to the current brushes palette. Enjoy free and fresh Photoshop brushes sets and speed up your work flow!