Being able to create your own Brushes and Patterns in Adobe Photoshop is an extremely useful tool to have in your arsenal. It’s actually pretty easy to do too. First thing you will want to do is to open a new document on Photoshop and for my projects I usually make the document 1200 x 1200 pixels, 300 resolution minimum. You’re better off using more pixels than less pixels since it will allow for more details in these brushes and patterns. Once you have your document open, the next step is to create a new layer on top of the background layer. I always forget to check if I’m working on the correct layer so it’s a good habit to make sure you are working on the top layer rather than the background. Now with the new layer selected, you want to activate the Brush Tool (Press B on keyboard). With the Brush Tool activated, you can pick any generic brush from the presets and start drawing on the new layer. This is where you can get creative and draw whatever shape or design you want for the custom brush. Once you are satisfied with your design, you will click Edit on the Photoshop Task Bar and scroll down until you find Define Brush Preset and click on that. Finally, you can name your custom brush and after you save it the brush will appear in your brush presets, ready to use whenever you want.
For the Custom Pattern it is a pretty similar technique. With a new document open, you will create a new layer on top of the background. This next step is where you have to take things into your own hands and get creative with it. You could use the Brush Tool and scribble different colors all over the new layer. You could use the Paint Bucket Tool (Press G) and pick any color you want to paste onto the new layer. You could use the Ellipse Tool and create a circular pattern on the new layer. Those are just a couple of ideas but the options are really endless. After you’re satisfied with this new design on the top layer, you will click Edit on the Photoshop Task Bar and scroll down until you find Define Pattern and click on that. Just like with the custom brush, you can name your new pattern and it will be saved afterword. If you double-click on a layer it will open the Layer Style Menu which is where you can find the Pattern Overlay tab. In that tab you’ll find the new pattern and you can overlay it on top of the current layer selected. I’m going to list the key commands used below and hopefully this helps with any future projects you do.
Brush Tool = Press B
Paint Bucket Tool = Press G
Ellipse Tool = Press U
Layer Style Menu = Double-Click on a Layer
Define Brush Preset / Pattern = Click on Edit in Photoshop Task Bar and scroll down
-Shane O’Rourke, 7/1/19