Noteworthy: Pencil/Chalk Brushes

(nagel’s pencil #1 // pastry images from babycakesnyc.com)

The other day I mentioned that I would share some pencil brushes I’ve found online. Why do I think this is noteworthy? Well, handwritten notes can add personality to your photos and collages. For example, Garance Dore, A Beautiful Mess, and DesignLoveFest, use this technique effectively on their photos.

In the spirit of experimentation, I tested a bunch of brushes and I list my favorites below. I chose these pencils using a purely subjective standard: did it make my handwriting look good (we can argue about whether my handwriting looks good, but let’s just assume that it does, okay)? A few of my choices were actually chalk brushes, which implies a thicker tip. I found that if I minimized the tip to 4px, chalk makes a nice “soft” pencil that is just right for me.

Of all the brushes I tested, only one of them, the pencil brush by Vin Rowe, was pressure-sensitive and would stroke lighter or darker depending on the pressure. It was technically the most realistic pencil, but it wasn’t my favorite of favorites. My most favorite is the pencil by KoiFishSushi from DeviantArt. You’ll have to try these brushes yourself to find the one that suits your style the best. Or, you can make your own pencil brush by following this helpful tutorial.

pencil/chalk brushes (in order of appearance below)

• Vin Rowe
• KoiFishSushi
• Andantoniu
• Dave Nagel

Some of you have asked whether I use a tablet and the answer is yes, I do. I use a Wacom Intuos. I also have an older Wacom Graphire, which has some limitations that make me want to murmur obscenities and throw it out the window. That’s why I upgraded to the Intuos! :)

I’ve been scribbling a lot on my tablet, and for fun, I put some of them together into this animated GIF.

Have a great weekend, guys! :D