Published on 31 July 2023 9 min read

Select the right brush
Adjust brush settings
Create custom brushes
Use pressure sensitivity
Change brush color
Utilize brush opacity and blend modes
Apply brush strokes to path
Use calligraphic brushes
Add texture with bristle brush
Import and export brushes

Creating a striking logo is a bit like cooking a tasty meal. You need the right ingredients, the right tools, and a sprinkle of creativity. When it comes to tools, one of the most versatile ones in Adobe Illustrator is the brush tool. Learning how to use brush in Illustrator for logo creation can add a unique touch to your designs, whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of graphic design. In this blog, we'll share ten practical tips that will help you master the brush tool and create logos that make a statement.

Select the Right Brush

When you start cooking, you don't just grab any old pan, do you? Similarly, when it comes to creating logos in Illustrator, choosing the right brush is your first step. And trust us, it's not as difficult as picking a Netflix show on a Friday night. Here are a few pointers:

For crisp lines: You'll want to reach for the Basic Brush. It's like the trusty frying pan in your kitchen—simple, reliable, and perfect for clean, sharp edges.
For a hand-drawn look: The Pencil Brush is your best friend. It's like the whisk of the Illustrator kitchen, ideal for creating that freehand, artisanal feel.
For texture: The Bristle Brush is the way to go. It's the grater of the brush family, perfect for adding a bit of grit and texture to your logo.

Remember, the key here is to experiment. Don't be afraid to mix and match brushes, just like you might experiment with spices in a dish. After all, understanding how to use brush in illustrator for logo creation is all about finding the right balance between your design vision and the tools at your disposal.

Adjust Brush Settings

Got your brush picked out? Great! Now, let's talk settings. Think of it as setting the right temperature on your stove. You wouldn't cook everything on high heat, right? Similarly, adjusting brush settings allows you to control how your brush behaves, giving your logo the right 'flavor'.

Size: Just like chopping veggies, size matters in logo design. A larger brush size can help you fill in large areas quickly, while a smaller brush size is perfect for detailed work.
Fidelity: This is like adjusting the sharpness of your knife. A high fidelity will give you smooth, precise lines, while a low fidelity will give you a more rough, freehand look.
Smoothness: Imagine pouring a sauce. A higher smoothness will give you a slow, even pour—perfect for long, flowing lines. A lower smoothness will give you a quicker, less controlled pour—great for a more spontaneous, sketchy look.

Adjusting brush settings is a crucial part of learning how to use brush in Illustrator for logo creation. It's about finding the perfect balance between your creative vision and the capabilities of the tool. So go ahead, play around with the settings, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—that's how the best recipes are discovered!

Create Custom Brushes

Let's say you're baking a cake, but you don't have a whisk. Would you give up? Of course not! You'd find a fork and get to work. That's exactly how creating custom brushes in Illustrator works. If you can't find the perfect brush for your logo, you create it!

Scatter Brush: Imagine you're sprinkling chocolate chips onto your batter. That's what a scatter brush does—it scatters a pattern along your path. Use it to add texture or depth to your logo.
Art Brush: Think of this as your spatula, spreading frosting evenly along the length of your path. Use it to create consistent, repeated forms in your logo.
Pattern Brush: This is like using a stencil to decorate your cake. It repeats a pattern along the path, perfect for creating borders or repeating elements in your logo.

Creating custom brushes is an important step in learning how to use brush in Illustrator for logo creation. It's about taking control of your tools and bending them to your will. So go ahead, mix and match different brush types, and remember—there's no wrong way to bake a cake!

Use Pressure Sensitivity

Ever tried writing with a pencil and noticed the difference when you press hard or lightly? That's exactly what pressure sensitivity in Illustrator does. It's like the secret ingredient that can elevate your logo from 'good' to 'wow'.

When using a graphic tablet, pressure sensitivity in Illustrator can play a significant role in shaping your logo. It gives your strokes a more natural feel, like you're actually drawing them by hand. With pressure sensitivity, your brush reacts to the pressure you apply—press harder for thicker strokes, and lighter for thinner ones.

So, how to use brush in Illustrator for logo creation with pressure sensitivity? Start by getting a feel for it. Try varying your pressure as you draw, and watch how your strokes change. It's a bit like learning to control the pressure while icing a cake. It may take some practice, but the results are worth it!

Remember, using pressure sensitivity is an art. It's not about how hard you press, but how well you can control it. So go ahead, experiment with it, and watch your logo come to life!

Change Brush Color

Imagine a world without color—it's kind of dull, right? Similarly, color plays a pivotal role when it comes to logo creation in Illustrator. The right color can make your logo pop and be more memorable. But how to use brush in Illustrator for logo creation and change its color? Let's find out.

First, select your brush tool and draw a simple stroke. Now, look at the bottom of your toolbar. You'll see two squares overlapping each other. The one on top represents the stroke color, and the one underneath is the fill color.

Click on the top square (stroke color), and a color palette should appear. From there, you can select any color you want for your brush. You can also type in specific color codes if you have them. It's like picking out the perfect outfit for your logo!

But don't stop there. Try out different colors and see what works best for your logo. Remember, the goal is to make your logo stand out and be easily recognizable. So whether you decide on a fiery red or a calming blue, make sure it aligns with your brand's image.

So, go ahead and play with colors. Who knows, you might just stumble upon the perfect color combination for your logo.

Utilize Brush Opacity and Blend Modes

Let's think about painting for a moment. An artist doesn't just slap paint onto a canvas—they use different techniques to create depth, texture, and dimension. They layer different shades, play with transparency, and mix colors. Similarly, when figuring out how to use a brush in Illustrator for logo creation, you can utilize brush opacity and blend modes to add depth and texture to your design. Here's how.

Opacity is like the transparency of your brush strokes. A lower opacity makes your stroke look more like a whisper of color, while a higher opacity gives it a stronger, bolder presence. To adjust the opacity, select your brush stroke, then go to the "Transparency" panel on the right side of your screen and adjust the slider. It's like turning the volume up or down on your brush strokes.

But that's not all. Illustrator also offers blend modes, which are like secret recipes for mixing your colors in interesting ways. To change the blend mode, select your brush stroke, go to the "Transparency" panel, and select a mode from the dropdown menu. Some modes will darken your colors, others will lighten them, and some will even invert them. It's like having a magic wand to transform your colors!

So, with opacity and blend modes, you have more control over how your logo looks and feels. It's another step towards creating a logo that's uniquely yours.

Apply Brush Strokes to Path

Next up on our list of tips on how to use a brush in Illustrator for logo creation, we're going to talk about applying brush strokes to a path. This might sound a little technical but trust me, it's as easy as going for a walk... just follow the path!

First, you need to create a path. You can do this by using the Pen tool or any other drawing tool in Illustrator. Think of the path as a road map for your brush stroke, guiding it where to go.

Once you've drawn your path, it's time to pick your brush. Go to the Brush panel and select the brush you want to apply. Now, select your path and click on the brush you've chosen. Just like that, your brush stroke follows the path you've created! It's like a train following its tracks.

But what if you want to change the direction of your brush stroke? No problem. Just go to the "Options" button in the Brushes panel, and select "Flip Along". Your brush stroke will do a quick U-turn and follow the path in the opposite direction.

This technique gives you more control over your design and opens up new possibilities for creativity. So, go ahead and give it a try!

Use Calligraphic Brushes

Now, let's talk about how to use brush in Illustrator for logo creation using calligraphic brushes. Have you ever admired the elegant strokes of calligraphy? Well, with Illustrator, you can add that touch of sophistication to your logo without having to master a calligraphy pen.

Calligraphic brushes in Illustrator simulate the look and feel of a calligraphy pen. They often come with options like size, angle, and roundness that you can modify to suit your style. You can even adjust the thickness of the brush stroke to mimic the pressure of a pen on paper.

Using calligraphic brushes can give your logo a unique and personalized feel. But remember, like a skilled calligrapher, take your time to practice and perfect your strokes. Your patience will pay off when you see how these brushes can add a new level of depth and elegance to your logo.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a calligraphic brush and start experimenting!

Add Texture with Bristle Brush

After you've mastered the art of calligraphy in Illustrator, let's move on to another cool feature - the Bristle Brush. Wondering how to use brush in Illustrator for logo creation with a bit more texture? The Bristle Brush is your answer. If you're aiming for a more organic or hand-painted look, this tool is just what you need.

The Bristle Brush allows you to create strokes that resemble natural paintbrush strokes. It's like having a virtual paintbrush at your disposal. You can choose from various shapes and sizes, and adjust the length and density of the bristles. The end result is a brush stroke that has a depth and realism that's hard to achieve with other brushes.

Using the Bristle Brush is a breeze. Just select the tool, choose your desired settings, and start painting. Voila! Your logo now has a natural, textured look that sets it apart from the crowd.

So, why not give the Bristle Brush a try? It could be the secret ingredient that takes your logo from good to great.

Import and Export Brushes

Ever find yourself wishing you could share your custom brushes or use them in different projects? Well, you're in luck! Illustrator makes it easy to import and export brushes, allowing you to use your favorite tools across projects and even share them with fellow designers.

Just imagine — you've spent time creating a brush that perfectly captures the essence of your brand. Wouldn't it be great to use that same brush for your next logo design? Absolutely, and here's how to do it.

Exporting brushes is as simple as selecting the brush you want to export in the Brushes panel, clicking on the panel’s options menu, and choosing 'Save Brush Library'. Then, name your set and choose a location to save it. Just like that, your brush is ready to make an appearance in your future projects.

On the other hand, if you want to import brushes that you've previously saved or downloaded, go to the Brushes panel, click the panel’s options menu, and choose 'Open Brush Library'. Navigate to your saved brush file and click 'Open'. Your imported brushes will appear in a new brush library panel, ready for you to use!

So, next time you're wondering how to use a brush in Illustrator for logo creation, remember you can easily import your favorite brushes or export your custom creations. It's a simple yet effective way to streamline your design process and ensure a consistent look across all your projects.

If you want to further enhance your skills in creating effective logos and working with clients, check out the workshop 'How to Work with Clients: Illustrator Edition' by Grace Helmer. This workshop will not only help you master Illustrator brush techniques but also provide valuable insights on how to manage client expectations and communication throughout the design process.