What You Should Know about Graphic Design Brushes – Free or Otherwise!

In the previous post we focused on graphic symbols and why these should not be used when creating logo designs. Similar to symbols are graphic brushes which are plug-ins that helps you create minor special affects in the logo. These brushes are often used enthusiastically by designers to create affects and though they are a neat option, relying on them is not considered feasible in professional graphic designing. So how do you use brushes in professional designing? Read on!

What Exactly Are Graphic Brushes?

Graphic brushes are tools that are available in almost all graphic software, especially in Illustrator. However, the brushes found in the software are often limited and designers usually download all types of free graphic brushes as it gives them the flexibility of adding fun and attractive affects quickly. These brushes come in a wide variety of special effects, including color splashes, floral designs, abstract icons, vector, retro, grudge and colorful patches. Without these brushes, designers have to make color splashes and other similar designs from scratch, which can turn out to be quite a frustrating experience at times. So are graphic brushes any good? Well, sort of.

When to Brush Aside the Graphic Brushes?

Graphic brushes are only good if they are used as a Supporting Element. Logo designers need not depend on it to create 60% of the logo design. As long as it is being used for giving slight touches or for adding effects to the logo, it should be okay. Depending heavily on these free brushes and basing your logo on these is a Big NO as it could lead to cases of trademark infringement. You may be comforted by the idea of having licensed software, however, remember that there are millions of logo designers are using the very same software and its default brushes so the chances of trademark issues are likely to arise.

Graphic brushes may be very useful, only if they are used carefully. Logo designers have to learn that being creative and working on every design with careful use of tools will earn them a reputation of a competitive logo designer.