Here's a Quick Way to Roughen the Edges of Your Work
You've probably noticed that in real life print work is imperfect. Everything from that tag on your new jeans to the Grayhound bus ticket you saved from that summer trip.
Nothing remains perfect.
In this tutorial I'll show you how to roughen the edges of your work in Photoshop. Plus, I'm hooking you up with the RetroSupply Edge & Fold Distressor Brush Pack for FREE (big download button below).
Just like quality leather gets more beautiful with age – some printed work becomes more beautiful as time passes.
This is the result of things like (about to get nerdy here):
- Yellowing as the result of oxidation of cellulose content in paper
- Ink smear and distress as a result of humidity on carbon based inks
- How much bending paper can take before breaking (folding endurance)
Each of these elements can result in great looking work. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the time to sit around and get these results naturally. So I've created a simple tutorial that will help you achieve the effect.
Plus, as a special bonus I've included a 12 brush pack you can download for FREE. It's called The Edge & Fold Distressor Brush Pack and I think you'll like it!
Okay, now that you're hooked up with the brushes be sure to watch the video below to learn how you can use them!
17 Responses
Bethany
I wanted to share that these brushes would also work great for a hand-printed look to digital art. I used to do traditional printmaking and it was those little places where there was ink loss that gave a print it’s warmth and character, much like vintage commercial printing. Thank you for this tutorial! Now I want to go make something!!
Ted
Great tutorial.
Easy to follow and learn.
Thank you for the brushes.
Awesome.
Kitty
Thanks so much Dustin (& crew)
:)
Steve
Great brushes and the video is very helpful. Thanks!
Elmas
Great video! Any tips on roughening the ages around the bigger “Postal Service” text? Thanks.
Alicia
Thank you Dustin for taking the time to present yet another awesome video tutorial! You’re a gifted teacher I must say. Roughened edges is now my new obsession, and so are these new brushes. Much appreciated! ;)
Mikael
Thank You Dustin for the great tutorial and freebies. The best quality ; )
neisha
THANK YOU! Great tutorial! Simple and direct but so powerful for a novice like me. You’re help is priceless and so appreciated. Rock On!
Valerie
Thanks, Dustin! Great tutorial and brushes!
Mario
Thank unfortunately Brushs not work in CS5
Stuart Holmes
Thanks Dustin – very useful tutorial. I’m an Adobe illustrator purist and rarely use Photoshop for my illustration work, but can certainly see the merits here for adding that texture in PS.
Kristiina
Thanks for the brushes! I like the effect. The tutorial is very helpful.
Su Hall
Looks good! I like the effect! Thank you for the brushes!
Su
Matt
On way to make an stamp-like edging brush like that angle more easily is to set the angle in “shape dynamics” to pen tilt. This allows you to rotate the brush around to get the desired angles. You need a stylus that has tilt capability tho. It’s a great way to rotate “stamp-like” brushes.
Josué Menjivar
A successful business is built by having a relationship with their clients. RetroSupply Co. does just that. With a steady stream of tips, everyday conversations on Facebook and their awesome tutorials. These excellent forms of communication are genuine gestures and not to hard sell you anything, simply to let you know they care about their clients. This tutorial is an example of that. No hard sell, just teaching and inspiring creativity. Dustin even gives you a free set of quality brushes so you can play along. This is why I’m a loyal customer.
Kimara Winters
Thanks for the clear and concise tute (not to mention the freebie pack). Black conceals, white reveals — I like it~
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Tutorials
Create a Hand-Painted Effect with the DragStrip Brush Set
Learn how vector master Von Glitschka creates painterly artwork in Adobe Illustrator using the DragStrip brush pack (and a few unique tricks he developed) in this easy to follow infographic.
How to Use Vector Charcoal Brushes in Adobe Illustrator
Discover our favorite method and a few unexpected ways to get great results with vector charcoal and pencil brushes in Adobe Illustrator, with this collection of pro tips and tricks.
The Ultimate Guide to Retro Font Pairing
Every tried to pair fonts together and it looked like Font Book puked on the screen?
Use this guide to learn the basics of retro font pairing. You'll use typography to create eye-catching combinations for your brand, side projects, and clients.
Suzanne at RetroSupply
June 30, 2017
Thanks to everyone for the awesome feedback!
Elmas, you could make the brushes smaller and go around the edges of the letters. Or you could roughen the letters with effects, as we show in this tutorial: https://www.retrosupply.co/blogs/tutorials/152748231-the-easy-way-to-roughen-your-typography-in-illustrator
Thanks for the great tip Bethany!