Using an image like a brush

[MoodsR4Cattle]

Is it possible to use an image in the same way you can use a brush? When you use a brush, you have several adjustments that will vary the shape dynamics, scattering, opacity and so forth. I want to do the same thing but using an image.
Is this possible?

[Tamlin]

The obvious answer would be to make a custom brush from your image, but I guess you already thought of that...

[MoodsR4Cattle]

LOL, yeah, thought of that. Problem is, I want the whole image (full color), not just a greyscale version.

[supertackyman]

could you for exapmle (and i dont know for 100 percent i only tried it a bit) copy the image onto a new transparent layer and use the rubber stamp tool?
i know that the tool can be affected by scatter, etc.

[agentxi]

could you post up an example of what you want to do, and an example of the effect you want to make?

that way we can better suggest things for you.

but i'm thinking I would create a psd of how you want it to look, export as a png with transparency...

and then just import the png to the scene you want to apply it to.

[MoodsR4Cattle]

Hi Supertackyman,
If the Rubber Stamp tool is the Clone Tool, I couldn't get the scatter effect to work. But then again, I rarely used it so I'm probably not doing it right.

Hi Agentxi,

I don't have an example as I haven't seen any - it's just an idea I want to try but don't want to make 100 layers of the same image (a fish for example) and adjust each and every layer's angles, size, scattering, shape, opacity (... etc) that is so easy to achieve with the brush tool.

[supertackyman]

more tinkering: i got the scatter effect to work selecting brushes tab but... the control-alt selection of the clone tool also scatters (the basepoint) not just where the stamp lays down the image.
also multiple clicks work better than dragging.

[kokopedal]

You can always take a full image and define it as a pattern. Then open a new layer.go to pattern stamp tool, pick a brush of your choice and paint the pattern(image) onto the layer.I use this technique to watercolor a photo, that way you can add several different effects by choosing different brushes and changing their properties, such as wet edges,duel color and so on.

[Tamlin]

That's a great tip kokopedal - I forget about the Pattern Stamp tool because it's not something I use much and it's tucked away there below the Clone Stamp (which is what I usually have active). Have some +ve rep!

[kokopedal]

Tamlin, I'm only too happy to be able to add something constructive to the Biorust community. Thank you for the points. I do appreciate it

[MoodsR4Cattle]

Thanks KoKopedal, I'll give that a try!

[supertackyman]

theres a patternstamp tool?
i didnt kno that. please tell me more koko.

[kokopedal]

Yes, over on your tools pallet, it looks like a rubber stamp. Left click and hold on that stamp and you will be given a choice of either the pattern stamp or clone stamp tool. After selecting the pattern stamp tool look at the top and there you will see several options to make regarding how plan to use the tool. It shows that you have indeed chosen the pattern stamp tool,next your current brush,(go to your brush pallet and select the brush you intend to use) then you have a blending option. Followed by opacity,flow,airbrush. Next is the pattern currently sellected, you should have at least some default patterns available to you however there is an endless number you can download, just go to the resources right here at Biorust and you will find a substantial variety. Or better yet design your own,we have tutorials for that too. lastly you are given a choice of aligned or impressionist,I use impressionist for painting and aligned for more detail work. Just play with it.
I hope this helps.
I just read through this and it sounds an awfull lot like one of those CDs that I paid too much for. Sorry

[Tamlin]

It reads pretty clear to me - maybe you should write it up for the Wiki?