Is CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes) worth it if you’re shopping in Comics & Graphic Novels?
Quick answer
| Best for | Digital artists who feel stuck on brush settings and want a structured, commentary-heavy walkthrough that explains why certain tools work better than others. |
| Skip if | You expect a downloadable brush pack (this tutorial uses purchased brushes from Kyle T. Webster, not free files), or if you are looking for a full course on anatomy or color theory. |
| Price | $2 |
| Format | ~30-min lecture + ~42-min process video + raw footage + written summary + Photoshop file + drawing exercise |
| One-line take | A rare $2 bundle that pairs a theoretical lecture with a real-time, fully commented painting session to demystify brush selection. |
What you’re actually buying
Most digital painting tutorials fall into one of two traps: they are either a silent timelapse that leaves you guessing why the artist made a certain stroke, or a dry lecture that never shows the theory applied in a real painting. CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes) from Alex Chow bridges that gap by splitting the package into two distinct but connected video experiences. First, you get a roughly 30-minute lecture where Chow breaks down his specific criteria for selecting and using brushes in Adobe Photoshop. This isn’t just a list of “top 10 brushes”; it is a discussion on the functional logic behind brush behavior, pressure sensitivity, and how different settings affect the final image.
Then, the package pivots to the practical application with a 42-minute process video. Here, Chow doesn’t just show the result; he provides full commentary on his decision-making as he applies the brush options discussed in the lecture to a live painting. You can watch him adjust settings, switch tools, and explain his reasoning in real time, which is invaluable for understanding the nuance between a “hard” and “soft” brush in context. To top it off, the download includes the raw video of the painting process (without commentary) so you can scrub through specific moments, a written summary for quick review, the actual Photoshop file of the artwork, and a dedicated drawing exercise designed to help you internalize the power of these brush choices. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
For two dollars, this is an unusually dense package. You are getting over an hour of instructional content, a reference file, and a practical assignment. The inclusion of low-resolution versions is also a thoughtful touch for artists with bandwidth concerns, ensuring the high-quality video files don’t become a barrier to entry. If you have been relying on default brushes without understanding their capabilities, this brush-focused tutorial offers a clear path to upgrading your digital painting workflow.
Why it’s on our radar
This release stands out because it focuses on a single, high-impact fundamental—brushes—rather than trying to cover the entire digital painting pipeline in one go. By isolating this specific skill, Chow provides a deep dive that is often missing in broader courses. The combination of a theoretical lecture and a fully commented process video is a powerful format for learning, as it allows you to see the direct correlation between the advice given and the execution on screen. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
The price point is also notable. At $2, the barrier to trying a new instructional format is negligible, making it an easy “yes” for anyone curious about how a more structured, commentary-heavy approach might improve their learning retention compared to silent timelapses. It is a focused, high-value addition to the CGTF series that addresses a common pain point for digital artists: the overwhelming number of brush options and the lack of guidance on how to choose the right one for a specific task. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
What actually matters
Before you dive in, keep in mind that this tutorial is designed for Adobe Photoshop, but the concepts and brush behaviors discussed are applicable to other digital painting programs. If you are a Procreate or Krita user, the underlying theory of brush dynamics will still translate, even if the specific interface differs. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
One important detail to note: the package does not include a downloadable set of brushes. Chow uses brushes purchased from Kyle T. Webster, so you will need to source similar brushes or use your existing library to follow along with the exercises. This is a common setup for tutorials that focus on technique rather than asset distribution, but it is worth clarifying if you were hoping for a “brush pack” included in the price. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
Finally, consider your current skill level. This is a “basics” release in the CGTF series, meaning it is designed to help you understand the fundamentals of how brushes work. If you are already an advanced digital painter who uses custom brushes daily, you may find the content a bit introductory. However, if you are transitioning from traditional media to digital, or if you feel like you are underutilizing your digital tools, this structured breakdown is likely to provide the clarity you need.
Mid-check
FAQ
Does this tutorial include a brush pack? No, the package does not include downloadable brushes. The artist uses brushes purchased from Kyle T. Webster, so you will need to use your own brush library or purchase similar brushes to follow along with the exercises. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
Is this suitable for beginners? Yes, this is part of the “Basics” series (CGTF), designed to explain key art fundamentals. It is particularly useful for beginners who are overwhelmed by the number of brush options in Photoshop and want to understand the logic behind selecting and using them effectively. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
What programs can I use to follow along? The tutorial is demonstrated in Adobe Photoshop, but the concepts regarding brush dynamics, pressure, and settings can be replicated in other digital painting software such as Procreate, Krita, or Clip Studio Paint. (CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes))
Bottom line
If you are a digital artist who feels like you are leaving potential on the table by not fully understanding your brush tools, CGTF #3: Basics of Digital Painting (Brushes) is a low-risk, high-reward addition to your library. For $2, you get a comprehensive lecture, a fully commented process video, and practical exercises that will help you make more intentional choices in your digital painting workflow. It is a focused, well-structured resource that addresses a specific pain point with clarity and depth, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to refine their digital painting skills.