French software developer Bleank has launched a beta program for its Black Ink system – new digital painting software that gives artists customizable brushes.
By using Black Ink’s “Controllers” – a node-based visualization tool – artists can tweak every parameter of a brush, from size and pressure control to complex mathematical behaviors, enabling artists to develop highly nuanced looks.
“Black Ink doesn’t want to show you something you’ve already seen, it wants to help you create something you haven’t,” said David Toyou, lead programmer and co-founder of Bleank. “The exploration of the brush system is an untapped engine for creativity. Art has always been personal, now artists have a better way to personalize it.”
Every brush created can also be paired with Black Ink’s other functions, such as gradients and image-based color, to increase the amount of options creators have at their disposal.
Along with the beta program, the company has also launched a new community forum that will promote the sharing of brushes and brush parts in progress. Users can discuss, give tips and critique each other’s work as they strive for something different.
“For a long time, concept artists and designers have used randomness to get their desired effect,” said Toyou. “They called it the ‘happy accident.’ With Black Ink, the control they needed is finally there. No more hoping that the next click makes it right.”
