What Stencils work best Hand made or Store bought?

[Learning2AB]

Hi everyone,

As I continplate this post and I begin to write I see a tug-of-war battle for the answer, maybe there is no clear answer however I ask anyways to see what works for who. I see many advantages and disadvantages for each. I guess they must coincide based on the project in question. As I begin to research what to do to start I know I must start with the basics. Strokes, Control, etc. Yet I want to make this also fun for me and do a portfolio so to speak to help myself see the progress I make with my dedication. This being said I want to know what works best when it comes to stencils.

Are Stencils frowned upon my the industry/community?
Are they seen as helping tools to get quality work?
What are your opinions?

As I search the net I see many special templates made by some of the the most famous artist one being Craig Fraiser. Is it difficult to make your own templates or is it more for of a confidence builder knowing your using the same type of templates that some of the most famous artist use.

A Curious Question,
~ Tim

They certainly have there place and are just another tool you can make use. Sort of like using a projector the more you use one the more you'll learn so that at some point you won't need to use one so it is with stencils.

I not sure it matters who's name is on it, a stencil is a stencil if it fits your needs thats all that counts.

http://www.howtoairbrush.com/stencil...ing-basics.htm

you can use anything to help create your art
http://www.howtoairbrush.com/airbrush-template.htm

hope that helps

[redesigns]

you know L2AB using a stencil isnt all that big of a deal....They come in differnent shapes and some have many different names.... Some people call them free hand shields or free hand templets or masks... They work great to get your basic design outlined so you can work thru those difficult areas you might have with art using your AB...Some do not use them at all or very little and some chose to use them regularly... I myself am not a true airbrush artist like for example Lee Diaz... The guy is amazing along with a long list of other guys and girls in this forum...I use Stencils to get me thru my tuff and difficult areas in my layout... But if you think about it using masking tape like a 1\8" or smaller or even larger to layout flames or a stripe is in reality a stencil or a mask or a shield... I myself use Fraser stencils and love them to death.. They help me with all kinds of AB strokes and help me get better and better so maybe one day I will not use them all the time... Ask Craig Fraser at one of his seminars how often he uses stencils and he will tell you quite often and let me tell you this guy is the bomb as I am sure you already know..
So I wouldnt even worry about it and just get in there and practice away... Heck who knows, it might all just fall in to place for you and you can say good bye to those stencils....

[Learning2AB]

Thanks guys for the posts,

I myself think there a great idea and great tool. Like I said in my introduction I'm not one of the best artist in fact I don't draw nearly as good as I did years ago.

My girlfriend and I have begun to do some test runs in different materials and paints. I have been working on starting to get a T-shirt Desig Studio going for a while as a hobby and have finally started putting my $ where my mouth has been.

We have a small projector and just tried our first Shirt using those "Fabric pens" as the base before we go back and try out a few more ideas and materials.

Just wanted to see what the community thought and whether or not others have or continue to use stencils & projectors and how they liked using them.

Thank you both for your comments,
~ Tim

[Kaiilla]

An inexpensive way to get a lot of use from a small amount of $ is to try french curves. They are intended for drafting and have a wide variety of shapes. You use portions of the curve to fit the shape you are trying to get. The amount of curve changes as you go along the edge. I've had mine for over a decade (before airbrushing) but you can pick up a simple one to try for a couple of bucks in the school supply section of just abount any store. They'll be with the protractors.

[landsbro]

hmm,,,stencils is hard to get where i live so i usually make my own
if i need one,,so i believe my answer is home made are best,
/kimmo

[Learning2AB]

Kaiilla,

Thanks for the advice very good idea, to be honest always have seen them never thought of it for that use. Thanks Again


landsbro,

You said you make your own, how so plastic,or some other type of material? Are they difficult to make, and do last for more then one project. Curious in maybe trying making one if not to difficult/expensive

[heartless]

you can make a stencil from just about anything - from plain paper (one time use) to thin cardboard (might get a few uses out of it) to the thin plastic placemats purchased at a discount store.
a lot of folks use x-ray film - a bit harder to come by (check with your local vet for old film), but perfect for making multiple use stencils.
pretty much anything can be used for a stencil - including a roll of tape if you need a round shape.

[landsbro]

Originally Posted by Learning2AB

Kaiilla,

landsbro,

You said you make your own, how so plastic,or some other type of material? Are they difficult to make, and do last for more then one project. Curious in maybe trying making one if not to difficult/expensive

as been said you can use what ever material,paper,overhead projector film,
i have used glassfibre too if you separate it a little and spray through it gives a very cool pattern,,as you notice you can use anything,,it's just to experiment,,
i even use parchment paper,,used it on my lates project made 2 large skulls
on a car hood, made a drawing of a skull on the parchment paper and
used a wood burner to cut it out,,then i hung this upon the hood with help of magnets and sprayed some white over,removed the paper and there i had some keylines to follow,,,cheap and easy,,
/kimmo

[Snuff]

Stencils.......stencils ......we don't need no steeeenking stencils!

No seriously dude they have thier place and time. The biggest thing to remember is that no one cares how you got the painting done.....it's that you got it done.

I can draw, but I use em when the hands just wont work, I have severe carpal tunnel, and when the hands are numb to the shoulder the stencils save the day.
As far as making them anything will do. I have cut the flat parts out of packing material, used the sides of milk bottles, manilla folders,........etc.....etc

[Kaiilla]

I like stencils because it allows newbies like me to get a clean line. I have a post under the "New Work" thread that is called "tell me what you think" I made stencils for 4 different sizes of individual scales (positive and negative) and belly scales. I used drafting mylar. It is translucent so you can see through it to position it on your work and it is impervious to waterbased paints. (I haven't tried solvent yet) and you can cut it or bend it but you can't tear it.

It is real easy to cut with a woodburning tool that can attach a x-acto blade to it. (that way you get a clean line) You can cut it with just about anything (scissors etc.)

The advantage to self made is you decide size and shape, what if you want a different view of the subject? They only sell so many stencils.

[domador]

check the free tutorial I think you can see how i make my stencils,I use pellon for all my templates and cut it with an exacto knife.....so far they do the job nice and smooth

[theairbrushguy]

When you are just starting out a great stencil material is file folders. The manila ones. You can draw something out and then cut it. Easier to get than pellon and cheaper as well. If you make your own, you can be sure that it is unique to your specific needs. The store bought ones are good as they are computer cut and you can get these tiny skull outlines and the neat general patterns. Look at them as a learning tool. thay can give you a base to begin and give you some good fframeworks to practice your skills.

[heartless]

file folders work well, but soda (or beer) cartons are just as good! a little bit thicker than file folders, but just as easy to cut with a pair of scissors, or an exacto blade. just open them up and lay out your drawing on the inside.

[Learning2AB]

Thanks for all the Suggestions, once I get my equipment I look forward to trying out each one of your suggestions.

~ Tim

[Bahamut]

I goto my local fabric store and get vinyl quilting plastic. They are solvent resistant, easy to cut out (unless you get really heavy ones) and a 12 x 24 inch piece is about $.99 They are reusable and very durable. I highly recomend using these if you want a perminent investment.

[xzotic ink]

IM THE ONE WITH THE WORD SUCKER WRITTEN ON MY FOREHEAD WHEN I WALK in a paint store or art supply store,,,ANYTHING THAT SAYS WORKS BEST OR NEW DESIGNS,,,IM BUYING,,,but than later i get home and i say I COULD OF MADE THIS OUT OF REGULAR CONSTRUCTION PAPER,,,WHY DID I BUY THIS..LOL

ALL THESE STENCILS ARE SUPERB,,but YOU CAN SAVE MONEY MAKING YOUR OWN,,,and i still buy alot of cool products ONLY ONES I DONT FEEL LIKE MAKING ALL THOSE CUTS WITH THE EXACTO KNIFE,,LOL,,

THATS A TOUGH CALL,,,