Airbrush Stencils:
An Approved Method of Cheating!

I'm kidding!!! Using airbrush stencils isn't cheating ... they are simply a tool to help you paint faster and cleaner.

There are basically three types of airbrush stencils:

1. Design Elements,
2. Design Aids, and
3. Edge Aids.

(note those are not technical terms - just my way of categorizing them)

Design elements are stencils that, when used properly, actually end up looking like something you recognize. For example an stencil of a skull would be a "design element".

A design aid would be any type of stencil that doesn't produce a recognizable result on it's own but is used instead to add to an overall design. As an example a stencil that adds texture or dimension to artwork would be a "design aid"... specific examples would be wavy lines, membrane textures or a brick design.

An edge aid is any airbrush stencil that's sole purpose is to help make different shaped edges. French curves are the most recognizable type of edge aid.

The Key to Using Stencils

While using stencils can really speed up your production and can aid those of us who are not terribly creative or artistic in the traditional sense (that is we can't draw) there is a risk associated with using them...

... your artwork can end up looking like you used a stencil!

Stenciled airbrush art that screams "I used a stencil !" can impress your friends and family, but overall has a bit of a cheap, amateur look about it.

The key is to use the stencil as a guide to help guide your artwork - not drive it.

How do you do you use stencils as a guide ?

For design aid type stencils (i.e. skulls, hearts, etc) place the stencil and then just lightly mist over the stencil with your airbrush... the lighter the better. When you remove the stencil you will have an EXCELLENT starting point to build your design upon...

All the while, edge aids (i.e. french curves etc) can be used to keep your paint where you want it and the design elements (i.e. textures etc) to add some interest and depth.

One of the greatest things about these stencils is that if you get "lost" in your design (say you lose the eyes or teeth in your skull) you can always reapply the main design aid stencil and get that definition back.