A TOOTHBRUSH will change your ART FOREVER

Summary

The video demonstrates how a regular toothbrush can create quick, textured splatter effects for drawings, including starry skies, snow or blizzards, sand, and blood. Its unpredictable marks can add atmosphere and contrast with carefully controlled linework.

Technique and materials

• Choose a splatter color. The artist uses mascara for black and concealer for white.
• For white splatter, mix a small amount of concealer with just enough water to help it move off the bristles. Too much water makes it faint.
• Use waterproof materials, especially when layering white over black, so the colors don’t run together.
• Dip the toothbrush into the mixture, then flick or bend its bristles to spray the drawing. A cap or glove can help; using your fingers works too, but gets messy.
• Experiment with the angle and pressure to change the spray pattern.
• Protect the work area and nearby drawings. Avoid wearing clothes you care about, as the splatter can travel unpredictably.

Creating varied splatter

A convincing effect needs a hierarchy of marks: a mix of tiny dots and larger splashes. If every mark is alike, the image can look flat.

• Use the brush as its ink runs low: the first flicks tend to make bigger marks, followed by smaller ones.
• Alternatively, use a separate brush to apply a chosen amount of liquid to the toothbrush, adjusting how much and where it goes.
• Test the effect on scrap paper before applying it to the artwork.

Fixing mistakes and improving the image

• If a blot is too large, gently dab its center with a small piece of paper towel. Don’t wipe or smear it.
• Once it dries, disguise unwanted marks with pointillism: add small dots until the area blends into the surrounding texture. A solid patch of white or black may stand out.
• Set the chaotic splatter beside clean, controlled drawing. The contrast between precision and randomness can make both areas more effective.

The artist presents the toothbrush’s lack of complete control as an advantage: accepting some randomness can help loosen up a drawing and create expressive effects.

Creators and artists mentioned

• Takehiko Inoue, creator of Vagabond
• Kentaro Miura, creator of Berserk
• Makoto Yukimura, creator of Vinland Saga
• Bill Sienkiewicz (rendered as “Bill Sinkevich” in the subtitles), noted for his Moon Knight artwork
• Gege Akutami, creator of Jujutsu Kaisen (called “Magic Battle” in the subtitles)
• Kei Urana, creator of Gachiakuta
• Tatsuki Fujimoto, creator of Chainsaw Man
• Manga Kai, the channel presenting the guide