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progress shots+trial tutorial

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final artwork: [[link]]

Note that this also serves as my "remember-what-you-did-while-doing-this-art" sorta thing for me to remember what on earth I did while doing these. But for the most part, I would just like to share my own concepts in doing my art. This is just one of the many ways to get the job done. Another note before I start the blabbering :XD:, most of the concepts involved are for intermediate to advanced Photoshop and Illustrator users so you could prolly just ask through the comment if you didn't get the idea... ehehehe. :XD: Let's roll! :D

(1) I use my tablet to start with a rough draft directly in Photoshop at a low resolution (72dpi) using a large hard brush (around 40-65px) set to shape dynamics (pressure on). The key here is "putting the idea down". Since I'm used to "paint" more rather than draw in Photoshop, my initial sketches are done using blocking down shapes rather than doing solid lines. I usually "sculpt" the shapes out instead of drawing them directly by constantly using the eraser tool. For instance, when I draw eyes, I usually start off with a blob then etch away the actual form of the eyes. (I'd prolly do a separate tutorial for this one to make things clearer.) I do this until I'm satisfied with the forms that emerge.

(2) I then drop the rough draft's opacity down and make a new layer on top of it. This time using a hard brush with 30-10px in diameter, I start lining in prominent lines plus add additional details to create a more solid line-art. At this point, a bit of precision is required to create some tighter line-work. I also, usually flip the canvas horizontally to check for anatomical anomalies that might disrupt the overall artwork. I also do some lines while they're currently flipped. The goal is that, it should still look right even when it's flipped.

(3) At this stage, I've already imported the image to Illustrator. I lower the opacity of the imported image (raster) file and lock it into place (ctrl+2). I do line-work using the brush tool. More specifically, I use the "6D Wacom Brushes "(which is a preset brush set) because it's thick n' thin lines are awesome. XD The benefit of making tighter lines in step two makes this step a breeze. And since I'm using a vector based program, making corrections are easier this time around. Just go over the best lines and ink away! :D

(4) Back to Photoshop, after importing back the vector file from Illustrator, I set the line art layer to multiply and I lay down some basic flats underneath the line art layer for coloring. I use a combination of the magic wand, lasso tools and pen tool to make a selection for the main subject. After doing that, I create a layer mask out of that selection for each color for me to be able to "color within the lines". From this point on, layer masks will always be my friend. hahaha. I always use a new layer per new color because not only is this helpful when it comes to adjusting colors, it's also valuable for organizing the color contents of my artwork plus I love organizing things. I'm OC. lolz.

(5) Here I put down the shades. For me to be able to color in accurately for the shades, I usually use the HSB color scheme in the color picker. HSB stands for hue, saturation and brightness. By lowering the "brightness" percentage at around 20% of its current value, I get an accurate darker version of the base color. But that does not end there. I also play around its saturation to intensify a color or make it duller by lowering its percentage value. I also use hue to either go for a cooler or warmer color depending on my color needs. Color temperature is also my friend XD. My most favorite part about shading is when I do the hair. I just love rendering hair in general. Specially those messy looking once. It's an added challenge and it looks good when done right. I also always "inject" some oranges and reds and some slight purples when I color skin to make it pop out. When coloring women's skin, I pretend that I'm some kind of a make-up artist. yeah. I do that. I need to draw manly stuff again. >_< I even put in some mascara when coloring eyes! oh ghad. I seriously need some professional help. :rofl: Before I forget, I shaded these using a hard brush for areas that will be directly affected by light and an airbrush for diffused shadows.

(6) Highlights are next. When doing highlights, I usually go for a much more lighter and a more saturated version of the base color (influenced by watching anime and all those shiny hair thingies that looks too shiny it burns my eyes. XD) I love doing highlights because this stage gives life to the characters that I'm portraying. Specially the all important eye glints. They're like the soul of the character or sumthin'. XD

(7) Finally, I play around with "color balance” to get the right "feel" add some texture set to my desired layer blending mode (most used and abused: multiply, overlay, soft light or hard light), create a vignette using the gradient tool (because I heart lomography) to further enhance focus and I put some typography in to complete the design. :D

final notes:
I'm really really sorry if my explanations are pretty rough. I'll be making a better one soon when I have time to make some cool tutorial. :D I hope this has been helpful in some way guys and gals! :D Just ask away to clarify things. :D
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Marie-Jackson-art's avatar

They look really good!