QUICK TIP
While sketching, keep everything simple. Once you have a sketch you like, then you
can try to enhance your sketch with a few textures or photos. This will give you a
clearer idea about the final look and amount of detail you’ll include.04
SKETCH, SKETCH AND SKETCH AGAIN
Sketching is a crucial part of image development, so don’t be
afraid to spend time sketching and figuring out all parts of the illustration;
composition, the design of each element and the colour scheme. In this
case, the final image has changed a lot compared to the concept sketch.
There is no need to follow every tiny part of your sketch, it is mainly to give
you ideas about what you want and don’t want from the final image.05
MASTER PAINTING WITH DEFAULT BRUSHES
Photoshop has a lot to offer and lot you can add to it. But try to master default
brushes and functions rather than relying on plug-ins and customised brush sets. After
all, sketching is about your ability to draw. That, unfortunately, can‘t be substituted by
any filter or automated function. Custom functions may increase your abilities once
you know how to draw things by hand, but your sketches are not going to look any
better just because you use texture-based brushes. This first draft sketch was created
using only default Photoshop brushes.06
START WITH SIMPLE SHAPES
This bomb shape started with just a grey circle. Shadows and
highlights were painted on top of it with a default Soft Round brush. This
might seem simple but it’s hard to create complex shapes without the
knowledge of how to paint basic objects. Once you know how to paint
basic geometrical objects it‘s a lot easier. It‘s similar to when animators
are practicing by trying to put life into a ball bouncing. Simple often does
not mean easy!07
MASTER THE DETAILS
Now we will look at using photos to add detail to an image. As you can see on the
image, there is texture and a few added details. In this case we are using a stock photo of a
naval mine. To re-create this effect just put the desired photo on top of your painted object,
then switch the photo layer to Soft Light or Overlay. Then select Filter>Other>High Pass, on
the layer with the photo. The amount of Radius on the High Pass equals the amount of
detail that becomes visible. Use the slider inside the filter to find the desired amount of
detail and apply.3D AND PHOTOSHOP