14
FINAL TOUCHES
Now I save a layered file, and then save a flattened
file. Having a layered file enables me to go back to make
bigger edits, but if I think the image is pretty much good
to go, then now I can flatten and edit the piece as a whole,
playing with Color Balance. This makes the piece more
cohesive and ready for print.
10
MAKE SELECTIONS
This is where the red ink comes in handy. I can select
those areas using Select > Color Range – the stylus turns
into an eyedropper, which makes selecting colour ranges
easy. I save selections for later use using Select > Save
Selection and name them to cut down on confusion later.
11
FLATTING AND LAYER ORDER
Now you can start filling in flat colours and playing with how your shapes lie
on top of each other. In the comics industry this is know as flatting. I usually use cyan,
magenta and yellow – they are bright and distinct enough that you can easily select
them with the Magic Wand. Layer order also enables you to play with how your layers
affect each other, depending on the blending mode you use and what’s below it.12
FINDING YOUR PALETTE
I like to have a set palette that reflects the mood of
the piece, and sometimes I like to just find it. I start to shift
Saturation, Lightness and Color using Ctrl+U. Colour is
relative – your perception of a colour will change depending
on its surroundings. So a lot of the action here is shift, react,
shift, repeat. If you feel stuck, search the net for palettes.
13
FINE-TUNE YOUR LIGHTING
Thankfully, with all the work I’ve done in the
traditional stage, my values and lighting are set. But now,
it’s time to make them sing. I pop them out with Color and
Layer options. I want the muzzle flare to be softer, so I select
it and go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and adjust. To give
it some texture, I go to Filter > Pixelate > Color Halftone.ARTIST INSIGHT
EXPERIMENT AND
ENJOY YOURSELF
My tools change
often. This keeps
my process exciting.
Don’t be afraid
to pick up new and
unfamiliar supplies
and test out their
boundaries. Have fun
making your images- it will come through
your piece. Keep a
sketchbook handy as
well, and go crazy.
In depth | Inking and colouring