10
BACKGROUND ELEMENTS
Now I fill in the different colours of the background,
making sure to pick colours that don’t blend with or drown
out the main character. Using a different palette helps if
there are elements in the background that I want to stand
out. For example, I want the tank to be visible, and so using
cool colours helps it pop against the warm sand.9
ADDING HIGHLIGHTS
I create a Screen layer above my layers of shading.
Then I select the colour layer, hold down Cmd+Alt (Mac) or
Ctrl+Alt (PC) and click the Cel Shading layer, which has the
effect of deselecting the shadows. With an Airbrush tool on
a low Opacity level and using the colour of each area that
I’m working on, I can now add highlights where necessary.
13
USING COLOUR CORRECTION
I’ll play with the overall palette throughout the
colouring process. By using Hue/Saturation, Color Balance
and Brightness/Contrast I’m able to change tones of
different colours and different shadows. The ability to play
with colours at any stage of the piece is one of the biggest
benefits of working digitally.
11
BACKGROUND SHADING
I create a new Multiply layer above the background
colour layer. I select an Airbrush tool on a low Opacity that’s
also set to Multiply, and add shading to both help add
depth and make the character pop from the background
more. I mask off areas using the Lasso so that they’re ready
for airbrushing, which helps to add even more depth.
12
BACKGROUND COLOUR HOLDS
On the background line art layer, I’ll often use either
the technique from step 6, or I’ll use the Hue/Saturation tool
to change the colour and darkness of the lines. This is one
instance where having the line art on separate layers comes
in handy. I find that making the background lines lighter
than those of the character introduces added depth.14
ADDING PULP TEXTURE
As a finishing touch, I add a subtle paper texture to
the artwork to help knock back the digital vibes. I scan in a
suitably old piece of paper, then copy and paste it on to a
new layer set to Multiply. Then I adjust the Brightness/
Contrast and layer Opacity to achieve the desired level
of texture. And there you have it: a girl and her tank!PRO SECRETS
HAVE FUN!
I know it sounds corny
but having fun while
you work is the most
important thing.
Otherwise the work
suffers and you’re
left with a lifeless,
uninteresting drawing- no matter how well
it’s drawn. I find that
being in a good mood
and having fun is key
to putting living,
breathing life into
your artwork.
PRO SECRETS
GIVE YOUR
EYES A BREAK
Often when I’m
working on a single
piece for multiple
hours in a row,
it’s easy to become
blind to problems
with the drawing.
Before moving
on from one step to
the next, I’ll take a
walk or have a bite
to eat. Coming back
with a fresh pair of
eyes makes all the
difference.SHORTCUTS
Eyedropper
Alt (PC & Mac)
I’m constantly using the
Eyedropper tool to grab
colours from different
parts of the
drawing.In depth | A girl and her tank