Old CG Demo (Photoshop 5)
(See bottom for example images)
Please note this is an older tutorial from back when I was still learning to CG (using Photoshop version #5!) and to shade properly.
I have left it available on the site in case it is of any use to anyone, but I suggest looking at my newer tutorials.
Step #1 - Prepare the picture for colorFirst I start with a sketch (like in the Mushroom example) which I then ink. I make sure my ink is in a separate layer which is JUST ink (no white background).
If you have scanned the picture and need to get your ink in a layer by itself: Make sure your brightness/contrast is adjusted on the picture so you have a bright white background and solid black lines. Next promote the picture to a new layer, then go to the channels menu and use the channel selection option at the bottom. Press the "Delete" key, deselect the selection and turn on preserve transparency. The use a black brush on the entire layer. You should now have a layer with just the ink on it transparent to whatever background you have. You probably want to make a new layer behind it fill it white so you can see what you're doing.
Step #2 - Adding base color I then start adding the color BEHIND my inked layer. I use only one section per layer, for example on the goblin I color his skin solid green.
Step #3 - ShadingOn a color layer I turn on preserve transparency and use the airbrush/eraser with lighter and darker colors to add shading. I repeat this for all color layers.
Step #4 - BackgroundWith the goblin I merged the color and ink layers together, change the background color to black. With the mushroom layer I used a Kai's Power Tools filter to create a background sunset look and then added the black borders.
Step #5 - EffectsWith the goblin I use the "glow" effects on the layer to add a blue glow. In the case of the mushrooms I used a Render > Lighting Effects filter to get more lighting, then in another layer I set a soft glow effect and using just a white airbrush I added the "fireflies" look to it.
 
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