The purpose of this tutorial is to show how to CG a portrait using an art tablet and PhotoShop. For ALL steps below I usually zoom in and out a lot to get the details right - keep this in mind while drawing.

Step #1: Line Drawing
First it is important to create an accurate line drawing of the subject. A line drawing shows the details AND shading areas - it's NOT just an general outline. If you don't get things in the right places to start with it won't look like the person you want it to. In this case I am drawing a portrait from a photograph - two great tools to help with this are a ruler and a grid. PhotoShop has a built in grid which you can turn on and off. Then it's easy to focus on drawing the shapes in each square of the grid. For anyone interested in learning the basic techniques of portraits and line drawing/grid techniques I highly recommend books by Lee Hammond.

Step #2: Add Basic Tones
Next I use the airbrush to add in the basic tones in black and white. It's a LOT easier if you get the picture right in black and white and then add color. I add the tones on the same layer as the line drawing (this is important for smudging in Step #3). You'll notice that I don't worry about the hair or clothing at this point - first I work on getting the face right.

Step #3: Smudge & Detail
Now onto the good part! Using the smudge tool I blend the tons on the face. Usually I keep the smudge tool set between 50% and 70% and use a bunch of different size brushes. It's important to smudge in the black lines from the line drawing! You don't want your portrait to look outlined. I also use the airbrush and eraser to adjust tones and add details (such as the eyes).

Step #4: Hair
Now it's time to do the hair. In my example I'm drawing Justin from the band *N'SYNC, he is a great example because he has really wavy/curly hair. To begin with I just use the airbrush to draw in the basic waves and curls of the hair. Since I made the hair dark when adding the basic tones I'm using a light color with the airbrush. I also use a dark color where the hair comes down over the face. Next I use the smudge tool and just soften the hair and smooth the curls. Lastly I use the Dodge/Burn tools to add in highlights and darken some areas. Ta-da: the hair is done! (please note that the example for the hair it shows the hair at all three Steps).

Step #5: Last Details & Corrections
I repeat the same tones/smudging etc. for the clothing. Now I look at the picture on a whole. At this point there are usually a few minor corrections to make. These usually involve small adjustments to the eyes, nose and mouth, though it will probably vary depending on the artist. Now the picture is done in black and white!

Adding Color
Now it's time to add color (if you want to). This is easier then it looks! I start by adding a layer ABOVE my black and white portrait. I set the new layer for "Color" and then just airbrush the color for the face on. Then I make another layer above that one and add the color for the hair. I continue to do this for the cloths, eyes, mouth etc. Now the picture is colored.

Finishing touches
I add my signature and Justin's name. It's done!