HOME | DD

Skin coloring tutorial — Description

Actually how I do it now. Since a few years it's evolving again and again.

Step 0 : base colors
Step 1 : Ambiance choice -> applied on a layer in "multiply mode". Opacity following your convenience.
Step 2 : I turn off the ambiance layer and create a new one in "soft light" ( or other option you have, play ! ). There, I applied my main light to see its effects on my base colors.
Step 3 : I turn off or supress the soft light layer and turn on the ambiance layer. Then, I create a new layer to begin the lighting work.

Other steps : I create as many layers as I need to refine light and shadows. I play with brushes opacities, layers opacities ... It depends on the precision, the texture or the realism degree you want to achieve.

In comics art the step 5 isn't as important than in painting : the occlusion color effect can be used to color the line. In a painting, it gives the depth to the different volumes.
The reflected lights are the best to do to make alive your coloring, don't neglect them but don't abuse of them.

Don't hesitate to ask or to comment ! I'm glad to share my process, but it's mine ; I don't consider it achieved and I'm sure there always are room to improve.

Note : Characters are mine ( Chaël and Zeph from my comics Neuriade )