Category Archives: Photoshop Tips
Select / Modify / Expand – re imagining IAM
When coloring in Photoshop, it is great to use some shortcuts. Laying in color using the paint bucket can do that. Once you are ready use the magic want then the combination of Select / Modify / Expand to enlarge the color area so that you don’t get the pixels that cause a white line between the color and black out line. That way you get a smooth transition and a much better look! Look for the character of IAM in Code of Edoc!
Using “lock image pixels” in coloring webcomics.
When keeping the black outline of the comic pure, put it on it’s own layer and lock the pixels so it can’t be altered. This video uses the character Samyaza from Code of Edoc to demonstrate the simple and important Photoshop element.
Expand your photo-cartoon in Photoshop.
Make every photo-cartoon a painting to fit the mood of the message.
A photo-cartoon is static in itself. Without some filters, some camera trickery, the image is simple and direct – which might be what you want. Let’s get real, the overuse of some Photoshop filters and gradients is making a bad name for webcomics. So why not spread out and do something unexpected. You can create a specific style by experimenting with mixing and matching filters or change subtly from panel to panel and take your audience for a ride.
Filters like ARTISTIC give you options like cutout / film grain / neon glow / palette knife / poster edge and sponge, SKETCH gives you charcoal / conte crayon / halftone pattern and torn edge, the STYLIZE option provides emboss / glowing edge and solarize. You can explore so much more in BLUR / BRUSH STROKES / NOISE…………it goes on and on!
I use filters for Wildflower Patti for every panel and I am amazed how I can manipulate my pictures to match the moods I can’t get with just my camera.
Example 1 – filter: under Brush Strokes I used Accented Edges.
Example 2 – filter: under Artistic I used Dry Brush.
Example 3 – filter: under Artistic I used Poster Edges.
Example 4 – filter: under Artistic I used Sponge.
Now what you really need to do is to not only apply filters, but also manipulate the sliders of each filter to refine your style and if you save between filters, you can apply filters on top of filters. On my parting shot – write down what what filters and settings you used and in what order – in case you have to reproduce it in the future!
Don’t be afraid of experimenting! It’s your photo-comic, make it really your own!
Color in Photoshop Part 1 – BLASTER!
Blaster is a re-imagined character for Code of Edoc! He is a super deformed character three heads high and being introduced in the 2nd Juncture of the story line where we go inside Sophia’s brain. This video is a quick look at the coloring process – specifically the importance to use three colors as a minimum and adding a texture to draw in some interest. This is part one of five – more characters and techniques to come!
Manga Studio to Photoshop
Nicholas Freeman talks about his process in penciling, using Manga Studio and then finishing in Photoshop!
