How to make backlit character illustrations

Hello~~\

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to draw different types of backlit character illustrations easily

 

We’ll cover the following topics: What is a backlight? Types of backlights (natural, artificial, object-based), How to color different types of backlights

What is a backlight???

A backlight is a light source that comes from behind your character. A backlit character illustration emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow based on the light’s position behind the subject.

 

In general, backlit illustrations consist of two key elements:

- Rim of light: A thin outline of light around the character. This reflects the background light and gives the character a glowing edge.

- Shadow: The remaining area of the character, which contrasts against the rim

 

IMAGE EXAMPLE:

- 1 is the background light

- 2 is the rim of light

- 3 is the shadow

Depending on the placement of the backlight, the rim area can differ

 

 

Types of backlights

Backlights can be categorized into three main types:

• Natural(e.g.,sunlight,moonlight)

• Artificial(e.g.,neonsigns,lamps)

• Object-based(e.g.,windows,doorways)

Your coloring approach should change depending on the type and intensity of the backlight.

 

 

Coloring natural backlight

Natural light typically comes from the sky and varies based on the time of day and environmental elements (like trees, clouds, etc.).

Day backlight

Day light is soft and ambient.

- The rim of light is often subtle, usually white or pale yellow.

- Shadows are colored using gentle, saturated gradients that blend with your usual palette.

Steps:

- STEP 1: Identify the backlight’s position.\

—>> In our example, the sun is to the left, so the left side of the character will catch the rim light, and the right side will have shadow.

 

- STEP 2: Add a sky-blue gradient to the left side of the character.\

—>>This mimics the blue sky light.

 

- STEP 3: Use a soft light yellow or cloud-tinted color to create a glowing fuzzy rim on the left side.\

—>> Set the blending mode to "Add Glow" and adjust the opacity to your preference.

 

STEP 4 (Optional): Increase saturation and use the Gradient Erase tool to add a soft transition from the light side into shadow.

Afternoon backlight

Afternoon light is warmer and slightly more dramatic.

- Colors lean toward orange and golden yellows.

- The rim is more dramatic and bright while the shadows are more saturated and dark

Steps:

STEP 1: Apply a soft orange gradient to the rim side, facing the light source. This adds warmth and depth.

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STEP 2: Use an orangey-yellow to paint a fuzzy rim light around the character. Use the ‘ADD GLOW’ blending mode and adjust opacity to your preference.

Night backlight

Night backlights tend to have higher contrast, as the light is provided by the moon or stars.\

— Unlike the warm tones of the afternoon, night backlight has cooler tones.\

— The contrast between rim and shadow is strongest due to the limited light source.

Steps:\

STEP 1: Add a blue Multiply layer over your illustration to create the night tone.

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STEP 2: Use a soft light greyish yellow and add a gradient to the side of your image, highlighting key areas (edges, sharp angles).

—>>Set the blend mode to "Add Glow" and tweak the opacity until it looks natural.

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STEP 3: Outline the rim of light using the same yellow.\

—>> For extra color control, try adjusting the Color Balance (especially in the blues).

Artificial lighting

Artificial backlights come from man-made sources such as lamps, streetlights, or neon signs. These types of light tend to be more saturated and color-specific, so the lighting can feel more dramatic and stylized.

 

 

Neon lighting works similarly to night lighting in terms of placement and contrast, but with one key difference: The shadows and rim take on the color of the neon light itself.

 

For example, if your neon light is pink, the shadows will have a pink tint, and the rim will reflect lighter versions of that same hue.

 

Steps:\

— Do the same exact thing that you do for night light, but adjust the colors so that it reflects the colors of your neon light

 

 

Object backlighting

Object-based backlights are light sources that pass through or are partially blocked by physical objects, such as windows, doorways, fences, or light leaks between structures.

 

— These backlights are more complex than natural or artificial ones because the light is filtered, fragmented, or obstructed, creating shadows, shapes, and rim effects on the character.

The key difference with object-based lighting is that the proximity of the character to the object greatly influences how the light appears:

 

You can see in the examples below…

 

If the character is further away (image 1), the object’s shapes become softer and more diffused, blending into the light.\

—>> The rim lighting in this case may resemble that of a soft glow, rather than showing distinct shapes.\

—>> If this is your backlight choice, you can use the same steps as natural light but with your respective colors.

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If the character is right next to the light source, such as standing directly against a window (image 2), the shadows of the object itself (like window frames) will fall sharply onto the character’s face and body.\

—>> In this case, you can use the selection tool to copy the shape of the window and wrap it onto the character as a white or yellow color → then proceed to use the same steps as for natural lighting, except this time the rim would be affected by the shapes that you have wrapped.\

—>> You can see in image 2 that while there is a general rim, there are also some geometric shapes on the rim to reflect the window.

The end~~

That’s all I have for this tutorial, thank you so much for reading~~

 

I used panels from my webtoon Death to Divine Blood ( https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/death-to-divine-blood/list?title_no=1022750 ) as examples for this tip. If you like the artwork, please consider supporting me by reading my webtoon!!! <3 <3 <3