[1] Adding details

I draw a pilot in the front part of the aircraft.

 

The tail of the dragon seemed a bit awkward, so I changed its shape. I select the layer, surround the tail using the [Selection] tool, then click [Edit] menu > [Transform] > [Free Transform] to change its shape. You can add more details at this point.

 

Finally, adjust the overall brightness of the characters by clicking the [Layer] menu > [New Correction Layer] > [Brightness/Contrast].

 

The pilot seemed like he was moving backward, so I added a handle to make him look in control of the craft by holding it.

I draw extra details on a new layer.

 

Using the [Brightness/Contrast] of the [Tonal Correction layer], I increase the contrast and add more details.

 

I add a fire effect to the jet engine of the aircraft. Below is an image of how it looks when zoomed in.

 

I add fire to the jet engine.

To do this I draw the fire on a new layer and apply [Blur] from the [Filter] menu. I set the blending mode to [Glow dodge].

 

I lower the layer opacity to about 30%.

Then I create a duplicate layer and adjust the layer opacity to about 40%.

I adjust the layer opacity once again.

 

[2] Roughly Finished

Below is the roughly finished version.

For the final tuning, I adjust the layer opacity about 2% here and there and repeat this step until I’m satisfied.

Now that I think about it, it has been a while since I have seen a drawing with characters facing away from the audience.

So far, I have created 78 layers and 20 layer folders in total.

The line art layers, shadow layers, and color layers are all mixed up, so instead of merging layers, I create additional layers instead.

 

I adjust the contrast based on the distance of the buildings using [Overlay] or [Dodge] in order to express an aerial perspective.

Personally, I do not change the layer names, but I always remember what each layer contains.