Canvas settings.
To start the illustration, you must consider the size of the canvas you want to work on.
Then, in the right sidebar, go to File > New; a window will appear where you can configure the canvas dimensions.
1. File.
2. New.
Verify that it is in the create illustration section, type the name of the file, and in the (unit) section, it should be set to “px”, which means working in pixels for social media. Define the width and height with a resolution of 350 dpi for printing or (72 dpi for social media) and finish by activating timelapse recording, prioritizing quality.
1. Type of work > illustration.
2. File name.
3. Unit > px.
4. Width, Height, and Resolution.
5. Timelapse Recording > Prioritize quality.
Getting Started.
A default white sheet of paper and a new layer will appear, where you can start working.
1. White sheet of paper.
2. Layer.
Folders.
At the top of the layers, tools appear with which you will add a new folder to insert the layer (the first folder is where all your sketch layers will be).
1. Tools.
2. Folder.
3. Added folder.
4. Inserted layer.
Layers.
You can create several layers to add details to your sketch; for example: add the background on one layer, the icons on the second layer, and the character on the third. If you don't like it, you can merge the layers.
1. New layer.
2. Merge with layer below.
Sketch.
The layers of your sketch are in the first folder. To start painting, I recommend selecting it and lowering the opacity; also, using the eye icon next to the folder, you can hide or show your sketch again.
1. Select the folder.
2. Lower the opacity.
3. Hide or view.
Ruler and Grid.
In a new folder, add the guides you used; you can find them in View, Grid, Ruler.
1. View > Grid.
2. View > Ruler.
3. Add the rulers in a new folder.
Below the sketch folder, create another one and add new layers where you will start applying colors.
1. New folder.
2. Color layers.
Coloring Folders.
Adding many folders can lead to confusion, even if they are renamed. Distinguishing them is easy by adding a color: just select the box next to (Blending Mode) that says “Normal” and, in “Change palette color,” choose your preferred color. You can even add a color that is not among the defaults in “Use other color.”
1. Select the folder.
2. Change palette color.
3. Choose a color from the defaults.
4. Or also (Use other color).
Coloring Layers.
If you select a layer and perform the same procedure, the color will be added to the layer. Keep in mind that when you close the folder, the color will no longer be visible, and using too many colors can make it more confusing.
It is advisable to add the color of what you are painting; for example: if it is a wall, it can be gray; if you are painting water, it can be blue; or some plants can be green, as this will help maintain order.
Colors.
What color to add to your illustration.
It is advisable to use soft colors or those with low color saturation and gradually add small details with more saturated colors. Remember that:
-Light colors = low color saturation.
-Strong colors = high color saturation.
Use the color triangle to choose colors more easily. If the tool is not activated, go to Window and Color Circle. You can also activate the following options: Approximate Color and Intermediate Color, and leave them in a corner of your workspace.
1. Window > Color Circle.
2. Window > Approximate Color.
3. Window > Intermediate Color.
How to activate the color triangle.
If a color square is present instead of the triangle, go to the top left to the three lines and select “HLS color space,” as it appears as “HSV” by default.
1. Select the three lines.
2. HLS color space.
HSV color space: Color square.
HLS color space: Color triangle
Base colors.
1. Base color.
2. Shadows.
3. Highlights.
How to paint leaves.
To paint leaves, first apply the base color with 50% opacity, and duplicate the same brush to apply the same color but at 100% opacity.
Another way to add details to leaves is to apply the base color (50% opacity), then, with the same brush (100% opacity), paint on another layer making small circles and varying the size. Apply a lighter color where the light is coming from (with high opacity) until you have the result you want. Apply different shades of green.
Filters.
Effects.
Before applying a filter, duplicate your illustration folders as many times as necessary.
Then, merge the layers except for the layers where the filter will be added; again, duplicate to have a backup before making any adjustments.
Select the layer to edit, go to Filter, then Instant Effects, and then apply to the selected layer.
1. Filter.
2. Instant Effects.
3. Apply to selected layer.
A new window will open where you can choose the effect (radial blur or motion blur). You can adjust the amount of blur and the angle of the filter. Click OK to apply.
Brightness.
With the lasso, copy and paste the areas you want to brighten. Go to Edit, then Tonal Correction and Hue/Saturation/Luminosity. A new window will open; set Luminosity to -15 and click OK. You can make adjustments that suit your illustration.
1. Edit.
2. Tonal Correction.
3. Hue/Saturation/Luminosity.
1. Luminosity (-15).
2. OK.
With the soft eraser, erase around the edges so that it blends with the layer below.
Noise effect.
1. Filter.
2. Effect.
3. Vintage film.
4. Preset (None) > Effect (None).
5. Noise intensity (7.00).
Remember to always duplicate layers before applying a filter. If the effect is not applied to the layers, it is because they are not merged; or, if it is applied to the entire illustration, you can go to the original, duplicate it again, and restart the adjustments. Try to keep everything in separate layers as backups.
Result.
And that's it!
1. Original
2. With filter
Downloadable brushes.
Main brush.
Final detail brush.
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