I recommend checking out the video version for better understanding!

Simple Flame

To draw a simple flame, start with the flame shape. I choose to stylize the usual rounder bottom pointy top fire.

Duplicate the first layer, put it below the first layer. Hide the first layer.

Then choose a darker color. Still on the duplicate layer, go to Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur.

This is to create a glow effect.

Select the original flame layer, then use Gaussian blur again.

This time choose lower numbers for “Strength”.

Create a new layer between existing layers, pick the darker color. Then, using Soft Airbrush, paint the glow.

Back to the first layer, draw some holes inside the flame with Soft Eraser.

Select the duplicate layer, duplicate. This will make the flame seem to glow brighter.

Fire Effect (Magic)

Next, fire effect. Draw the effect overall shape. It’s OK if it’s not smooth.

Choose Blend tool, Finger tip. Then, smudge away. The blur makes it looks like it’s in motion.

Create a new layer above the first layer to paint a lighter color in.

Use Finger tip tool again to smudge.

Go back to the first layer. In Layer Property, turn on Border Effect. Change the color to red. Then change the Thickness of the edge to 1 pixel.

Still on the first layer, draw particles for extra details.

 

Create a new layer below the first layer. Pick the darkest red of the flame. Use Soft Airbrush to paint the glow.

Fire Effect (Background)

Another effect, but this time less attention grabbing. The kind of effect that exist in the background.

After drawing the flames, create a new layer above the flame layer. Clip the new layer to the flame layer.

 

Pick a lighter color and create gradation with Soft Airbrush.

Flame Butterfly

Turn objects into flames in a few simple steps!

After done drawing, lock the transparent pixel. Pick a lighter color. Use Gradient tool, Foreground to Transparent.

Go to Layer Property, turn of Border Effect. Like before, choose red and change the thickness to 1 pixel.

Duplicate the layer, move the duplicate below the original. On duplicate layer, unlock the transparent pixel. Go to Tool Property to turn off the Border Effect.

 

Then, Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.

Lock transparent pixel, select the whole thing and fill it with dark red.

 

Duplicate the duplicate layer twice to make the glow stronger (now there are 3 duplicate layers in total). Select all duplicates and merge them together.

Gaussian blur one more time to soften the glow.

Create a new layer on the very top. This is for the fiery details!

Make custom Flame Brush

Let’s make a flame brush! First, draw a rectangle on an empty layer.

Use Hard eraser to shave and add details with Pen tool. I don’t use Finger tip tool for this because I want the brush to look crisp.

After done, select the bottom half of the rectangle with a Rectangle Selection tool. Then cut and paste.

 

Press K (Move layer tool) and press Up until the bottom half is overlapping with the top half. Select the top half layer, press K again and press Down until the top half is under the previously bottom half. This is to ensure the brush connects seamlessly.

Merge the layers and connect the gap.

Turn the whole thing into black if you did it in color like me.

Go to Layer Property, change the Expression color to Gray. If not Gray, the color of the brush could not be changed.

Click Edit > Register Material > Image. Click “Use for brush tip shape” Name, choose the location and tag, click OK.

Duplicate any brush and name it, go to its settings. Change the brush tip to the one we made.

Go to Stroke. Make sure the Ribbon option is checked.

Since the brush doesn’t connect, go to Brush tip section again and change the Angle to 0.

Now it’s ready for use!

Fire Ball

Utilize the things that we have covered in previous sections to draw a flaming fireball!

Fireworks

Make sure your canvas background is dark enough. Pick a color. Preferably a desaturated one. Go to airbrush tool, pick "Spray".

 

This is the settings that I used.

Draw a circle, make sure that the dots are distributed evenly.

Duplicate the layer, then hide the original. Go to Filter > Blur > Radial Blur.

Move the red X to almost the top of the circle.

This is my final settings.

The Strength is totally up to you, but the Direction should be Inward. Click OK.

Duplicate the blurred layer.

Change the duplicate’s Blending Mode to Add (Glow).

Still on the duplicate, go to Filter > Blur again. But this time we use Gaussian Blur.

Lastly, unhide the first layer.