Crystal Kung Tutorial 1.3
How to
DRAW A RETROSTYLE FEMALE CHARACTER Effective Sketching, Coloring and Lighting by Crystal Kung
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
© 2015 Wacom
02
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
Crystal Kung’s Artwork
© 2015 Wacom
03
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
“What made me who I am today isn’t about being talented but about my ‘Never Give Up’ attitude.” - Crystal Kung
© 2015 Wacom
04
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
Table of Contents
© 2015 Wacom
01
SKETCHING
02
ADDING COLOR
04
LIGHTING
05
ADDING THE FRAME
00
Tutorial INTRODUCTION
03
ADDING SHADOW
06
About the ARTIST
05
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER Contents
CREATE MORE ZEITGEIST This eBook is your step-by-step guide Crystal Kung’s passion lies in painting and drawing. In this tutorial, the young Taipei-based artist shows you what it takes to create an illustration of a Shanghai woman from the 1920s. Crystal places an emphasis on light and shadow in her work: learn how to find the right shading. Use this eBook to enhance your workflow as an artist and also as a valuable guide to creating intriguing illustrations full of zeitgeist. Get inspired!
All digital work shown in this eBook was carried out with the Wacom pen tablet Intuos Pro, using Adobe© Photoshop. Visit the Wacom website to find out how to enhance your workflow and efficiency as an artist using modern digital technology: Our pens and tablets open up new possibilities for speed and precision and give you more freedom to experiment.
Crystal Kung Illustrator
cargocollective.com/crystalkung
© 2015 Wacom
06
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
© 2015 Wacom
07
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Sketch 1. For this picture, I want to draw a Shanghai woman from the 1920s wearing a traditional Qipao dress while fixing her hair in the mirror. After some research, I chose to give her short, curly hair. There will be orchids in the room, and I am also going to place cosmetics contained in round, tin containers commonly used around that time, along with some hair clips on the dressing table.
2. After completing the rough sketch, I have a habit of adding another round layer on top to fill in more details. The first draft is to capture the general shapes and positions, determine the picture’s overall layout and define the character’s movements.
3. However, due to the roughness of this draft, its lines are messy and could affect coloring. Thus, I am sketching a second draft that confirms the lines and details of the first draft, such as the location of the fingers and the items on the table. The second draft defines a clearer foundation for applying color.
© 2015 Wacom
08
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to start drawing
© 2015 Wacom
09
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Color 1. Once the sketch is complete, I start coloring. I’m used to setting the sketch as the top layer and reducing the transparency to clearly see where the colors should go. I use the basic brush first to fill in the colors; it doesn’t matter if I accidentally colored outside the lines since I’ll remove the contours from the sketch once the colors are confirmed.
2. After applying the colors, I use a textured brush to add strokes and other colors. I like using darker colors for cheeks and nose to make people seem healthier and livelier.
3. After coloring all the details, I use a dark color to outline the shapes. I just basically trace the sketch, but I try to keep the lines real thin.
4. Finally, I remove any coloring outside the lines with the eraser to show a clean outline. Part of the coloring is now complete. I usually color the skin first, but I use the same method for coloring other elements.
© 2015 Wacom
10
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add color
© 2015 Wacom
11
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Shadows 1. As a next step, I like to add shadows to the people. I feel this makes them look more three-dimensional, and it also brings out the light. The method I’m used to is to select the areas that need shadows and add a new layer on top – a layer dedicated to applying shadows.
Note that the entire area must be black. Be sure to cover up the small gaps too, and then decrease the shadow layer’s transparency. I usually adjust the transparency as needed.
2. Then I use the paint bucket to cover the selected area in black.
3. When the character’s back is facing the light source, I’ll make the shadows darker and rub out the bright areas to distinguish between the different regions. If the character is in a bright area, then I might make the shadows lighter or even unnoticeable.
4. The character in this drawing is standing in a room with the window behind her, which means it is backlit. Thus, I am going to keep more shadows and use the eraser to rub out the reflective surfaces to create the illusion of a backlit figure by revealing the light areas around her.
© 2015 Wacom
12
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add shadows
© 2015 Wacom
13
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Lighting 1. This drawing is almost finished, but it’s still missing something. I’d like to enhance the light shining through the window and create a hazy effect for a room that is illuminated by the morning sun. My approach is to use Photoshop’s built-in brush for blurring the edges.
2. After selecting the white color, I pick a very large brush size and dot the picture directly. After checking the position and area, I lower the opacity of the light layer. I usually adjust the opacity depending on the situation and intensity of the light.
3. Now the picture is pretty much complete. However, I like to adjust the colors one last time to make the color tones warmer. I am going to add a new top layer and set it as the “overlay”.
4. With the Gradient tool, I will increase the orange and black gradients and reduce the opacity of the layer. This approach usually gives the entire drawing a warmer yellow tone, making it more unified.
© 2015 Wacom
14
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add lighting effects
© 2015 Wacom
15
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Adding the Circle 1. The drawing is done, but I’ve got an idea of placing the entire drawing inside a circular border, just like the paintings on round tin boxes that were popular in Shanghai back then. I’ll group all the layers together and then add a new layer on top of the group.
2. I then add a circular shape to the new layer, decrease its transparency, and center it over the drawing, enveloping the parts of the drawing I want to see inside the circular shape.
3. The next step is to hide the portions of the drawing located outside of the circular shape. I will add a mask layer, select the circular shape, and then reverse the selection to make sure I don’t paint over the area within the circular shape.
4. Finally, I am going to use a brush or paint bucket and fill in the selected portion of the mask layer with black color. This hides everything outside of the circular shape, leaving only the drawing within the circular border.
© 2015 Wacom
16
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add the circle
© 2015 Wacom
17
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
© 2015 Wacom
18
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER Contents
ABOUT THE ARTIST Born in China in 1994, Crystal Kung was and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. The young artist is currently studying 3D animation in Taipei, but her passion lies in painting and drawing, which is what she truly excels in. In her spare time Crystal works as a freelance illustrator and cartoon artist, and most of her images feature people she has met on the street or depict stories she has invented. Crystal was rightfully nominated for several design awards and has been featured in Frrresh Visual Arts Magazine among others. At the age of 16 the artist got her first Wacom tablet and immediately started creating digital arts with Photoshop, which she mostly taught herself. Unlike
© 2015 Wacom
most illustrators in Taiwan, her characters and curves lean more towards the “western style” rather than Manga. Her amazing amalgamation of styles and limitless creative ideas will captivate you.
To find out more about her work vist: cargocollective.com/crystalkung facebook.com/crystalkungdrawing
19
LEARN MORE ©2015 Wacom Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Wacom and the respective logo are registered trademarks of Wacom Co., Ltd. All other company names and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Please be aware that we have put a lot of work and effort into designing and developing this e-Book. Please note that Wacom retains all copyrights relating to this e-book and its content. While you are free to use all that you have learnt from this e-book, you are prohibited from redistributing or selling the e-book or its content, posting it on a website for download or sharing it on social networks. © Adobe, the Adobe logo, Creative Cloud and the Creative Cloud logo are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
You can find more information at www.wacom.com
DRAW A RETROSTYLE FEMALE CHARACTER Effective Sketching, Coloring and Lighting by Crystal Kung
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
© 2015 Wacom
02
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
Crystal Kung’s Artwork
© 2015 Wacom
03
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
“What made me who I am today isn’t about being talented but about my ‘Never Give Up’ attitude.” - Crystal Kung
© 2015 Wacom
04
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER
Table of Contents
© 2015 Wacom
01
SKETCHING
02
ADDING COLOR
04
LIGHTING
05
ADDING THE FRAME
00
Tutorial INTRODUCTION
03
ADDING SHADOW
06
About the ARTIST
05
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER Contents
CREATE MORE ZEITGEIST This eBook is your step-by-step guide Crystal Kung’s passion lies in painting and drawing. In this tutorial, the young Taipei-based artist shows you what it takes to create an illustration of a Shanghai woman from the 1920s. Crystal places an emphasis on light and shadow in her work: learn how to find the right shading. Use this eBook to enhance your workflow as an artist and also as a valuable guide to creating intriguing illustrations full of zeitgeist. Get inspired!
All digital work shown in this eBook was carried out with the Wacom pen tablet Intuos Pro, using Adobe© Photoshop. Visit the Wacom website to find out how to enhance your workflow and efficiency as an artist using modern digital technology: Our pens and tablets open up new possibilities for speed and precision and give you more freedom to experiment.
Crystal Kung Illustrator
cargocollective.com/crystalkung
© 2015 Wacom
06
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
© 2015 Wacom
07
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Sketch 1. For this picture, I want to draw a Shanghai woman from the 1920s wearing a traditional Qipao dress while fixing her hair in the mirror. After some research, I chose to give her short, curly hair. There will be orchids in the room, and I am also going to place cosmetics contained in round, tin containers commonly used around that time, along with some hair clips on the dressing table.
2. After completing the rough sketch, I have a habit of adding another round layer on top to fill in more details. The first draft is to capture the general shapes and positions, determine the picture’s overall layout and define the character’s movements.
3. However, due to the roughness of this draft, its lines are messy and could affect coloring. Thus, I am sketching a second draft that confirms the lines and details of the first draft, such as the location of the fingers and the items on the table. The second draft defines a clearer foundation for applying color.
© 2015 Wacom
08
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to start drawing
© 2015 Wacom
09
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Color 1. Once the sketch is complete, I start coloring. I’m used to setting the sketch as the top layer and reducing the transparency to clearly see where the colors should go. I use the basic brush first to fill in the colors; it doesn’t matter if I accidentally colored outside the lines since I’ll remove the contours from the sketch once the colors are confirmed.
2. After applying the colors, I use a textured brush to add strokes and other colors. I like using darker colors for cheeks and nose to make people seem healthier and livelier.
3. After coloring all the details, I use a dark color to outline the shapes. I just basically trace the sketch, but I try to keep the lines real thin.
4. Finally, I remove any coloring outside the lines with the eraser to show a clean outline. Part of the coloring is now complete. I usually color the skin first, but I use the same method for coloring other elements.
© 2015 Wacom
10
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add color
© 2015 Wacom
11
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Shadows 1. As a next step, I like to add shadows to the people. I feel this makes them look more three-dimensional, and it also brings out the light. The method I’m used to is to select the areas that need shadows and add a new layer on top – a layer dedicated to applying shadows.
Note that the entire area must be black. Be sure to cover up the small gaps too, and then decrease the shadow layer’s transparency. I usually adjust the transparency as needed.
2. Then I use the paint bucket to cover the selected area in black.
3. When the character’s back is facing the light source, I’ll make the shadows darker and rub out the bright areas to distinguish between the different regions. If the character is in a bright area, then I might make the shadows lighter or even unnoticeable.
4. The character in this drawing is standing in a room with the window behind her, which means it is backlit. Thus, I am going to keep more shadows and use the eraser to rub out the reflective surfaces to create the illusion of a backlit figure by revealing the light areas around her.
© 2015 Wacom
12
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add shadows
© 2015 Wacom
13
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Lighting 1. This drawing is almost finished, but it’s still missing something. I’d like to enhance the light shining through the window and create a hazy effect for a room that is illuminated by the morning sun. My approach is to use Photoshop’s built-in brush for blurring the edges.
2. After selecting the white color, I pick a very large brush size and dot the picture directly. After checking the position and area, I lower the opacity of the light layer. I usually adjust the opacity depending on the situation and intensity of the light.
3. Now the picture is pretty much complete. However, I like to adjust the colors one last time to make the color tones warmer. I am going to add a new top layer and set it as the “overlay”.
4. With the Gradient tool, I will increase the orange and black gradients and reduce the opacity of the layer. This approach usually gives the entire drawing a warmer yellow tone, making it more unified.
© 2015 Wacom
14
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add lighting effects
© 2015 Wacom
15
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Adding the Circle 1. The drawing is done, but I’ve got an idea of placing the entire drawing inside a circular border, just like the paintings on round tin boxes that were popular in Shanghai back then. I’ll group all the layers together and then add a new layer on top of the group.
2. I then add a circular shape to the new layer, decrease its transparency, and center it over the drawing, enveloping the parts of the drawing I want to see inside the circular shape.
3. The next step is to hide the portions of the drawing located outside of the circular shape. I will add a mask layer, select the circular shape, and then reverse the selection to make sure I don’t paint over the area within the circular shape.
4. Finally, I am going to use a brush or paint bucket and fill in the selected portion of the mask layer with black color. This hides everything outside of the circular shape, leaving only the drawing within the circular border.
© 2015 Wacom
16
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
Watch how to add the circle
© 2015 Wacom
17
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER EFFECTIVE SKETCHING, COLORING AND LIGHTING Contents
© 2015 Wacom
18
DRAW A RETRO-STYLE FEMALE CHARACTER Contents
ABOUT THE ARTIST Born in China in 1994, Crystal Kung was and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. The young artist is currently studying 3D animation in Taipei, but her passion lies in painting and drawing, which is what she truly excels in. In her spare time Crystal works as a freelance illustrator and cartoon artist, and most of her images feature people she has met on the street or depict stories she has invented. Crystal was rightfully nominated for several design awards and has been featured in Frrresh Visual Arts Magazine among others. At the age of 16 the artist got her first Wacom tablet and immediately started creating digital arts with Photoshop, which she mostly taught herself. Unlike
© 2015 Wacom
most illustrators in Taiwan, her characters and curves lean more towards the “western style” rather than Manga. Her amazing amalgamation of styles and limitless creative ideas will captivate you.
To find out more about her work vist: cargocollective.com/crystalkung facebook.com/crystalkungdrawing
19
LEARN MORE ©2015 Wacom Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Wacom and the respective logo are registered trademarks of Wacom Co., Ltd. All other company names and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Please be aware that we have put a lot of work and effort into designing and developing this e-Book. Please note that Wacom retains all copyrights relating to this e-book and its content. While you are free to use all that you have learnt from this e-book, you are prohibited from redistributing or selling the e-book or its content, posting it on a website for download or sharing it on social networks. © Adobe, the Adobe logo, Creative Cloud and the Creative Cloud logo are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
You can find more information at www.wacom.com
