I get a few requests for help on how to use Photoshop and the various tools and options, most recently the pen tool and how to draw "boob lines" as my friend decided to call them.
Well I took a few pictures as I drew some lines to explain the process and I thought why not make a blog as a little guide for others to follow!
(plus it'll be easier for me to just link to this blog post if anyone else asks) :p
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3493/pentoolfewstepsexample1.jpg
This picture is making the assumption you've already got a design and simply want to add some depth/shadowing but it's still a good example of the pen tool at work, you can use it to draw absolutely anything.
So, you simply select the ink pen looking icon and start clicking away on your picture, think of it like connecting the dots but you have an idea of where the dots are in your mind.
As you finish drawing and reach where you started, the first dot, as you click on that first dot again it will join up the design and make it whole, ready for the next step.
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8092/pentoolfewstepsexample2.jpg
As you can see we have the joined up connect the dots line we made, now we just need to fill it in.
Pop open the color picker, in other words just click on the upper of the two squares at the bottom of the tools bar and pick a colour. As you can see for the example I chose a slightly darker shade of the dress color.
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1266/pentoolfewstepsexample3.jpg
Now at this point we want to make a new layer to draw on, you don't have to do this but I like to keep every aspect of a design seperate so it can be altered later.
Just click Layer on the menu at the top, then New and then Layer. Then making sure the layer is highlighted in the bottom right (as you can see on the picture) right click on your picture, you should get the same menu pop up. The pen menu.
Click fill path and click through the next box that pops up, your lines will be instantly filled with the color you selected.
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6400/pentoolfewstepsexample7.jpg
Now simply select the move tool on the bar to the left and you can either hold down shift and tap the right arrow key to move the layer across to where you need it or even simpler drag it with the mouse. I like the keyboard just to make sure it stays in the right place vertically.
Now if you've followed the steps and the pictures you should have something very similar but remember, this doesn't just go for shadows and depth lines you can draw anything with the pen tool and using duplicate layer you can save yourself a ton of time.
So get creative, I can't wait to see what you all come up with. Good luck and let's see some designs!
Comments
+10:) Thanks! I am just learning photoshop. This should help alot!
