Welcome to Part 2 of the Photoshop Quick Tips library!
This series has been put together to pass on those "industry secrets" that help professional artists complete their work in record times. The technique's you learn in this series are the result of decades of experience contributed and shared amongst artists during their careers.
This series is organized in such a way that you will progress from the most simple to most complex tips and tricks. In Part 1 we start with looking at customization of Photoshop preferences so that we have the program set up in a way that allows matte painters and concept artists to work more efficiently. We'll then start looking at some basic technique's which many beginner artists are looking to get more understanding of.
As you progress into Part 2 of the series you will notice some more advanced technique's covering things like how to quickly repeat objects into the distance, how to create VFX quality masks of images and how to use the Vanishing Point tool to easily modify or model grid lines for artworks and photography with strong perspective lines.
So let's get started!
MattePaint Mentor
MattePaint Mentor
Using the "blend-if" layer mode in photoshop is an incredibly powerful way to quickly mask objects based on a brightness or colour value. What's more, this method remains 'live' which means it'll adjust to future changes!\n
When masking out objects from a bright background, you'll often be left with a halo around the image. This is a phenomenon in photography called "lightwrap" and will easily stand out to the trained eye. \n
This quick tip will help fast-track your process when blending background layers. It's just a few button clicks!
When integrating layers into our artwork, making the sharpness (I.e. applying a slight blur) is an important step. But there are sometimes situations where permanently applying a blur to the layer is undesirable. Let's have a look at non-destructive blur!
Displaying reference for our work is never perfect. Software like PureRef can help, but what if you want to have your reference closer to where you're actually working? Like a physical art canvas could do. \n
Masking objects is a complex task which takes up a lot of time in matte painting. Depending on your subject, it can even take hours to properly mask the object.
Painting light in windows or in cities at night time might is a skill that all artists should understand and master.
Repeating objects into the distance, is sometimes time consuming because we have to work out how far the spacing would be, as well as the scale change into the distance.
If you're working with geometric subjects like buildings, cities, or similar, then the Vanishing Point tool is extremely useful.
Learn how to speed up your concept art process by using Photoshops powerful custom shapes feature to create your own custom shapes based on real photography!