Steps 13, 14 and 15

Here are the final steps. Create a new layer and drag it behind all of the other layers. This will be your background layer. Choose any colour you would like, but try and choose something that works with the other colours in the piece. For the next step choose a lighter hue from the background colour and use the radial gradient tool to create a light glow behind the main scene. Finally, choose a darker version of the background colour and use the linear gradient tool to create a shadow coming from beneath to give the drawing some weight.



Thanks for checking out the steps. I hope this helps anyone who is interested in cartooning using Photoshop. Look out for this week's Illustration Friday word of the week!

Steps 10, 11, and 12

Here are steps 10 through 12. Finish up applying your base colours. In steps 11 and 12 you will add shadows and highlights to help bring more interest and dimension to the drawing.



Final steps to come!

Steps 7, 8, and 9

Here are steps 7 through 9. Make sure to clean up all of your lines. I created this drawing in Photoshop CS4 so once I refined my lines I made a new layer underneath the outline. On this new layer you can add colour into your work using the paint brush.




More steps to follow...

Steps 4,5 and 6

Here are the next couple of steps. Give your character(s) more detail. Think of facial expression, clothing, and other accessories. Make a space for the cupcake to go. Sketch in the basic shape of the cupcake and then add in more detail.



More steps to follow...

Steps 1,2 and 3

Here are the first few steps. Use basic shapes to construct the general look of your character.Do the same for any other items or characters in the scene. Once this is done try and erase the areas that overlap, revealing more of the true form.



More steps to follow...

yummy in my tummy

This is another cartoon for Illustration Friday's current word of the week, "layer." I was thinking about how kids never seem to know how much is too much, especially when it comes to sweets. I was inspired by my brother when he used to decorate cookies with us and would pile on as many toppings as he could.



If you would like to know how I created this image or are looking to recreate something similar yourself, the following posts will provide you with step by step instructions.

Here are a set of illustrations for an article that I did for an article on viceland.com called, "Getting Myself Mcfired." The set includes one large illustration and then three smaller spots. The goal was to create illustrations that relate to the content of the article and that could actually be placed inside.

Not Again!....

I was inspired to create this cartoon for Illustration Friday's word of the week, "sweater" when I thought of the funny gifts that older relatives give to kids. The most hilarious gifts are the one's that are hand made...they are always great conversation pieces.



I created this illustration using Photoshop. I started by sketching out the black outlines and then filling in the rest with colour. Look out for next week's post! :)

Time Machine

Here is my latest post for Illustration Friday's word of the week, "reverse." When I thought of the word reverse I thought of going back in time. I always think of getting old and how boring birthdays must become the more and more limited are. I thought it would be funny to show an old man remembering his youth while he gums on his applesauce cake.



This illustration was created using Photoshop CS4. I drew the line work by hand initially, scanned the sketch in and then used a series of brushed with my tablet to fill in the rest.

Surrender....

This is my illustration for Illustration Fridays word of the week, "Surrender." I was inspired to create this cartoon when I recalled my boxing day experience at the mall this year. I have never felt so crowded and uncomfortable in my entire life. I especially couldn't believe all of the mother's who were out who all seemed to be alone or without their significant others with a ton of kids. I can't imagine trying to juggle all of those kids at once...nevermind trying to shop!



This piece was created with Photoshop CS4 using a wacom tablet. Look out for next week's post!