Unit
- Canvas dimensions: For print work, set resolution to 300 DPI with dimensions matching the final output size. For screen display, 72 DPI is sufficient. A common canvas size for detailed illustrations is 4000x4000 pixels at 300 DPI, allowing for fine brushwork without pixelation.
- Color space selection: RGB is used for digital screens and web, while CMYK is for print. Work in RGB even if the final output is print because most monitors display RGB. Convert to CMYK at the end using soft-proofing to preview color shifts.
- Bit depth understanding: 8-bit per channel is standard for web, but 16-bit provides smoother gradients and more headroom for color corrections. Use 16-bit for projects with heavy blending or multiple adjustment layers to avoid banding.
- Canvas orientation: Choose landscape for wide scenes, portrait for character-focused illustrations. Consider adding extra canvas space around the subject for composition adjustments later. Most software allows you to crop or expand canvas at any stage.
- Layer organization: Start with a background layer, then add separate layers for sketch, base colors, shading, highlights, and effects. Naming layers helps maintain order. Use layer groups to categorize elements like foreground, midground, and background.
- Document presets: Create custom presets for common project types such as character art (3000x3000 px, 300 DPI), landscape (5000x2500 px, 300 DPI), or concept thumbnails (1920x1080 px, 72 DPI). This saves time and ensures consistency.
- Undo and history limits: Increase the undo limit to at least 100 steps in preferences. Use the history panel to jump back to specific points. Save incremental versions of your file with different names to avoid losing progress from corrupt files.
- Hardware calibration: Use a monitor calibrator to ensure color accuracy, especially for print. Set your graphics tablet to match the screen ratio. Pen pressure should be adjusted in driver settings to avoid heavy or light strokes.
- File format selection: Save working files in the native format of your software, such as PSD or TIFF, to preserve layers and effects. For final exports, use PNG for web images with transparency, JPEG for photographs without transparency, and TIFF or PDF for print submissions to maintain maximum quality.
- Brush engine optimization: Customize brush settings like spacing, shape dynamics, and transfer to mimic traditional media. For smooth line art, reduce spacing to 1-2% and enable pen pressure for size. For textured paints, increase spacing and use scatter with dual brushes for natural grain.
- Reference image workflow: Import reference images on a separate layer or use a floating window to keep them visible while painting. Set their opacity to 30% and lock them to avoid accidental edits. Color pick from references only for initial palette selection to avoid mimicry.
- Blending mode application: Use Multiply for shadows, Screen or Linear Dodge for highlights, and Overlay for texture and contrast boosts. Keep blending mode layers on separate layers to isolate effects. Experiment with Color and Luminosity modes to adjust hue and value without affecting underlying detail.
Design Principle
Principle: Resolution Independence for Flexibility
Definition: Working at a higher resolution than the final output allows for detailed brushwork and later resizing without quality loss. The principle ensures that edges remain sharp and textures retain detail when scaled down.
Application: For a web illustration destined for 1920x1080 display, create the canvas at 3840x2160 pixels (4K). Paint at this size, then downscale when finished. This eliminates pixelation and gives you room to add fine details in line art and texture.
Quick Revision
- Set canvas resolution based on output: 300 DPI for print, 72 DPI for screen.
- Work in RGB color space; convert to CMYK only at final output stage.
- Use 16-bit depth for projects with extensive blending to prevent banding.
- Organize layers with clear naming and grouping for efficient workflow.
- Increase undo limit and save incremental copies to protect progress.
- Calibrate monitor and tablet for consistent color and pressure response.