Digital Manipulation (Character)

 

   I started by using the brush tool to sketch out a basic design onto a layer over the background.

         

  I finished the sketch with a backdrop included, I did not keep this original backdrop.

       

  I then added a new layer behind the sketch and using the brush tool I coloured in the design. I then hid the sketch layer to leave me with basic colour shapes and lined it with appropriate colours using the pend tool and stroke path combination.

 I used the pen tool and stroke path combination again to add smaller suggestive lines to the design to add detail and character to the design.

Using the brush tool again with a softer setting, I chose lighter shades of the original colours and edged the colour layer. Doing this added tone to the character and in some ways brought him to life.

 Using the pen tool, and brush tool I finished the right hand on my character adding a cannabis cigarette to it to fit the theme of the piece.

I finished the  design by adding smoke to the cigarette and air and a misty effect to the ground level.

I also added the tops of cannabis plants emerging from the mist to suggest an environment where the plants would grow naturally.

Now my design was finished, I merged all of the layers so that I could start to play with the hue, contrast, vibrancy and colours.

I changed the hue, saturation, colour, contrast, curves and levels until I felt my piece looked right.

I wanted the piece to have a hazy, dreamy and mellow feel to it.. I think i achieved this successfully.