Introduction to Photoshop for Illustrators
A course by Gemma GouldIllustrator
A course by Gemma Gould, Illustrator
Learn how to create eye-catching digital artwork from scratch with the industry's most powerful design software
As the industry standard software in almost any creative sector, Adobe Photoshop offers unlimited possibilities for illustrators, designers, animators, and all types of professional creatives. Knowing how to use it not only improves your profile as a creator, but also allows you to experiment and explore a wide range of styles, techniques, and mediums.
Illustrator Gemma Gould has been using Photoshop for over a decade to create playful digital artwork that seems to jump off the page. In this Basics, she teaches how to use the software from scratch, taking you from the essential tools and interface to the mockup of a final printed product.
Explore compositions, play with color, and create stronger illustration work with Gemma’s expert tips and tricks. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced illustrator looking for a refresh, develop a more efficient creative workflow and start collaborating on your next illustration project today.
In your first course, get introduced to Adobe Photoshop and discover how to navigate the interface and tools. Learn how to create and set up a new document and how to arrange your workspace to fit your preferences.
In the second course, Gemma teaches you how to use some of Photoshop’s most essential drawing tools to sketch compositions, as well as how to experiment with brush settings and create your own brushes. Get a few tips regarding composition and learn how to select and rearrange elements to improve your layout.
The third course is all about color. Explore some basic color theory, how to choose and create color palettes, and how to use Photoshop’s color editing tools. Discover how to refine traditionally created artwork that has been scanned by using different color correction and healing tools, ideal for print or online use.
In the fourth course, learn how to create artwork using several different painting tools, how to add texture to our work, and some ways to give it a more traditional feel. Try composing an image using traditional elements and textures that have been scanned.
The fifth course covers finishing touches, including a short study of lighting techniques and blurring techniques for adding depth and movement to your work. See how to combine the tools learned throughout the course by walking through Gemma’s entire creative process.
In the final course, learn how to export your artwork for web and print applications. Learn how to create a multi-page pdf and before wrapping things up by creating a simple animation of your illustration.
Technical Requirements
⦁ A computer running Windows 7 (or higher) or macOS El Capitan (or higher). ⦁ Adobe Photoshop CC: you can download the 7-day trial version from Adobe’s official website. ⦁ You will need a graphics tablet to work more comfortably. ⦁ A scanner or camera phone is needed to digitize your traditional artwork into the computer.
Recommended software & tools for this course
Reviews
- 4 months ago
I enjoy her technique in teaching Photoshop. Explains how to setup your canvas, show you the functions for each tool as you follow along and demonstrates how it works. Much easier that some of the courses I purchased a few years ago. Great course!
- 8 months ago
Mi mancano ancora delle lezioni, ma posso già dire che è stato molto utile, le spiegazioni sono molto chiare, si parte dalle basi e vengono dati molti consigli utili.
- 8 months ago
Good introductory course. However, this course could have been quite beneficial if the instructor had demonstrated the entire workflow process. It’s frustrating that you cannot fully engage because the final outcome or completion stage is abruptly interrupted by a transition. Consequently, you’re left with a polished final piece of artwork, yet you have no understanding of how it was created.
- 10 months ago
This is a very clear and easy to follow course. I would recommend!
- 10 months ago
много полезен, отличен
With over a decade of experience creating artwork with Adobe Photoshop, Gemma has worked with international clients across a number of industries, including children’s books, editorial, and animation.
Content
- U1
Welcome
- Welcome
- U1
Drawing Tools
- Drawing Tools
- U2
New Document
- New Document
- U2
Editing Brushes
- Editing Brushes
- U3
Workspace
- Workspace
- U3
Making Brushes
- Making Brushes
- U4
The Toolbar
- The Toolbar
- U5
Layers
- Layers
- U6
Rulers and Guides
- Rulers and Guides
- U7
Practice: Setting up for Illustration
- Setting up for Illustration
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers foundational skills in digital painting, color selection, and exporting artwork using Photoshop.
You need access to Adobe Photoshop, a computer or tablet, and a drawing tablet is recommended but not required. No prior experience in digital art is necessary.
You’ll learn how to set up your workspace, import sketches, use color and texture brushes, create lighting effects, and export your illustrations for web or animation.
No, the course starts with the basics and guides you through turning simple sketches into digital illustrations, making it accessible for those with limited drawing experience.
You’ll learn step-by-step how to scan or photograph your sketch, import it into Photoshop, and prepare it as the base layer for your digital illustration.
Yes, the course teaches color theory principles and shows you how to select and apply harmonious color palettes to enhance your digital artwork.
You’ll be taught to use Photoshop’s texture brushes and layer effects to add depth and realism to your illustrations.