COLOR TECHNIQUES

Coloring a drawing in Photoshop doesn't necessarily need to take hours - and it doesn't need to be done in a few minutes either. Here I describe several color techniques, from very simple to more time-demanding ones.

Please be aware of that "Estimated time" is only based on the time I used myself when coloring these drawings - the working time will probably vary a lot from person to person, and especially on what kind of drawing you're going to color (for example if there are more than one characters on it, if it has a detailed background, etc.). The timing is only meant to be guiding, and the sample used here is a very simple drawing too (only one character and no background). Please keep that in mind ;)

METHOD 1: FILLING THE AREAS WITH A COLOR   Estimated time: 2-4 minutes.   A simple color technique where you simply fill each area on the drawing with one plain color.

MERHOD 2: COLORING WITH GRADIENT TOOL   Estimated time: 4-7 minutes.   Another simple color technique where you use the "Gradient tool".

METHOD 3: A LITTLE SHADING   Estimated time: 20-30 minutes.   Here you're being more thorough with the art, and start shading it.

METHOD 4: MORE ADVANCED SHADING   Estimated time: 45 minutes- 1 hour   Here you're doing some more advanced shading.