How to Use Layers for Digital Painting

Layers introduce a unique feature for digital artists that you’ll want to utilize. If you’re coming from a traditional background or you’re just new to art altogether, you may have a lot of questions about how layers work. In this lesson, you’ll discover how layers work and some of the ways that you can use these powerful tools to make your art even more impressive.

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Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:25 Layer Basics
3:08 Layer Functions and Parameters
7:19 Merging Layers
8:22 Layer Groups
9:18 Clipping Masks
11:12 Layer Masks
13:05 The Assignment

#digitalpainting #digitalart #layers

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ABOUT PROKO:

Instructional How to Draw videos for artists. My drawing lessons are approachable enough for beginners and detailed enough for advanced artists. My philosophy is to teach timeless concepts in an entertaining way. I believe that when you are having fun, you learn better. I take pride in producing high quality videos that you will enjoy watching and re-watching.


CREDITS:

Script - Jon Neimeister
Production Assistance - Sierra Tillman, Sean Ramsey

Music Used with Permission
Intro - The Freak Fandango Orchestra

Additional music by Epidemic Sound

[TamsosPadaras]

I also like Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E which creates new layer as if all layers bellow would have been merged (but they stay intact). That way even layers with blending modes are merged...

[Quickeasyguitarlessons]

I recently started naming my layers and groups after I took on a huge difficult project.
It just became apparent to me at some point. It just makes everything easier to edit.

[SylvesterLazarus]

I started digital art with learning photomanipulation in Photoshop and it was a really great foundation for me. 6 years later, I don't use PS for digital painting anymore, but what I learned from working with layers is one of the best digital tool knowledges I have.

[riccia]

Most students are not worried about how to use layers. Most students and self taught artist are worried if the instructor are really teaching fundamentals.

[carlosdavila]

got sold on naming layers so fast! I cant believe it

[atreidespendragon]

Ive used photoshop for years and I learned tons of new stuff, Thank you so much for your time and effort in making this video.

[poilapan]

Purchased this course quite recently, going thru it quite slowly but fairly comprehensive. :)

[dollplexus]

OMG i just learn to much in this video. i can't believe is just helpful . thanks.!!!

[alexaczigany]

I don't frigging understand layer properties so I'm looking forward to try the teaching of this tutorial!
Like, I understand I need different layers for lineart, color etc, but *how* should I use them was always a problem

[rivalun]

Amazing video! For the past 7-8 years I'm thinking to join the Digital Hype Train.
We had in school a "PC-course" how to use mail programms, powerpoint and startet to photoshop pictures we took outside and even digital art (After scaning our hand draw'n sketches)
There is no going back now for me.

[madiko]

Labelling layers and groups is essential. You quite fast get used to it. Additionally I would advice for all the peeps with projects that require something as a template: There are two different ways I have established:
[ A ] create a draft with all the adjustments, layers (named) as well as colour-palette of your choosing. Then copy that document as needed.
[ B ] (my favorite way of doing it) create some actions as needed. As you set up your document, you can load those with one click as needed. Especially I prepared my basic layers (named) and so forth. E.g. for portraits I create those basic groups with their respective layers (top to bottom): Face with highlights, darks, hair, glasses, eyes, beard, facial expression; neck and torso: highlights, darks, basic; clothing with highlights, darks, basic; basic drawing with outlines, basic highlights, basic shading; background (highlights, shades, grounding / coat of paint) -- you get the idea. For me it's esier to delete a layer or rather rename it as I progress with the painting rather then doing the same with every new painting again and again and again. You might even add the copy or cc beforehand.
This saves you a ton of time for setting up your workspace so to speak.
Happy painting everyone and Kudos to Jon for this excellent tutorial.

[GabeWilliams]

for some reason i always forget that i can paint shadows with a multiply and end up with an issue because of it. Hopefully this video will finally be the one to sink it in lol

[metalassassin]

Used to work with a metric ton of layers....Nowadays I just work a few as most will be on one layer because once the linework's done I just create a map/selector.

[marxmith]

He seems really happy for a photoshop user.

[eeeeeek]

if you have consistent layer setup.. just make it as a one click action

[GicolaeTeslariu]

Yeah, quick question to all the experienced digital artists
I was previously drwing manga on paper
But I recently bought a graphic tablet to draw mangas
Anyway, once I draw on a layer the drawing shows on a newly created layer too which is frustrating and I didn't find any tutorials how to stop that from happening

[Super-wkjx]

opacity lock.. like im using ps for years and never though about that D:

[tanmay]

is this lesson appropriate for krita users

[dsartistgd]

Hola señor entiendoo muy claro de los capas pero me cuesta mucho por las capas parecer ordenado o desordenado pero un poco confudido para llegar perfecto de dibujos

[dollplexus]

I'm in Atlanta to. but is a school here? like how can i enroll ?