I tried something digital? Need help with shading

[MoonlightAbsol]

Uh, hey, it's me again! Those of you who've hung around my art thread know that I work traditional, but today I decided to play around a little bit with Photoshop… and here are the results. I'm only happy with how the shading on the hair tuned out, everything else… not so much. Including the orange part of the hair, I don't know how to get the gradient effect.

I've actually been drawing digital since about 2013, I just haven't posted anything because I didn't feel confident enough and I don't like my digital art very much

Spoiler

So… does anyone have any tips on shading clothing and skin? I'd really appreciate some tips/criticisms.. Also, please ignore proportions and stuff on this picture, I'm only looking for shading.

 

[kaylagirl]

I have no tips because I'm not an artist, I just wanted to let you know that looks BEAUTIFUL and I would pay for something like that. The only little criticism I have is that her hand looks a little strange? That may just be me though. >.<

 

[graciegrace]

Hi honey boo! Sent u a pm btw c; your art is so lovely, just have confidence! As for shading, it's usually best to shade under the neck, inside legs, arms, outside shoulders... Idk it will come to u though in time. Don't worry ! Your art is amazing, never forget.

 

[MoonlightAbsol]

I have no tips because I'm not an artist, I just wanted to let you know that looks BEAUTIFUL and I would pay for something like that. The only little criticism I have is that her hand looks a little strange? That may just be me though. >.<

Yeah, I know the hand is weird XD and thanks ^_^

I wish I knew how to shade clothes though

 

[samsquared]

Lol have you seen my terribad digital art? You have nothing to worry about. <:
I can tell you how to use gradients, and of course the other little stuff I know. In PS, at least, there is a gradient tool that will allow you to build gradients that you can use by holding the mouse down on the Paint Bucket tool. After you build the gradient, you should select the area you want to affect on the layer with the quick selection/magic wand tool. Then draw a line across the page. You will see that the gradient will vary depending on how small or large the line you draw is.
Then, of course, shading will always look more appealing if you use a darker, off-colour. I honestly don't see much of an issue with it except your use of the Blend tool (or healing brush). I guess the back of her neck could stand to be shaded. It looks pretty fine to me. Honestly, I am in no position to give critique on this because I suck and this looks amazing as it is.

 

[Sune]

It depends on the style of shading. Since you're using soft-shade, (and if you're using the program SAI) I'd recommend using the marker/brush tool. You should look around for settings you like on google, tumblr, deviantart, etc.
As for skin shading, you're doing okay on that, just need to practice more. On clothing, when you shade you make it look somewhat plastic-y. I mean, it's fine if you're trying to make that type of tight clothing, but if not, try studying others' artwork. Notice how they color their clothes. As for the shading on the hair, you make it seem as though the light source is everywhere. Once again, look at other tutorials for that. (I have the same problem though-hahaa)
Uhh last but not least, make sure the colors you use are vivid. To make the art pop out more, instead of just going to darker shades of the same color, move the color wheel to the right and then darker for pop, and to the left for a brighter look. Trust me, colors are beautiful and you should use them! (If you want me to clarify, let me know!)

Overall, you're doing well. Just keep on drawing, don't give up. Even if it's frustrating, keep going, I swear you won't regret it!

 

[MoonlightAbsol]

//snip

Okay thanks ^_^ I'll have to try that sometime... But I'm going out of town for this weekend so I'll be away from my computer

//snip

I'm using Photoshop. Well, it's actually photoshop elements, but idk what the difference is. Is there a difference? I don't have the time today to look it up today orz
I've heard about using different colors instead of a darker shade, but I haven gotten around to trying it yet, probably because I always forget.

For the clothes would it be better to use a lower opacity or...? I believe the opacity I used was pretty low but like I said it was my first time using photoshop, so I'm not sure where everything is (I used a different program before). I've tried looking at tutorials before but since I never had SAI/Photoshop I stopped because I didn't have any of the different brushes and things they were using. I guess it's time to go back and find them XD

 

[piichinu]

instead of shading with just a darker version of the base color, move on the color wheel toward the left. so it's not as dull
also maybe try changing the lineart colors more

anyway im not the best at coloring so this is all i can offer. i need to take my own advice

 

[Katelyn]

I'm not here to critique since I can't draw at all. But I just wanted to say I absolutely love the eyes, there's just something about them that make them pop and look gorgeous.