The following tutorial is for both the beginner and the advanced photoshop user. It's true that the method I use is very similar to a lot of other artists out there who also have tutorials. But I often feel annoyed when artists say 'I won't make a tutorial because someone out there already has.' Every artist has there own style, view, and way of explaining things. Even if two artists use the same method, I like to hear both their opinions. So without further ado, I present my own perspective on how to ink and cel-shade on photoshop.

1. First we start out with scanning your sketch and opening it in photoshop. It doesn't matter how messy it is, so long as you can discern which lines are the correct ones. However, be sure to correct any mistakes before inking. It's much harder to draw something from scratch on the computer, so don't rely on photoshop to fix your mistakes for you. Many people think that photoshoping something will instantly make it better. Photoshop is only another medium, not a miracle program.

2. I create a coloured background layer beneath the sketch. Then, I set the sketch layer to 'multiply.' This will make all the white disappear, leaving only the dark lines. This is also the setting to use if you're scanning line-art done by hand, 'multiply' will allow you to colour underneath your line-art on a separate layer. Since I'm doing my line-art straight on the computer, my 'ink' layer can stay on normal. Note: Menus can have different locations on different versions of photoshop! This tutorial was created using CS2. If you have an older version, search about for the menus if they aren't in the same spot!

3. Now we really start! Create a layer above your sketch. this will be your line-art layer. I like to twiddle down the opacity of my sketch layer (on the circled menu) so I can clearly see the lines above it. To ink I use a 4 pixel brush, set at 100% opacity, flow, and hardness. Zooming in makes the lines smoother. Note: I paint on the computer using a pressure-sensitive tablet. It is all but impossible to make decent line-art without one, even with a non-pressure sensitive tablet!! (trust me, I know). If you don't have one, scan in line-art done by hand. If you are serious about digital art, this tool is a good investment! If you're not sure, do without until you know you'll use it often!

4. Now, make a layer beneath your line-art for your base colours. Hide your sketch layer. If you closed all your lines when inking, this step is a breeze. Simply flood each area with a paint bucket. Be sure to click several times so the colour seeps beneath the lines. Otherwise you'll have blank 'fuzzies' around your lines. Sometimes if two colours are similar, or very dark, the paint will spill over. If that happens, use your brush to fill in the areas around the borders of these colours.