[Shading/Lighting] Shading Skin - Version 1 (Compatible with ALL editors)

Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:40 pm

First topic message reminder :

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

The first thing to making a realistic look with your skin is knowing where to shade. Looking at real life photographs is always a great way to figure these things out. Also one of the major things to watch out for is where the light source falls. It will make your life easier if you remember this when you're taking your screenshots. It is, of course, possible to change your light source when you are editing, but it will take more tine and effort. If you are pose combining, it's in your best interest to strive for keeping the same light source when taking your multiple shots.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

To start off you edit, you will need to cut your sim out, if you have not done so already. This will make it easier for you when you have to smooth everything out, and keep your picture nice and clean., When you have your sim cut out, make a new layer. You're going to select your full sim layer (it will make your sims highlighted). To do so, hold down the Ctrl button, and click on the thumbnail of your sims layer. With your sim highlighted, make sure you're on your next layer before drawing. It will keep the shape of you sim, and you'll be able to draw freely without having to worry about erasing later.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

We will start with the darkest shade. It’s usually best to pick your colors using the eyedropper tool, that way you keep the same tone. I usually grab a color from the darkest spot on the sim (usually around the armpits, or some sort of crease) and then make it a darker color. For this step I use a large brush usually about 20px (depending on the size of the screenshot) with opacity of 60-70%. Using the screenshot as a guide, go over the original shading. Once you’ve drawn all the basic areas, go into your filters to Gaussian Blur, and fiddle with the settings until you’re happy with how well it blurs. I usually use about 5px. Then I will hit the same Gaussian blur setting a couple times (Ctrl+F), until it blurs out and it blends.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Making a new layer, you will do this step two more times. Being a neutral color, and a highlighting. Once you’re finished, you should have a more gradient looking shading. Feel free to fiddle around the layer opacity until you have the strength you want. Once you’re happy with the outcome, merge the three layers together, and erase around detail areas, like eyes, nose, lips, etc. The next step, is quite similar, just more focused on the actual details.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

When working with details, you want to make sure you use a small solid brush. I usually use around 2-8px (again, depending on your screenshot size). This time you’re going to focus more on making creases and shine. You’ll notice that you’ll be spending more time on the face this step. Instead of using the Gaussian Blur, you’ll be using the blur tool, and eraser. I usually work with it at about 10-50px using a soft brush, with a setting of 90-100% strength for the blur, and a large soft brush with 25% strength for eraser. This way you can blur out just enough to blend it in with the skin, but you won’t loose any good lines. The eraser tool will be nice to cut down on really hard lines, or if the area is too dark/bright. Like before, you can play with the different layer opacity.

Now for the finishing touches! Once you’re happy with your shading merge all your layers together. We’re now going to make the main creases stand out. Using your lasso tool select the areas that are underneath anything. Being under the chin, creases of arms, under clothes, behind limbs, etc.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

When you use the lasso tool, you’re guaranteed to make a crisp line, and a more
overlapping illusion. Once you have the section selected, use your Burn Tool, with a pretty large soft brush (I usually have it set to 5-8% on Highlights). When you’re making your line, I usually have the brush half way over the selected line. Make the line darker by going over the same spot a couple times. The biggest thing is to not over do it. (Which is really easy to do, so be careful!) It’s really hard to tell when you have the space still selected. I usually go over 2-3 times. It won’t look like you did anything until after you deselect, so have faith! I usually go over the crease with either blur or smudge tool with a low setting, just to make the edge not so hard.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

And there you have it! This is your basic skin shading. You can feel free to use dodge and burn to give a stronger light source, or leave it simply as that!

Have any questions please feel free to ask!
I'm here to help. And PLEASE post your pictures that you've used this. I'd love to see your work!

* Written and pictures done by Jillie
**Been published in VSims: Issue 2

Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:59 pm

Thanks for tut! Here's mine!
Before:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

After:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:24 am

Heres my before and after, its my first time >.< hopefully ill get better!

BEFORE:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

AFTER:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]