How to Use Layers in iPad Illustration

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How to use layers effectively in iPad illustration.

by Raheem Nelson

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Step 1 of 10

First you want to have an art app from the app store that works with layers. I recommend Brushes, Sketchbook, ArtRage or Procreate.

Step 2 of 10

On my first layer I use the pencil tool for a light blue sketch. Consider this the skeleton of the figure. The guitar strings are red to avoid confusion.

Step 3 of 10

Next I create a new layer and drag it on top of the first. I call this the graphite layer. I work up the details of the figure and the guitar. The sketch is still loose but detailed.

Step 4 of 10

Now I create a new layer and move it to the top. The character has sheet music hair so this top layer is reserved for the lines and notes in her hair.

Step 5 of 10

Now I delete my blue layer and create a layer I call "the ink." I go over the graphite layer with a black marker tool. Now I can delete the graphite layer. The music notes sketch is turned off.

Step 6 of 10

Similar to the last step I create an ink layer for the lines.

Step 7 of 10

Now I turn down the opacity for my ink layer and turn on the music notes sketch. An ink layer is created for the notes.

Step 8 of 10

Now I ink the notes and get rid of the sketch I no longer need. A color layer is created. Layers are transparent so this one is tucked under the music notes ink layer. That layer is what I color.

Step 9 of 10

The ink and color for the notes get merged and I make a final layer for her color. I tuck it under her ink layer and color the new bottom layer. The halftone gets put on using a different brush.

Step 10 of 10