Advanced Masking pt. 3

To finish up the mini-series on advanced masking, this video introduces the concept of "selection building". Though this is not an official title, it's a pro...

To finish up the mini-series on advanced masking, this video introduces the concept of "selection building". Though this is not an official title, it's a process by which you make the job of creating complex selections easier and less frustrating. This technique is especially useful if you're adding graphic or pattern overlays on to your characters. If this seems abstract or challenging make sure to give it a try for yourself -- like other types of masking, it's much easier once you've had a hands-on experience.

If you're not familiar with masking, these are good videos to watch first: Masking 101 pt.1, Masking 101 pt. 2, Masking 101 pt. 3

To follow along with the video, here's the robot PSD for download.

And to learn about applying 2D decals using the warp tool watch this video: Warp Tool

Advanced Masking pt. 1

Are you using masks to their full potential? Do you even know what masks are? If you answered no to either of those questions, get ready to have your mind bl...

Are you using masks to their full potential?  Do you even know what masks are?  If you answered no to either of those questions, get ready to have your mind blown.   Masking is one of the most abstract concepts in Photoshop painting, but in my opinion it's the secret for truly efficient workflows.  Though it doesn't feel like a traditional painter's process, it's a skill no digital painter should live without.  This video focuses on painting textural overlays and the concept of 'nested masking' for maximum versatility.

If you're not familiar with masking, these are good videos to watch first: Masking 101 pt.1, Masking 101 pt. 2, Masking 101 pt. 3

If you want to experiment with the PSD file from the lesson, here is the robot for download.

Alternative Masking Pt. 2

Edge control is crucial to solid digital painting. Traditionally, this means having a very steady hand and careful mark-making. When working digitally, the r...

Edge control is crucial to solid digital painting. Traditionally, this means having a very steady hand and careful mark-making. When working digitally, the rules are a bit different. This video introduces a few more unconventional masking techniques. They may seem pretty foreign at first, but can yield a huge effect in your painting process. If you don't know about the basics of masks, make sure to watch these videos first: Masking 101 pt 1,  Masking 101 pt 2, Masking 101 pt 3, and Alternative Masking pt. 1

Alternative Masking Pt. 1

This video is a quick introduction to two alternative masking techniques in Photoshop. Ctrl+Paint Store: http://ctrlpaint.myshopify.com/ Full Free Video Libr...

This video is a quick introduction to two alternative masking techniques in Photoshop.  If you don't know about the basics of masks, make sure to watch these three videos first: Masking 101 pt 1,  Masking 101 pt 2, and Masking 101 pt 3

Masking 101 (pt. 3): Editing Masks with the Brush

For additional free videos, custom brushes, worksheets and more more check out www.ctrlpaint.com

Hopefully the first two videos have sufficiently impressed you with the power of masks. If not, this video about editing masks with the brush tool absolutely will. By this point you've seen the power of masks, but haven't seen how they relate to a painting process. Once you begin adding nuance and painterly edges to your mask with the brush tool, you'll see what you've been missing all this time. It can be hard to explain in words, but all experienced digital painters will agree that masks bring unique power to the painting process.

Masking 101 (pt. 2): Masking a Layer Set

For additional free videos, custom brushes, worksheets and more more check out www.ctrlpaint.com

The introduction to masking continues in this video with layer sets. Did you know you could apply a single mask to multiple layers? Get ready to have your mind blown. This is where masking severs ties with the traditional art world, and can only be called "strictly digital". Even though it might seem abstract at first, this concept will completely change the way you paint.

Masking 101 (pt. 1): What is a Mask?

For additional free videos, custom brushes, worksheets and more more check out www.ctrlpaint.com

Masking is quite possibly the most feared Photoshop topic. I'd argue that it's also the most necessary function for efficient digital painting. The masking 101 series is here to ease you into the basics. In this first episode we'll compare Photoshop masks to their real-world counterpart: masking tape.