Ivory Towers layers breakdown
Added 2020-10-22 15:55:55 +0000 UTCWhile I didn't exactly document my process for this piece, I thought it might be insightful to breakdown many of the layers I used. There were actually more layers involved in the process but eventually merged and not preserved here. For example, I used several layers to create the main towers, including several variants that got tossed.
I don't always use so many layers, but I find the freedom they allow to be very useful for certain subjects and styles. Furthermore, I'm more prone to use many layers when I'm creating an imagined scene with little to no reference. I used zero reference for this scene and it was helpful to be able to shift things around to find just the right form and composition. Also, it helps to visualize complete forms even if they are overlapped or cropped in the end. What's more, the layers allow easy editing, and dramatic altercations if necessary.
The downside to using many layers is how hectic it can become to manage them. It helps to stay organized and clearly label all layers. But, I'm often too impatient for that and usually just wrestle with the auto select layer feature in PS. Always make sure you have the proper layer selected before making edits! To keep things more manageable I will merge together many layers when I'm totally satisfied with their arrangment. However, I recommend saving copies of layers before merging anything. Once you merge layers it becomes difficult to alter the composition and change things.
Hope you enjoyed this exclusive breakdown :)
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Comments
That makes sense. My level of organization depends on the task. If I’m just creating a static artwork I’m not so strict. However, if I’m making an animation, or especially with animated tutorials I go full color codes and folders if needed. It’s all about efficient work flow. You can download some of my source files to see how I set up more complex projects. Thanks for sharing!
Slynyrd
2020-10-23 14:28:47 +0000 UTCIt was interesting for me to see what you put on different layers. I would done it completely differently, myself.☺️ Geek mode loading... 🤓 I'm vector graphics artist by trade and who's working mostly on maps, so I tend to be very strict and orderly with my layers (I name as I go, group them as I go AND I have also system for color-coding layers).🤓 But with pixels, however, I tend to have just few layers. Mind you, I never made in pixels anything complicated as this image is. 😊 Geek mode off... 😉 Best, Anna
4boa = Ania & Rafal
2020-10-23 12:01:52 +0000 UTCThanks! I always enjoy hearing about others techniques and tendencies. I usually organize things in the end, but when I'm in the process, and playing with lots of variants, things get messy quick.
Slynyrd
2020-10-22 18:27:29 +0000 UTCExcellent piece! It's always fun to make compositions without references from time to time. Using an extreme amount of layers is something that I end up doing too, but I always feel like I have to name them and organize them in folders so that I don't lose track of everything! Thanks for sharing your process!
Kai
2020-10-22 17:36:27 +0000 UTC
