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Skills Expanded

Getting Under the Skin with Virtual Tattoos in Photoshop

by Kurt Jones

We'll start this tutorial by sketching out a rough design for a tattoo followed by creating a polished render. Software required: Photoshop CC 14.0.

What you'll learn

We'll start this tutorial by sketching out a rough design for a tattoo followed by creating a polished render. Along the way we'll discuss line work quality and color choices. From there, we'll begin the process of weaving our tattoo design onto the arm of our model. We'll start by focusing on conforming the design to the contours of the arm by using free transform and liquefy. In addition, we'll use smart filters, blend modes, and adjustment layers to create the illusion that our tattoo is a part of our subject's skin. We'll wrap up by making some lighting adjustments. After watching this photo manipulation training, you'll be able to take your own artistic designs and weave them into the skin of any model or subject of your choosing. Software required: Photoshop CC 14.0.

About the author

Kurt is a design tutor at Pluralsight. Ever since he could hold a crayon, Kurt has been in love with drawing. Apart from his dedication to training artists at Pluralsight, Kurt has an extensive background in illustration. He has previously worked for a book publisher, as well as Rhythm and Hues Studios. It was through his extensive industry background that Kurt learned the way of the Wacom, and that the Pen tool is truly mightier than the sword. Along with creating beautiful 2D illustrations,... more

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