Name: *tsheva
Tools of the Trade: Photoshop CS2, Stock, brushes
Likes to use: Since I use a lot of stock, it is the most time consuming part of creating an image. Finding the right stock is hard. I use stock from DA but because some deviants put limitations on their stock, mostly I either buy stock from dreamstime or istock. But my trusty standby is sxc.
Laying texture is the best part so finding and using the right stock is necessary. I also use brushes from deviants, so thank you for supply such great brushes.
Examples of her work:



*tsheva’s tips and tricks:

1.- Imagery:
Figure out what image I want to create. What am I trying to say? I usually am trying to say something in symbols whenever I create an image. No one gets it but that's okay. Manips for me is a way to transfer whatever I am feeling into Photoshop and try to make something I can relate to.

2.- Layers:
Whenever I place an image over another image I filter it then sharpen it once or twice. If I do it twice then I fade the sharpen until I am satisfied. Sometimes I will add a slight drop shadow or glow to whatever it is I want emphasized.

3.- Curves:
If I am doing a face and/or body I use the curve option. I duplicate the image then lighten the face. Then I will use the dodge tool until I am satisfied. I also use curve on eyes to lighten them.

4.- Erase:
I will erase whole parts of an image in a low opacity to get some of the stock/texture that I need. I also use the clone stamp if I need to add color or texture or to cover up parts of stock.

5.- Textures:
After I create a piece I am satisfied with, I save it. I then duplicate it. I don't add (stock)textures until I am almost finished with a piece. I love how smooth a piece looks right before I texture it so much that I sometimes hate texturizing a piece. I look for textures with cracks, some dirt, scratches, apply then sharpen it. Then I desaturate it.

6.- Desaturation:
After duplicating a piece I flatten the image. I then desaturate it. I sharpen it once more to see if it adds depth. I might add another layer of texture or color to the saturated layer. I don't sharpen it but I go into curves to lighten or darken it.

7.- Shadow/Highlight:
This is what gives desaturation depth. Once you desaturate an image you go into shadow/highlight and adjust the levels and tones of the image. It's at this point that I realize the image looks better in black and white but, color always wins out.

8.- Filters:
Multipy always follows the desaturation, which makes it dark. I will either lower the opacity OR add a layer of glow.

9.- Glow:
I will brush parts of white on another layer on parts that I want highlighted then use the soft light filter.

10. Brushes:
I usually add brushes at this point if I'm going to use them. Mostly script which I lower the opacity on until you almost can't see it. I duplicate the layers some more, still lowering the opacity and changing the filter.

11.- Stare:
I stare at the piece. I leave the piece. What is missing? Is it too much? Should I add more? Eh...

12.- Flatten Image:
I flatten the image. Add a border. The End.

Summary:
-What image do you want people to see?
-Choose your stock correctly and give credit.
-Layer, filter, erase, curve, sharpen, add textures-desaturate, sharpen, duplicate.
-SAVE SAVE SAVE
-Duplicate the image in different stages in case you need to go back to a previous version you liked better. It saves having to recreate everything all over again.
-Desaturate, flatten, filter, glow, brushes.
-Duplicate, flatten, the end.



*tsheva’s 3 favourite tutorials:

Guide to Stock by AttempteStock.

Texture tutorial by Kayceeus

Into the Depths by Nebu


<sub>Please keep in mind that these tips and tricks are never meant as the only way to do something – they are the way the artist does things. They are meant to guide you or give you ideas what can be done and should be taken as such.

If you have any suggestions for deviants you’d like to see sharing their tips and tricks, feel free to write me a note. Just keep in mind that this article is mainly focused on photomanipulators.

Lastly, I would like to thank *tsheva for sharing his tips and tricks
and you for reading them
^kuschelirmel

Previous Issues:
~ #1 Aegis-Strife</sub>