Transform pencil sketches into fully colored digital illustrations using multiply blending, flat color layers, and cel-shading techniques.

Step 1: Import Line Art

Scan or import your line art. Image > Adjustments > Levels to clean up lines. Set white background to pure white.

Step 2: Set Line Art Layer

Duplicate line art layer. Set blending mode to Multiply. Place at top of layer stack.

Step 3: Flat Color Base

Below line art, create new layers for each color region. Use hard-edged brush or lasso fill for flat colors.

Step 4: Add Shadows

On each color layer, paint shadows with a darker shade at 40% opacity using Multiply blending.

Step 5: Highlight Pass

Add highlights on new clipped layers with white or light tint at 25% opacity, Soft Light mode.

Step 6: Background Painting

Create a background layer below all. Paint a simple gradient or scene to complement the character.

Step 7: Final Line Cleanup

If lines look faded, duplicate line art layer and set one copy to Normal at 80% opacity.

That's it! You've completed this tutorial. Experiment with the techniques and share your results with the Designstacks community.