How I introduce… cinematic drama

A Shapes take shape

The first step is flatting, or breaking down the image into separate colours (subcontracted to Chris Garcia – thanks!). Colour choices don’t matter here, as long as each shape is a different colour to adjacent shapes.

B Colour scheme

I establish the overall colour scheme and change flat colours to base colours, or darkest versions of the colours I will eventually use. This prevents me from going too dark, which could obscure the line-art.

C Adding details

I use the Brush tool to paint details, add secondary lighting and create surface textures like hair and metal. I also add special effects on separate layers. Here there’s a colour hold on the whites of Hippolyta’s eyes, and a slight shine on her silver crown.