By creating a cut out of an object that is to project the shadow, you can duplicate the layer and use the transform > distort effect to create the right perspective for the shadow before moving the layer behind the original object and darkening and reducing the opacity of the layer.

This video shows two alternative ways to delete a white background from a line drawing, which is a good base for the next step of starting to add colour to the drawing. The first method is shown in preparation for explaining why the second method is the better of the two - so keep watching!

A really useful video which shows you how to add texture to your digital paintings by adding abstract imagery. The imagery that you add, does not need to be an actual real life image of the effect you are trying to create. This example shows how an image of flooring can be used to create an uneven rough effect on clothing. Using layer masks to create this effect means that this is a non-destructive process, allowing you to go back and edit the image at any time.

As shown above; get your image on the layer above your text and right click on the image layer in the layers panel before choosing > create clipping path. All done! If you are past the stage of being able to undo and want to go back to having two seperate layers, right click the image layer and choose release clipping path. (Right click is control click on a mac).

This is a really simple way of creating tesellating or tiling patterns in photoshop. After creating the initial square the pattern is saved by chosing the options Edit> Define Pattern. The tile can then be used as a paint bucket fill by choosing Edit> Fill> Use: Pattern, before choosing your saved pattern from the drop down menu. Any defined patterns will be saved in this list for future use unless you choose to delete them (Edit >Preset Manager > Patterns > Select & Delete).

Very cool. This video proves you can create a fanastic final piece by sticking with it and building up the layers. Interesting to see how the fire ball effect was created with photos of blue sky and white fluffy clouds!

Quick & clear video showing how to replace a colour range with a patterned background in photoshop. A great effect that’s easy to achieve.