A Pro's Guide to Digital Comic Book Coloring from Udemy

The Pro's Guide to Digital Comic Book Coloring will not only teach you how to color in comics, but also how to think as a storyteller. It will teach you new skills or expand on your knowledge of sequential comic book coloring.

This course is the result of everything I had learn the hard way. My name is K. Michael Russell, and I've been published in over 70 comics as a colorist for companies like DC Comics, Image Comics, IDW, Top Cow, Oni Press, and more. I've taught thousands of students worldwide about digital art. Coloring can be a fun hobby, a part-time side hustle, or even a career. It all depends on the work you put in.

This course will take you through my entire process for coloring in Photoshop from the very basics of layer setup through special effects and post-coloring printing prep. There's a focus on learning the skills to make your pages read properly, leading the reader's eye to the important aspects, and being a storyteller throughout.

Enroll, and you’ll gain instant access to the entire course. Each lesson is easy to follow, step by step, and in real-time. There are 1000's of tutorials out there, but most show different methods that aren't related. These lessons build on each other - a real coloring curriculum and the most comprehensive available anywhere.

Here’s what you get.

You’ll get access to over six hours of real-time, easy-to-follow video lessons on a wide variety of topics in the order I'd recommend learning them:

The course starts with the basics. Setting up your workspace, installing my presets for brushes and tool settings, so you don't have to fiddle with settings. The presets require Photoshop CS6 or higher. If you have an older version of Photoshop, I also offer how to setup the tools manually.
Next you’ll learn how how to setup your line art and layers. There are many ways to do this, but I will show what I feel works best.
We'll go in-depth into all the major tools - lasso, magic wand, brushes, etc. They provide more functionality than most people think.
The basics of color theory are covered along with instructions for overcoming challenges unique to color in comics.
We'll cover the most important aspect of coloring, storytelling, with concepts such as separating planes (background from midground and foreground,) strategic rendering, value and contrast, etc).
I'll review several rendering styles that work on a variety of art styles.
We'll go through a full splash page together in five parts.
I'll also go over the basics of brush modes, creating special effects, multiple light sources, adjustment layers, textures, and more.
I'll show you how I prep pages for printing, build a portfolio, and I'll even tell my story about how I broke into comics.

What else will you get?

Lifetime access to course materials
Understanding of professional colorists think.
Downloadable Photoshop Tool Presets (CS6+ required), Photoshop Actions
A selection of professionally-drawn line art from some penciller friends of mine and projects I've worked on.

All of this... right here in one place. So stop wandering around the internet trying to figure this stuff out on your own. I hope to see you inside. :)

KMR

NOTE: This course could be viewed as version 2.0 of my previous coloring course on Udemy (Learn to color with Photoshop). There is some overlap in the content, but the videos here are all new with more detailed lessons and even more new and expanded techniques.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn everything from the very basics of layering to finishing pages with special effects.
Understand color theory as it applies to comic art.
Master the art of storytelling as you learn about plane separation, strategic rendering, and the importance of value and contrast in your pages.
Learn effective techniques for adding color to line art in different styles from traditional lasso "cut and grad" style and more.
Learn which layer modes work best for different effects.

Learn tips on portfolio building, finding work as a colorist, and collaborating with other creators.
Save time with tons of tips, tricks, and shortcuts that are critical to working in production of comic art.
Students will be more confident in their coloring abilities and have a solid understanding of what color in comics really is.
Students will understand how pro colorists think about color in comics and sequential art.

Learn everything from the very basics of layering to finishing pages with special effects.
Understand color theory as it applies to comic art.
Master the art of storytelling as you learn about plane separation, strategic rendering, and the importance of value and contrast in your pages.
Learn effective techniques for adding color to line art in different styles from traditional lasso "cut and grad" style and more.
Learn which layer modes work best for different effects.
Learn tips on portfolio building, finding work as a colorist, and collaborating with other creators.
Save time with tons of tips, tricks, and shortcuts that are critical to working in production of comic art.
Students will be more confident in their coloring abilities and have a solid understanding of what color in comics really is.
Students will understand how pro colorists think about color in comics and sequential art.

Syllabus

We'll setup our Photoshop workspace and tools.

Introduction

Setting up Photoshop tools

Manual tool settings

If you've learned to flat from YouTube, you might recognize this video. I used it as my flatting tutorial.

Audio discussion on collaborating with others. See the resources for a link to the audio.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down the coloring process into manageable steps, which is helpful for those new to digital comic book coloring

Includes downloadable Photoshop tool presets and actions, which can save time and effort for colorists using CS6 or higher

Covers techniques for preparing pages for both print and web, which is essential for professional colorists

Requires Photoshop CS6 or higher to use the provided presets, which may require an investment for some students

Explores storytelling through color, including plane separation and strategic rendering, which are crucial for effective comic art

Features a section on building a portfolio and finding work, which is valuable for those seeking a career as a comic book colorist

Reviews summary

Comprehensive professional comic coloring guide

According to learners, this course is a highly comprehensive and invaluable guide for anyone looking to seriously pursue digital comic book coloring, whether as a hobby or a career. Students consistently praise the instructor, K. Michael Russell, for his professional expertise and ability to explain complex concepts clearly. The curriculum covers everything from basic Photoshop setup and tools to advanced techniques, storytelling through color, and even the business aspects of the industry. Reviewers found the step-by-step lessons and practical demonstrations extremely helpful, enabling them to significantly improve their speed and quality. The course includes useful downloadable resources like presets and line art. While it assumes some basic Photoshop familiarity, the detailed breakdown makes it accessible, though some parts delve into complex, production-level workflows.

Best for those with some prior software use.

"While comprehensive for coloring, a basic understanding of Photoshop layers and tools is beneficial."

"Might be challenging for absolute beginners with zero Photoshop experience."

"The pace assumes you're comfortable navigating the software interface."

Includes useful downloadable files.

"The downloadable Photoshop presets and line art were incredibly helpful."

"Using the provided resources allowed me to follow along easily and immediately implement techniques."

"Having the actions and custom settings saved me a lot of setup time."

Covers basics to advanced techniques and business.

"I appreciated that it included advice on portfolio building and finding work."

"This course truly is comprehensive, covering everything from setup to printing."

"It's the most complete comic coloring curriculum I've found anywhere."

Emphasizes using color to enhance the narrative.

"The most impactful part was learning how color influences storytelling and guiding the reader's eye."

"Understanding concepts like plane separation and value is crucial for comic coloring."

"It's not just about pretty colors; it's about making the page *read* correctly."

Learn industry-standard techniques and efficiency.

"The workflow tips and tricks I learned here instantly improved my coloring speed."

"Getting insights into a professional colorist's exact process is incredibly valuable."

"This course goes deep into the practical, real-world methods used in production."

Taught by an experienced industry professional.

"K. Michael Russell is an excellent teacher with deep knowledge of the craft."

"Learning from someone who has worked on major comics gives immense credibility."

"His explanations are clear and easy to follow, even for complex topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Pro's Guide to Digital Comic Book Coloring with these activities:

Review Color Theory Fundamentals

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Reinforce your understanding of color theory principles, which are essential for effective comic book coloring and storytelling.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review the definitions of hue, saturation, and value.
Study color schemes like complementary and analogous.
Practice identifying warm and cool colors in existing comics.

Read 'Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter' by James Gurney

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Deepen your understanding of color and light, which are crucial for creating visually appealing and impactful comic book art.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

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Read the chapters on color temperature and atmospheric perspective.
Analyze how Gurney applies color principles in his own paintings.
Experiment with different lighting scenarios in your comic coloring.

Value and Contrast Exercises

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Improve your ability to create depth and visual interest in your comic book panels through value and contrast control.

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Create grayscale versions of existing comic pages.
Identify areas of high and low contrast.
Practice rendering simple shapes with different value ranges.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud

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Gain a deeper understanding of visual storytelling techniques in comics, which will inform your color choices and enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

View The Cartoonists Club: a Graphic Novel on Amazon

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Read the chapters on panel transitions and closure.
Analyze how McCloud uses visual elements to convey meaning.
Consider how color can be used to enhance these storytelling techniques.

Create a Color Script for a Short Comic

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Apply your knowledge of color theory and storytelling to plan the color palette and mood for a comic book scene.

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Choose a short comic script or create your own.
Determine the emotional tone of each panel.
Select a color palette that supports the storytelling.
Create a visual guide showing the colors for each panel.

Build a Reference Library of Comic Book Color Palettes

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Expand your understanding of color palettes and how they are used in different comic book genres and styles.

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Collect examples of comic book pages with diverse color palettes.
Organize the palettes by genre, style, or mood.
Analyze the color choices and their impact on the storytelling.

Color a Full Comic Book Page

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Solidify your skills by coloring a complete comic book page, applying all the techniques and concepts learned in the course.

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Select a line art page from the provided resources or find your own.
Prepare the line art and set up your layers in Photoshop.
Apply flat colors, rendering, and special effects.
Finalize the page for print or web.

Career center

Learners who complete A Pro's Guide to Digital Comic Book Coloring will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Comic Book Colorist

A Comic Book Colorist breathes life into black and white artwork, using digital tools to add depth, mood, and storytelling elements through color. This course directly addresses the core skills needed to excel as a comic book colorist. Given that the course covers techniques for flatting, rendering, special effects, and preparing pages for print, those who wish to become a comic book colorist should take this course in particular. You'll be better equipped to meet the demands of publishers and captivate readers, and you'll gain an understanding of a professional comic book colorist's thought process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Colorist

Sequential Artist

Sequential artists create artwork that tells a story through a sequence of images, such as in comic books or storyboards. This course focuses on the art of storytelling by utilizing visual elements such as color to guide readers. The course emphasizes storytelling through color, plane separation, and different rendering styles. Since the course also covers techniques such as applying textures and special effects, sequential artists who seek to hone their storytelling abilities and create captivating narratives should take this course in particular. You'll be able to use color to enhance the emotional impact and clarity of your stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sequential Artist

Graphic Novel Artist

A graphic novel artist creates the artwork for graphic novels, combining visual storytelling with compelling narratives. This course helps graphic novel artists refine their coloring skills and produce visually engaging pages. The course covers essential concepts such as separating planes, strategic rendering, and color modes. Since the course also covers topics such as workflow tips and project organization, graphic novel artists who seek to improve their coloring and storytelling skills should take this course in particular. Mastering these techniques allows you to create immersive and captivating stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Novel Artist

Digital Painter

Digital painters use software to create paintings directly on a computer. This course helps digital painters refine their understanding of digital tools. The course covers brush modes, gradients, and textures, all of which are useful to digital painters. Since the course also covers color theory, digital painters who seek to improve their digital painting skills should take this course in particular. Developing these skills allows painters to improve the quality of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Painter

Digital Artist

Digital artists create artwork using computer software and digital tools. This course helps digital artists, especially those interested in sequential art or comic books, create compelling visuals. The course covers various aspects of digital coloring, including tool settings, color theory, rendering styles, creating special effects, and preparing pages for print. As a digital artist, understanding these principles helps you produce high-quality art. Given that the course teaches how to think as a storyteller, digital artists who wish to create sequential art should take this course in particular.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for various media, including books, magazines, and websites. This course helps illustrators expand their skillset and create stunning visuals, especially for comic books or graphic novels. The course dives into creating special effects, color theory, and tips for preparing pages for print. Since the course covers techniques for different art styles and emphasizes the importance of value and contrast, illustrators who seek to improve their digital coloring skills should take this course in particular. By learning how to apply color effectively, you enhance your illustrations and make them more impactful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Freelance Artist

Freelance artists work independently, taking on various art projects for different clients. This course provides freelance artists with skills to expand their service offerings. The course covers aspects of digital coloring, workflow tips, and building a portfolio. The course provides insight into finding work and collaborating with others, so freelance artists who seek to broaden their skillset, enhance their portfolio, and attract clients should take this course in particular. By mastering digital coloring, freelance artists can offer a wider range of services and increase their earning potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Artist

Concept Artist

Concept artists create visual representations of ideas for various projects, including games, movies, and comics. This course helps concept artists enhance their digital coloring skills and create compelling visuals. The course covers color theory, rendering styles, and special effects. Given that the course teaches users how to improve their storytelling through color, concept artists who want to enhance their work should take this course in particular. By mastering these techniques, concept artists can communicate their ideas effectively and bring them to life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Storyboard Artist

Storyboard artists create visual representations of scenes for film, television, and animation. This course provides storyboard artists with valuable insights into digital coloring to enhance their storytelling capabilities. The course covers techniques for creating special effects, multiple light sources, and working with different art styles. As the course covers techniques for plane separation, storyboard artists who seek to bring depth and dimension to their storyboards should take this course in particular. Using color effectively helps convey mood, atmosphere, and narrative intent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storyboard Artist

Art Instructor

Art instructors teach art classes and workshops to students of all ages and skill levels. This course helps art instructors improve the knowledge used in their lessons. The course covers Photoshop tool settings, color theory, and rendering styles. Given that instruction is provided by a comic book expert, art instructors who seek to teach digital art to their students should take this course in particular. You will give your students practical skills that they can use for their own projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Instructor

Art Director

Art directors oversee the visual style and images for various projects, ensuring they align with the project's goals. This course may help art directors broaden their understanding of digital coloring techniques. The course covers layer setup, advanced tool usage, and applying color theory to comic art. Since the course also explores different rendering styles and special effects, art directors who want to have a broader understanding of the technical aspects of digital coloring should take this course in particular. This knowledge may help inform decisions about visual storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Video Game Artist

Video game artists create visual elements for video games, including characters, environments, and textures. This course may assist video game artists looking to refine their understanding of color, which is useful for many tasks. The course covers techniques for creating special effects, understanding multiple light sources, and applying textures, all of which are useful to video game artists. Since the course also covers tool setup and techniques, video game artists who want to refine their understanding of color should take this course in particular. This may allow the video game artist to make their elements more compelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Artist

Animator

Animators create moving images for film, television, and video games. Though this course is not focused on animation, it may provide animators with insights into digital coloring that enhance their animation projects. This course covers the use of color to tell a story through separation, strategic rendering, and value. Since the course helps users find shortcuts that save time, animators who seek to add color to their work should take this course in particular. By learning these techniques, animators can make their work more visually appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Web Designer

Web designers create the layout and visual design of websites, ensuring they are visually appealing and user-friendly. While primarily focused on comic book coloring, this course may offer web designers supplementary insights into digital color, even though the mediums are different. The course covers color theory, warm and cool tones, and monochromatic schemes. Because the course looks at how to use color to deliver a feeling, web designers who are interested in color may find this course helpful. By understanding the technicalities of color, web designers can enhance their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Book Cover Designer

Book cover designers create the designs that book covers use to attract readers. This course may offer supplementary insights into digital color, even though the focus is comic book coloring. The course covers color theory, complementary color schemes, value, and working with different art styles. Because the course also focuses on preparing pages for print, book cover designers who seeks to create better book covers may find this course helpful. By understanding the technicalities of color in digital art, you can enhance your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Book Cover Designer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Pro's Guide to Digital Comic Book Coloring.

The Cartoonists Club: a Graphic Novel

Save

While not directly about coloring, this book seminal work on the theory and language of comics. It explores the fundamental principles of visual storytelling, panel layout, and how readers interpret sequential art. Understanding Comics provides a crucial framework for understanding how color contributes to the overall narrative and emotional impact of a comic book. It's essential reading for anyone serious about creating comics.

The Cartoonists Club: a Graphic Novel

Paperback

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The Cartoonists Club: a Graphic Novel

Kindle Edition

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Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara

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Comprehensive guide to understanding color and light, essential for any visual artist. It delves into the physics of light, color theory, and how these principles apply to creating realistic and believable imagery. While geared towards painters, the concepts are directly applicable to digital coloring in comics, especially for achieving depth and realism. This book provides a strong foundation in the science and art of illumination.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)

Hardcover

A Pro's Guide to Digital Comic Book Coloring

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive professional comic coloring guide

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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