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I was asked at this last year’s
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icon_talk to do a Guide to colouring Stock icons.esp this one made for
basic_icontest
- Firstly I pick my base, which I have cropped to a 200*200 (or for this contest it was 100*100, but I use the same technique for smaller canvas). Then I place it on a blank canvas of the same size 200*200 (or 100*100) with a transparent background
- Once on the background I use curves, not to much as it will make it to bright, with stock icons you try to be natural as possible the animal / plant in the natural environment is the star of the show
I use easy Filter - Smart curve which is an add on for Photoshop Elements 11
Firstly I set the RGB Chanel to IN: 122, OUT:137
Then the Red Chanel to IN 132 : OUT: 162
Firstly I set the RGB Chanel to IN: 122, OUT:137
Then the Red Chanel to IN 132 : OUT: 162
- Once I have added a curves layer then I had a Brightness/Contrast layer - I se the contrast layer to contrast to 18 and Brightness to 29
- Then if I feel that the icon needs a little more colour then I add this texture
and set it to Soft light 50% or higher depending on the subject
- Once I'm happy with the icon, I merge all the layers and re-size to 100*100
- Well that is the technique I use to colour most of my stock icons, any questions?
Mood: 
productive
productive+