Photoshop Car Tutorial

This tutorial describes how to render this car. I use paths a lot. In this tutorial I also use layer masks and layer filter. The whole thing took about an hour and a half to complete. Drawing out the paths is the most tedious part but once theyre layed out it all comes alive.

1. Sketch

Start with a sketch or download this one here.

Use a variety of line weights. This adds depth to the sketch and makes it look more interesting. Highlight areas of interest by making those lines thicker.

2. Path Tool

Go over the sketch using the path tool. Then go over the sketch with a 1px black brush. Name this layer base and highlight it to make it easy to locate quickly.

3. Shadows

Using the base layer use the Magic Wand Tool to select the areas which will be dark i.e the shadow areas.

4. Gradient

Select the main part of the car and fill it with a solid colour so that you can quickly select it. Name this layer "base". Select the base and add a gradient as shown.

5. More gradient

Add more darker areas to parts which face downwards.

6. Wheels

Add some detail to the wheels to make them stand out.

7. Highlights

Add some highlights.

8. More highlights

Continue to add highlights.

9. Headlamps

Create a nice shape for the lights and stroke them.

10. Finishing touches

Add and outer glow to the lights to really bring them out Layer Style > Outer Glow.

This type of rendering is used to get a nice quick result. It shouldn't be too tight as it should have a sketchy feel.

You can download the photoshop file including the paths and all the layers here.