colouring in using photoshop

[lee_the_flea]

Hello everyone. I know this isn't really a 'retouching' query as such but I am hoping that one of you photoshop wizards might happen to know .... what is the best way to scan in line drawing (outlines/sketches etc) and to colour them in, as you would a comic book, storyboard etc. I have managed so far on my own but just not 100% happy with the way my outlines look, too jagged and uneven. I would really appreciate any kind of advise/tips about making this lengthy process more manageable and more visually appealing. thanks in advance. Lee-Ann

[chillin]

Did you try to use "Illustrator"?

[lee_the_flea]

Alas I don't have illustrator. I could try and get hold of it if you think it would speed up things. Is it is really easier and better to use?

[Ziaphra]

This may help...

http://vectormagic.stanford.edu/

[mikajomc]

Some of Melissa Clifton's tutorials talk about this I think
http://www.melissaclifton.com/tutorials.html

I'm pretty sure the "Coloring Line Art" one does anyway.

[pixelzombie]

Originally Posted by lee_the_flea

Alas I don't have illustrator. I could try and get hold of it if you think it would speed up things. Is it is really easier and better to use?

you still need to know the pen tool even if you use illustrator...

[lee_the_flea]

Hello again !!

Ziaphra .... I have got Illustrator now which looks awesome and I discovered the live trace which is amazing !! Alas I dont have much time to play with Illustrator as my deadline looms up but I will when I am finished with this job. It does make the lines neater. I just save them as ai files and then open them up again in photoshop and colour in from those. Thanks for the tip !!

Mikajomc ... YES, I know her stuff, very very good BUT I seem to get stuck with her tutorials as I always have to make actions to remember them and it took really long to colour in my last frame. I need something quicker .... (sad I know) Her tutorials are like a first class bottle of wine that you want to drink slowly and enjoy every last drop ... I need a quick fix now :-) that cheap bottle !!

Today I found this site and absolutely LOVED it for what I am doing .... perhaps its not to your guys standards but helpms me where I am right now.

http://zipandbit.com/skykayak

Thanks guys !!

Lee-Ann