All Topics

Find tutorials, courses, and more...

Design & Illustration

Categories

Learning Guides

DIGITAL PAINTING

How to Create a Seasonal

Yin Yang Illustration in
Adobe Photoshop
by Melody Nieves

78

open in browser PRO version

3 Feb 2015
118

1 Comment
12

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

What You'll Be Creating

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

In today's tutorial, I'm going to teach you how to create a beautiful seasonal yin
yang illustration. I'll focus on simple cheats to help you lay down a quick sketch for
your painting using Adobe Photoshop and a pen tablet. Let's get started!

Tutorial Assets
The following assets were used in the production of this tutorial:
Roses
Snowflakes
Yin Yang

What Is a Yin Yang?

According to the ever omniscient Wikipedia, a yin yang, or yin & yang,"describes
how apparently opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary,
interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to
each other as they interrelate to one another." A mouthful right?
In layman's terms, everything in this world is made up of both good and bad, or yin
yang.
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

We'll use the seasons to illustrate this notion of polar opposites by focusing on two
very different seasons: the beautiful frost of winter and the enchanting bloom of
spring.

Set Up the Canvas

So let's begin! Set up the canvas to the following specifications:
Width set to 3000 x 2400 pixels
Resolution set to 300 dpi

1. Trace the Yin Yang Outline

Since there are many repetitive details planned for this painting, we'll cut corners a
little and save time by tracing several references. And before you make a weird
face at meyes, tracing has its benefits. It develops muscle memory and allows
you to create perfect sketches for each component of this illustration.
Begin by tracing our Yin Yang Reference using the Ellipse Tool (U) for the circle
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

and the Pen Tool (P) for the inner curve.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Use the Ellipse Tool (U) again, to create two smaller circles for each side. You can
always make sure these circles line up perfectly by keeping your Smart Guides on.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

2. Trace the Rose Reference

Step 1
Set your Brush settings as follows:
Brush Color set to Black.
Size set to 6 pixels.
Opacity, Flow, and Hardness all set to 100%.
Hit F5 for the Brush panel, select Transfer, and change the Opacity Jitter
Control to Pen Pressure.

Step 2
Hide the visibility of the original yin yang layers.Copy and Paste the Rose
Reference on a New Layer and resize it with the Free Transform Tool (Control-T)
to a generous size.
Zoom (Z) in 400% and begin tracing the rose with clean, smooth strokes. Focus on
capturing the purest details of each petal and try not to include unnecessary details
like wrinkling or tears.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Once you're done, your rose should like this.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

3. Trace the Snowflake Reference

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 1
Before we piece everything together, the last thing we need to trace is the
snowflake. Just like before, Hide the visibility of your Rose Layer. Next, Copy and
Paste your Snowflake Reference onto the canvas, resize it, and begin tracing.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 2
Since the snowflake has a lot of repetitive shapes, we can easily trace one side,
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

and then Duplicate it several times for the other sides. Rotate the remaining
duplicates into place with the Free Transform Tool (Control-T).

Continue these steps until the snowflake is complete.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

4. Create a Custom Snowflake Brush

By turning this snowflake into a custom Photoshop brush, we can use the brush as
a stamp for our next steps. To do this, select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M)
and draw a rectangle around your snowflake sketch. Then go to Edit > Define
Brush Preset and hit OK after naming your new snowflake brush.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

5. Stamp the Snowflake Side

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 1
Now unhide the visibility layers for the yin yang. Using yourBrush Tool (B), select
your new Snowflake Brush and begin stamping snowflakes along the left side of
the yin yang. Erase any edges that overlap onto the background with theEraser
Tool (E).

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 2
Each side of the yin yang holds a smaller circle that represents its connection to its
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

polar opposite. Using these circles as guides, hover your Snowflake Brush over
the top circle to stamp it into place. Go to the original yin yang layer and Erase the
guide so that it no longer shows through.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Add some more snowflakes and smaller circles scattered about to complete the
snowflake side.
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

6. Create the Rose Side

Step 1
Hide the Snowflakes Layer so you can work with the roses without any distraction.
Next, position your rose with the Free Transform Tool (Control-T).

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 2
Duplicate the rose layer several times, positioning each new rose on the right side
of the yin yang. You don't want this to be a perfect pattern of roses, so make some
roses overlap others, or even hide them along the edges for a more dynamic
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

composition. Erase any bits of sketch that overlap from one rose onto another,
making sure to allow some room for petals to peek out nicely.
You can keep the roses as small or as big as you'd like during this process. I ended
up with 19 roses that vary in size, while creating a nice transition as they get closer
to the top snowflake.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 3
Remember to create an extra Duplicate for the single rose that must sit amongst
the flurry of snowflakes on the left. Use the bottom circle as a guide for resizing,
and position the rose with the Free Transform Tool (Control-T).

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Here is the yin yang with the completed rose side.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

7. Flip the Sketch

It was at this stage that I realized the winter and spring sides should be switched. A
quick search online also showed that yin yangs favored a position where the top
curve was on the left side, not the right. Flipping the sketch is pretty easy though,
so just go to Image > Image Rotation > Flip Canvas Horizontal.Once you're
finished, Merge all the sketch layers together.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Here is the completed yin yang sketch.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

8. Start the Grayscale Base

Step 1
Starting with a grayscale base allows us to transition easily into color by
establishing a solid lighting scenario. To prep for this technique, create a New
Layer (Control-Shift-N) underneath the Sketch Layer. Use the Elliptical Marquee
Tool (M) to trace the outside of the yin yang andFill the selection with a light gray
color. Set this base layer to Lock Transparency Pixels.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 2
Duplicate the base layer and set it to Multiply. Hit D on your keyboard to set the
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Default Foreground and Background Colors to black and white. Begin Erasing
any extra gray fill.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 3
Using the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) , trace the left side of the yin yang. Select the
Gradient Tool (G) and set the preset to Foreground to Transparent with an
Opacity of 50%. Now drag the marker so that it creates a nicely blended gradient
as it moves up the roses.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Repeat this process for the right side. This time create an opposite gradient effect
by dragging the marker downward to create a dark to light effect on the right curve.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

9. Shade the Roses

Step 1
Next we'll be using the Ambient Occlusion technique to shade each rose. Use the
Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) to Trace and Select one rose petal. Set the Brush Tool
(B) to the color black with aHardness of 0% and an Opacity of 20%.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 2
Now let's begin shading! Learning about Ambient Occlusion can completely
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

transform your digital painting process. So feel free to study up on this topic before
performing this step. With a Large Soft Brush, begin shading the inner part of the
petal that would normally be in shadow. Focus the brush towards the inner part of
the petals so that the shadows softly dissipate across them.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Not sure what I mean yet? Here's a quick animation to break it down.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 3
Continue shading each petal for all 19 roses. This step takes the longest of any in
the tutorial. Be patient and take your time, because the result will be incredibly
worth it in the end.
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Here is the completed rose side with shading.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

10. Fill the Snowflakes With White

Step 1
Filling the snowflakes with white will allow them to pop nicely against the gradient
background. First, select the Sketch Layer. Use the Magic Wand (W) to select the
inside of a snowflake. Next, Fill the snowflake with white using thePaint Bucket
Tool (G), making sure to complete the fill on a separateNew Layer.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 2
Continue this process until all your snowflakes are complete. Finish it off by painting
in white dots using a Hard Round Brush set to 100% Opacity.
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

11. Create the Background

Step 1
Before we can officially move on to color, we have to get rid of this boring white
background. Since I usually organize my layers into one massive group, I'm going
to right-click to Duplicate the group. Merge all the layers together from the
duplicated group. Now you should have a copy of the completed yin yang ready to
resize. Control-T while holding the Shift key to use the Free Transform Tool and
enlarge the second yin yang. Scale it enough so that it completely covers the white
background.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 2
Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal. Then go back to Edit again, to Flip
Vertically.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 3
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Adjust the Opacity of the background to 38%. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur
and set the Radius to 3 pixels.
When you're finished with these steps, bring the Opacity of the Sketch Layer down
to 25%. Here is the grayscale painting so far.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

12. Correcting the Shapes and Position

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

12. Correcting the Shapes and Position

Step 1
It's always good to get feedback on your work. And after a couple of rounds of
feedback I change the overall position of the yin yang so that the curves hook more
inward. This also means that I have to reposition the snowflake and rose so that
they are parallel from each other again, since they would otherwise be forced out of
alignment.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Since most of my layers are merged together by now, I simply rotate the symbol
with the Free Transform Tool (U), and use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) to
Select, Copy, and Paste, the snowflake and rose into their new positions.

Step 2
Using the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) again, I Select, Copy, and Paste additional
snowflakes and roses into place to cover up any pockets of empty space.
Afterwards, I crop the image by making a selection with the Marquee Tool (M), and
going to Image > Crop. Here is the final grayscale.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

13. Add Color With Adjustment Layers

Step 1
On a New Layer (Control-Shift-N), use a Hard Round Brush to paint the rose
side with a salmon color. Set this layer to Color Burn. Duplicate the layer and set it
to Screen with an Opacity of 60%.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Right-click to Duplicate this layer again, setting the third layer to Color Burn.

Step 2
Now the overall color scheme looks a little too bright. Create aNew Adjustment
Layer for Brightness/Contrast, bringing the Brightness down to -73 and the
Contrast up to 64 to deepen the colors.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step 3
open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

On a New Layer, take a bright pink color and lightly brush it over the top roses,
setting the layer to Soft Light.

Step 4
Now it's time for the winter colors! Add aNew Layer (Control-Shift-N) and Fill it
with a blue color. Set this layer to Soft Light and use the Eraser Tool (E) to erase
any roses that would be covered by the blue.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Step5
For crisper blues, add a New Adjustment Layer for Channel Mixer, and adjust the
Red and Blue Channels for richer, more vibrant hues.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

14. Clean Up Your Painting

Painting is like cleaning your roomyou can only let it get but so messy before
realizing you should clean up a bit. Luckily we've kept everything pretty neat and
tidy, so there's really not too much to do. Use a Hard Round Brush to begin filling
in parts of the painting where colors are missing or not blending well together.

15. Last Adjustment Layer

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

A New Adjustment Layer for Levels is always mandatory for that added boost in
vibrancy for your paintings.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Advertisement

16. Add Highlights

We're closing in on the finish line! For that beautiful crisp appearance, add
highlights to the roses. Use a Hard Round Brush with varying opacity to paint
bright orange highlights on the outer edges of some petals. Focus only on petals
that are being hit the most by light.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

And We're Done!

Many beautiful symbols are rooted in international philosophies, and I really hope
you've enjoyed following along this fun and colorful piece. May you always own
your inner yin yang, and find beauty and peace even in rough times. Good luck!

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Top 10 Website
Builders
Review of Best Website
Builders Build Your Own Free
Website

Advertisement

Suggested Tuts+ Course

Difficulty:
Intermediate
Length:
Medium
Categories:
Digital Painting
Illustration

Adobe Photoshop

Seasons

Winter

Spring

Translations Available:
open in browser PRO version

The Fundamentals of Digital Painting

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

Free

pdfcrowd.com

Tuts+ tutorials are translated by our community

The Fundamentals of Digital Painting

Free

members. If you'd like to translate this post into

another language, let us know!

Related Tutorials
How to Paint a Dapper Victorian Cat
in Adobe Photoshop

About Melody Nieves

I'm an artist who loves to paint in

Design & Illustration

Photoshop while helping others learn too.

Follow me on DeviantArt or tweet me
@MelloNieves and tell me what tutorials you'd like

How to Paint a Polish Winged

Hussar in Adobe Photoshop

to see next!

Design & Illustration

iDraw
Illustration and vector
drawing designed for Mac
OS X

Create a Surreal Ramen Bowl

Illustration in Adobe Photoshop
Design & Illustration

Jobs
Code Instructor
at Tuts+ in New York, NY, USA

Advertisement

Web Design Instructor

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

at Tuts+ in New York, NY, USA

Envato Market Item

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

1 Comment

Tuts+ Hub

Share

Recommend 4

Join the discussion

eirichi

21 days ago

part 8. step 2. explain "extra gray fill"

Subscribe

open in browser PRO version

Reply Share

Add Disqus to your site

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

Privacy

pdfcrowd.com

Advertisement

19,253 Tutorials

495 Video Courses

Teaching skills to millions worldwide.

Follow Us

Email Newsletters

Get Tuts+ updates, news, surveys &

offers.
Email Address

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

Email Address

Help and Support

FAQ

Subscribe

Terms of Use
Contact Support

Privacy Policy

About Tuts+
Advertise
Teach at Tuts+

Custom digital services like logo design, WordPress installation, video

production and more.
Check out Envato Studio

Choose from over 5 million royalty-free photos and images priced from $1.
No subscription required.
Browse Photos on PhotoDune

2015 Envato Pty Ltd. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com

owners.

open in browser PRO version

Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API

pdfcrowd.com