Step: 1

Open illus.psd from the project files. It has three base layers: linework,
ground, and figure. Hide the ground layer, since we wont be working with it
right away.

Step: 2
Start by creating a new layer and filling the entire canvas with black. Move
this new background layer behind the other objects (if you havent done so
already).

Step: 3
Well start the colouring process by applying a black to red Gradient Map to
the figure layer. You can do this by selecting Layer > New Adjustment
Layer > Gradient map. Add a clipping mask of the Gradient Map to the
figure by hitting Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + G.

Step: 4
Now we can start applying various glow effects on the black line work to
accentuate certain parts of the suit. Select the linework layer, go to the Add a
Layer Style button at the bottom of the Layers panel and apply the Color
Overlay and Outer Glow effects. Adjust the settings for both until you get
something like what appears above.

Step: 5
Add a Layer Mask to the linework layer. Use a black (foreground) and white
(background) soft brush to begin hiding or revealing the glowing lines in
various areas of the illustration. You can control the brushs strength by
adjusting its opacity and Flow settings.

Step: 6
Duplicate the linework layer (Cmd/Ctrl + J) multiple times and repeat steps
4 and 5 to achieve an effect similar to that shown above.

Now well accentuate the shininess of the suit by adding more contrast in
places. Start by applying highlights, which can be created with airbrushing
techniques or adding a subtle Inner Glow Layer Style effect in the figure layer
as shown.

Create a Levels adjustment layer above the figure layer and apply it as a
Clipping Mask to that layer. Set the white output level to about 150. Using the
Layer Mask, begin to erase certain areas of the Levels adjustment layer as
shown. This should create a more dramatic sense of contrast.

Now well add streaks to indicate we have a superhero moving at a high

velocity. Start by using the Marquee (M) or Pen (P) tools to create some
horizontal shapes like those shown.

Step: 10
Use a variety of Layer Style effects, including Color Overlays and Inner and Outer
Glows, to stylise the streaks as shown. As before, use masks and brushes to apply
these relatively sparingly.

Repeat steps 9 and 10, this time creating secondary and tertiary streaks of
various colours. Keep going until you have a sense of fast motion.

Step: 12
To add more dynamism, we need a sense that our figure is racing past a
backdrop. First, well add a simple background by creating a new layer called
noise directly above the background layer. Go to Filter > Noise > Add
Noise. Set the Amount to 20%, hit the Gaussian button and check
Monochromatic.
Hit Cmd/Ctrl + L to bring up the Levels dialog box and set the Input levels
to 0, 0.4, 180. Add more noise and levels adjustments on this same layer until
the noise elements are as dense as what is shown above.

Step: 13
Duplicate the noise layer and set this noise copy layers blending mode to
Lighten. Go to Filter > Blur> Motion Blur. Set the Angle to 0 and the
Distance to 30 pixels. Bring up the Levels dialog and set the input levels to
about 0, 8, 90 to make the effect more visible.

Step: 14
Well now add colour and focus to the canvass centre. Go to Layer > New Fill
Layer > Gradient and select the Radial style. Ensure this new layer sits between
the noise layers and the figure and motion layers. Add Gradient Map adjustment
layers for the same purpose.

Step: 15
Unhide the ground layer and repeat the earlier steps to imbue it with the
same colours, glows and sense of motion.

Step: 16
Finish with subtle atmospheric touches such as rainbows (add layers with suitable
gradient fills) plus more colour variation and depth (use Gradient Adjustment layers
again).