1. Easy-to-use Photoshop.

There was a time when each creative program had its own unique strengths. Depending on the style I wanted to achieve, I’d switch between them to get the right look.

But as time passed and software kept evolving, many of those tools started to overlap in features and became more streamlined. Eventually, for concept design and illustration, I found myself turning almost exclusively to Photoshop.

What I love about Photoshop is that, even though each new version brings extra features, its core interface hasn’t really changed. That means you don’t have to worry about keeping up with every update. I’ve been using it for years without skipping a beat.

Most of the artwork I’ve created so far has been done using just the basic features of Photoshop. Once you get the hang of those fundamentals, you can start building up your skills at your own pace—no pressure. Don’t be afraid to dive in. (Seriously, open it up and start doodling! 😊)

The best part? Photoshop doesn’t demand a super high-spec computer. It runs smoothly on most average setups. And you don’t need an expensive tablet either—just a regular-sized one is more than enough to get started with digital art.

(A few years back, Wacom was the go-to brand for tablets. But now, there are plenty of affordable options with great performance. So don’t stress about getting high-end gear from day one. A good drawing doesn’t come from expensive tools—it comes from your hands. 😊 Start easy, start now.)

In the end, what matters most in digital work isn’t the fanciest gear—it’s how comfortable and naturally the tools feel in your hands.

This is what my typical Photoshop setup looks like.

I like to keep things as simple as possible—minimizing extra panels and only keeping the Layers panel and control bar visible at the bottom. It helps me focus without distractions.

The canvas is shown smaller here, but I usually work in full screen mode (press F to toggle it). It gives me a cleaner, more immersive workspace.

Dual Monitor Setup & Basic Drawing Flow

It’s pretty common for designers to work with two or more monitors. One screen is typically used for browsing references (a.k.a. lots of internet surfing 😆), while the other is kept entirely dedicated to the actual workspace.

You don’t have to use multiple monitors, but switching back and forth between reference images and your canvas on a single screen can be a hassle—and it can really disrupt your focus. Having a clear separation between the two areas definitely helps with productivity.

Basic Workflow in Photoshop

Here’s the basic flow I follow when starting a new drawing in Photoshop:

1. Open Photoshop 😊

2. Create a new canvas (File → New or Ctrl+N)

3. Select the Brush tool (B)

4. Open the brush panel to choose a brush (Ctrl+B)

5. Start drawing

6. If something doesn’t look right, erase it (E)

7. Go back to the Brush tool and keep drawing... and repeat! 😊

It’s a simple cycle, but once you get into the rhythm, it becomes second nature.

Customizing the Tablet Pen for Efficiency

I’ve customized my tablet pen so that one button switches to the Brush tool (B) and the other to the Eraser tool (E).

This setup helps me reduce how often I need to reach for the keyboard, allowing for a more fluid and immediate drawing experience. It might seem like a small change, but it really makes a difference in maintaining focus and flow while working.

Working with Multiple Layers

From here, creating separate layers for different elements is one of the key steps that adds flexibility to the workflow.

You can create a new layer via the top menu: [Layer] → [New] → [Layer], or simply use the shortcut Shift + Ctrl + N.

Using multiple layers allows you to keep things organized and make adjustments without affecting the rest of your artwork—something you’ll really appreciate as your drawing gets more detailed.

Starting with a Rough Sketch

When I begin a character sketch, I like to start small—literally. I zoom out and keep the canvas size modest so I can see the overall proportions and silhouette at a glance.

At this stage, there’s no need to worry about details. I focus purely on the overall shape and flow, using just the brush and eraser to block things in.

The goal here isn’t perfection—it’s to make sure nothing feels awkward or off. As long as the overall form looks natural, you’re on the right track.

Sketching the Outfit — Keep It Loose

Even when I move on to sketching things like clothing, I still focus on the overall shape and structure. It’s important to see the full silhouette clearly, so I continue blocking in large forms rather than zooming in too early.

At this stage, I’m not aiming for clean, polished lines. I just want to lay down a visual flow that makes sense to me. Think of it more as a design rough—something that helps you understand the concept, not a final drawing.

There’s no need to waste energy trying to draw perfect lines at this point. Treat it like a loose idea sketch—you can always change directions as you go.

(Sometimes I jot down quick notes next to the drawing to help capture ideas I don’t want to forget.)

Adding in the Details

Once I’ve settled on a general direction for the design, I start refining the sketch with more detailed rendering.

At this point, the foundation is already in place—so it’s just a matter of building on top of it, adding definition and texture where it’s needed. This is where the design starts to really take shape and come to life.

Setting Up for Clean Rendering

Instead of drawing directly over the rough sketch, I usually lower the opacity of the rough layer so it doesn’t interfere with the detailing—but is still visible enough to guide me.

I group all the rough sketch layers into a folder and adjust the folder’s opacity, making it easier to manage everything at once.

Then, I create a new folder on top of that group for the final rendering layers. This keeps things clean and organized, and helps me focus fully on the details without the sketch getting in the way.

Zooming In and Out for Detail Work

During the rendering process, I frequently zoom in and out to refine the details.

Zooming in helps me focus on fine lines and subtle shapes, while zooming out lets me check the overall balance and make sure everything still works as a whole.This back-and-forth is key to keeping both the big picture and the details in harmony.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Rather than getting too deep into every little setting and feature, I try to approach things in the simplest way possible—adjusting only what’s necessary within the overall structure of my workflow.

The key is to keep the process light and enjoyable, while keeping the final image in mind. Drawing should never feel like a chore.

I’ve spent many years exploring Photoshop in depth through professional work, but I’ve found that keeping things simple often leads to better results. The more mental space you leave for creativity—instead of overthinking the tools—the more freely your ideas can flow.

Don’t let the pressure of “using it the right way” stop you from expressing what’s already in your head. That hesitation is a bigger obstacle than any technical limitation.

And if my approach feels too complicated? That’s totally fine. Find your own simple path—there’s no one right answer. You’ve got this!

(Also, there are already plenty of amazing books and tutorials out there by talented artists that dive deep into specific techniques, so I won’t take up more space repeating the same.)

For now, just open up Photoshop… and start doodling. 😊