How was the illustrated look of the animals created in Photoshop ?

[Andrew Brooke]

How was the illustrated look of the animals created in Photoshop ?

Thanks in advance !

[joanH]

Hello Andrew Brooke, First, are you certain only Photoshop was used to create these pictures? Second, each animal was expertly researched with photographs as a reference for accuracy.  Third, some artists do not wish to share their favorite secrets. Certain movie animators use these secrets too and do not wish to share all of them. Yes, something like Layers plays a significant role. Knowing the tools and having artistic talent is paramount. Some artists and illustrators prefer to create their work in the paper and brush reality in their studio and then scan the finished original into the print mode. If you simply must know how these are created,  look up the artist and search their background and bio. If they have a presence on the web, drop them a note and see if they will let you in on a few of their secrets. One special tool and talent used here is the lighting. Just to be able to draw or paint hair takes practice and skill. Photo-realistic work for sure. Let me know what you discover, we can always benefit from a few tips and secrets. Kind regards, JH

[Andrew Brooke]

No they're not painted or hand drawn. The photos have been run through photoshop filters to get that effect

[mjbelt]

The artist created a gradient-mask effect in Layers – animal(s) blend into the background gradually.

Combine images with a smooth transition |
https://helpx.adobe.com/search.html#q=Layer%20Masks&t=All&sort=relevancy&CommonProduct=Photoshop

[joanH]

Hi mjbelt, Sounds simple and easy. Lots more things going on here but at least if one has the artistic talent, they can follow your formula. Artists have their unique way of creating their own style - Using the same method you suggest, each artist will come out with something different. That's the fun of it all. : + ) Regards, JH