I apologize for the biiiig filesize. >.< Please read description for extra information that couldn't be included in the tut!

The result is here, please click if you liked the tutorial or are curious to see the result: ^w^ [link]

FAQ
Do I need a tablet?
Yes. But you can get almost the same result with a mouse (using the smudge tool) and a lot of blending.

Which program?
Photoshop CS but I think older versions (and newer) will work. Just try it. And the same method can probably be applied in Open Canvas and other programs.

I've scanned in my lineart instead of inking straight onto the PC, can I still follow the tutorial?
Yep. Just set the lineart layer to Multiply and colour below the lineart the layer. The colour won't obstruct the lines.

How do I colour my lineart?
On the lineart layer click Preserve Transparency and just colour straight over it. Or use Hue / Saturation.

How do I darken my lineart?
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels (drag the sliders)
Duplicate lineart and set to multiply.
Brightness / Contrast

What about the pen tool?
Sorry I don't use that and I can't explain. >.<

Do I really need reference for colouring?
Yes!! I had the Naruto manga infront of my monitor the whole time!

Where do I get textures from?
You can photograph some old wood. Or go to a textures website like Mayang.

Settings and extra information:
Ok, I didn't really explain the settings I use in the tut. XD So here it is in text. Brush settings for Shape Dynamics located in the brush tab:
Size Jitter: 0%
Control: Pen Pressure
Minimum Diametre: 10%
Angle Jitter: 0%
Control: Off
Roundness Jitter: 0%
Control: Off

I have spacing set to 0%. and opacity to around 60%, hardness 100%.

Other Dynamics tab:
Opacity Jitter: 0%
Control: Fade
Flow Jitter: 0%
Control: Pen Pressure

I use those settings for shading etc.

For inking I don't use Other Dynamics and I keep the brush to 100% Opacity.

Smudge tool:
0% Hardness
70% Strength
Shape Dynamics ticked with the same settings as show above.

Tip for blocking in base colours:
Use the same settings for inking. Once blocked in (keep it tidy!) click the Preserve Transparency box in the layers tab. So when you shade the colour keeps within the lines!

Different Strokes I like to use:
Hair: Quick sweeping strokes
Clothes: Strokes and dabbing. After dabbing blend a little.

Custom Brushes:
I only use the spatter brush sometimes. Make a new doc 100x100 with a transparent background. Brush little specks here and there. Select > All then go to Edit > Define Brush Preset. Give it a name and it will appear in your brushes tab. This brush is good for hair.

Colour:
When colour picking for skin pick about 4-5 tones. Drag the hue picker (on the right of the colour picker menu) inbetween red and yellow. Back in your colour picker area drag the circle top left a little. Well around there anyway. Then go down and right the size of another circle and keep going that way, with every new colour drag the hue picker down a bit (towards red). Then as your shades get darker drag it left and it will go more purple. Because yellow and purple are opposite the colour wheel they go well together. ^^

Blending:
The common way people blend is picking two colours. Put them next to eachother. Lower opacity of your brush, pick one of the colours and brush in the middle. Then pick the new colour (Alt) and brush in the middle some more. Keep going till it\'s blended. Some people find it easier to use the Other Dynamics tab with Pen Pressure, and it is! But at the moment I'm addicted to the Fade option instead of pen pressure. XD


I'll add more if asked or when I remember. XD (note or comment if you have a question or want something explained further.)