HOW TO

Draw shadows and highlights.

Open the sample file below in Photoshop to start practicing. Then watch the short tutorial video below to see all the steps.

Draw shadows and highlights.

Watch the short tutorial video above to see all the steps, then sign in or get a free trial of Photoshop to download sample assets and start practicing.

Tool

Assets

Practice files to get you started.

Try some of these techniques.

Grab a brush.

Select the Shape layer. Then choose the Brush tool, select a brush, and set its size.

Paint some shading.

Add a new layer and pick a color that is slightly darker than the shape. Then brush along the edges of the shape to create a shadow.

Add highlights.

Choose a lighter color and brush along the opposite edge to add some light.

Shape it up.

Make the shading fit the shape by right-clicking on the new layer and choosing Create Clipping Mask.

Draw a drop shadow.

Add a new layer above the Background layer. Then set the Brush tool to a color darker than the background and paint along the outside edges of the shape.

Try more tutorials.

Explore the rest of our series on creating virtual backgrounds, featuring the work of Meg Lewis.

Draw shadows and highlights.

Trace and color type.

Design with loopy lines.

Draw on a photo.

Create wobbly and 3D text.

Warp a pattern.

Draw with shapes.

Create a custom pattern.

Create a virtual birthday background.

Create a birthday box.

Meg Lewis

Meg is a designer, artist, performer, comedian, and educator working to make the world a happier place. She sees her bright, bold virtual backgrounds as an extension of her personality.

Meg Lewis

Meg is a designer, artist, performer, comedian, and educator working to make the world a happier place. She sees her bright, bold virtual backgrounds as an extension of her personality.

“I like to create virtual environments that feel like a better version of the world that we live in.”