How to use layers in ipad illustration

First you want to have an art app from the app store that works with layers. I recommend Brushes, Sketchbook, ArtRage or Procreate.

On my first layer I use the pencil tool for a light blue sketch. Consider this the skeleton of the figure. The guitar strings are red to avoid confusion.

Next I create a new layer and drag it on top of the first. I call this the graphite layer. I work up the details of the figure and the guitar. The sketch is still loose but detailed.

Now I create a new layer and move it to the top. The character has sheet music hair so this top layer is reserved for the lines and notes in her hair.

Now I delete my blue layer and create a layer I call "the ink." I go over the graphite layer with a black marker tool. Now I can delete the graphite layer. The music notes sketch is turned off.

Similar to the last step I create an ink layer for the lines.

Now I turn down the opacity for my ink layer and turn on the music notes sketch. An ink layer is created for the notes.

Now I ink the notes and get rid of the sketch I no longer need. A color layer is created. Layers are transparent so this one is tucked under the music notes ink layer. That layer is what I color.

The ink and color for the notes get merged and I make a final layer for her color. I tuck it under her ink layer and color the new bottom layer. The halftone gets put on using a different brush.

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial. Check out my latest book, Through The Elm to The Big Apple at http://about.me/raheemnelson.