https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/jake-draws-bubbles • Posted by Jake Romano
Reflective surfaces can be tricky! Here is a brief walkthrough of how I create bubbles with Adobe Photoshop (though you can use any similar editing software to get a similar result)
Reflective surfaces can be tricky! Here is a brief walkthrough of how I create bubbles with Adobe Photoshop (though you can use any similar editing software to get a similar result)
Start simple! Draw a circle or use the shape tool to make a solid sphere with an outline. Be sure to keep everything on separate layers when you paint! This makes it easier to switch up colors, which you'll see at the end.
Next, use your brush or the radial gradient tool to add a slight gradient from the center. I like to use my brush so that I get some variation in the colors.
Next up - paint in a rough crescent shape around the edge of the circle. It's okay if your strokes are blotchy and uneven! That actually makes the bubble seem more reflective.
(Now for my favorite part!) Throw some highlights on there! I like to add two larger circles on opposite sides then at least three more significantly smaller spots towards the edge, along with two swooping circular strokes. All of these highlights represent the different light sources that are reflecting off of the surface of the bubble. Normal objects aren't as "light sensitive" and will only pick up on overall light patterns, but bubbles reflect EVERYTHING so the more detail you add with these highlights the more realistic they will look!
Finally, you can switch up your colors! I like to swap my outline for something bright by adding a color overlay layer effect. I also like to pump up that shine a bit more by adding tiny highlight lines around the edge of the bubble with all different colors. Looking good!