Creating the Colored Pencil Look

To make something look like colored pencil in Photoshop, you generally follow a process that involves creating a sketch base and then adding color and texture to simulate the look of colored pencils on paper. This combines techniques for creating linework with methods for applying layered color and surface texture.

Achieving a realistic colored pencil effect isn't a single filter application but rather a combination of steps to simulate the drawing process digitally.

Step 1: Prepare the Sketch Base

This initial stage focuses on extracting or creating the line work from your image, similar to how an artist might first sketch their subject.

Duplicate the Background Layer: Start by making a copy of your main image layer (Cmd+J or Ctrl+J). This keeps your original photo safe.
Desaturate the Copy: Convert this duplicated layer to black and white. You can go to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate (Shift+Cmd+U or Shift+Ctrl+U) or use a Black & White adjustment layer.
Duplicate the Desaturated Layer: Duplicate this black and white layer (Cmd+J or Ctrl+J).
Apply Color Dodge Blend Mode and Invert: Select the top desaturated layer. Change its blending mode to Color Dodge. As mentioned in the provided reference video excerpt, you then "hit command or control I to invert the colors of your image." This step, setting the blending mode to Color Dodge and inverting, is key in creating a bright, almost ethereal sketch effect where lines and edges become prominent.
Apply Gaussian Blur: With the inverted, Color Dodge layer selected, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Adjust the radius slider. A smaller radius will yield finer lines, while a larger radius will create thicker, softer lines. Find a setting that gives you good definition without blowing out too much of the image to white.
(Optional) Refine the Sketch: If needed, you can adjust the opacity of the Color Dodge layer or add a Levels/Curves adjustment layer (clip-masked to the Color Dodge layer) to control the intensity and contrast of the lines.

These steps (Duplicate, Desaturate, Duplicate, Color Dodge, Invert, Gaussian Blur) are a common starting point for creating digital sketch effects in Photoshop, directly incorporating the technique of using the Color Dodge blending mode and Inverting colors as highlighted in the reference.

Step 2: Add Color and Texture

This is the crucial part where you bring back color and introduce texture to mimic colored pencils and paper.

Adding Color

You can reintroduce color in several ways:

Using the Original Color: Place the original color duplicate layer (from Step 1, before it was desaturated) on top of your sketch layers. Change its blend mode to Color. This applies the original hues and saturation to the luminosity of your sketch layer, often resulting in a subtle, layered color effect. Adjust the layer's opacity to control color intensity.
Painting on New Layers: Create one or more new blank layers above your sketch base. Set these layers' blending modes to Color, Multiply (for darker, richer color build-up), or Linear Burn. Use soft or textured brushes to "color" over the sketch lines. Applying color on separate layers allows for easy adjustments and simulates the layering effect of real colored pencils.

Adding Texture

Texture is essential to make the effect look like it's on paper with visible pencil strokes:

Filter Gallery: Merge your visible layers (or stamp them onto a new layer with Shift+Cmd+Option+E or Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E). Go to Filter > Filter Gallery. Explore filters like:
- Artistic > Colored Pencil: This filter attempts a one-click colored pencil look, though it can sometimes appear artificial.
- Texture > Texturizer: Apply a Canvas or Sandstone texture to simulate paper.
- Artistic > Rough Pastels: Can sometimes give a grainy, textured appearance.
Overlaying Paper Texture: Find a high-resolution image of paper texture. Place it on a layer at the very top of your layer stack. Experiment with blend modes like Multiply, Overlay, or Soft Light, and adjust the layer's opacity until the paper texture is visible over your colored sketch.
Using Textured Brushes: Use Photoshop brushes designed to look like pencil or crayon strokes. You can use these to paint color, erase areas to reveal texture, or add manual stroke details on new layers.

Step 3: Refine and Finalize

Adjustment Layers: Use Brightness/Contrast, Levels, or Curves adjustment layers to fine-tune the overall look. Hue/Saturation or Vibrance can enhance the colors.
Layer Masks: Use layer masks to selectively apply or hide the sketch, color, or texture effects in different areas.
Experimentation: The best colored pencil effects often come from experimenting with different layer opacities, blend modes, and filter settings until you achieve the desired artistic style.

By combining the initial sketch creation steps, including the Color Dodge and Invert technique derived from the reference, with methods for adding color and texture, you can transform an image into a digital colored pencil drawing in Photoshop.