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.

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.