Originally Posted by
GameloverHD
Lighting and shading is extremely simple. There are multiple ways so I'll explain all of them (since I like being in-depth). Keep in mind I use Photoshop so you might not be able to accomplish some of these.
Brushes:
Make a new layer for both.
White soft brush:
Brush once above focal point to create light source. I usually set this layer to Soft Light.
Black soft brush:
Make this brush really big and brush outside the tag where you want shading (usually edges). Because of it being a soft brush, the tag will get light black on it. Keep this layer on normal or change the blend mode to either Soft Light or Overlay. Mess about with Opacity as needed.
Dodge/Burn Tools:
Make a new layer for both.
Hit Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and "E" on your keyboard or go to Image > Apply Image for both.
This creates a copy of the current visible image.
Dodge tool:
Use the Dodge tool on your focal point and/or text (depends on how you like it)
Burn tool:
Use this everywhere besides your focal point and/or text (depends on your Dodging)
Adjustment Layers:
Black and White Gradient maps on Luminosity can increase contrast.
Contrast obviously improves contrast.
Curves you can mess about with until you reach your desired effect.
Levels is the same as Curves (in application)
Not sure if you can use these in GIMP (or whatever you use) but those are the only ways I know how or can currently recall.
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