Kiyoko Redesign (Color)

Where to start?

My process:

Uh, I planned out the structure; then made the lines; added occlusion and additional weight where lines intersected; then I blocked out the silhouette to make a lazy clipping mask by clicking on that layer while pressing CTRL; so I could do the flat colors faster.

After that, I added a Multiply layer above the clipping layer to add more dimension to the flat colors, Adjusting said layer to be a dark red. Above that layer went the Multiply layer proper, where I applied the lighting. I didn't bother with a fill light, favoring a key and a rim light set to Color Dodge.

The background was a combination of two Gradient layers, one for the background color scheme and another for the drop shadow; as well as a liberal application of the pastel palooza brush, utilizing a lighter and darker color to imply some autumnal shrubbery or foliage in the background. There's also a Color Dodge layer to put a soft halo around her head.

Note: Something to keep in mind when sketching an expression. The corners of the mouth do. not. move! Not in semi-realistically. The lips, however, do, receding or flaring out. My go-to reference for feminine beauty is, atm, Jasmin Darnell.

I didn't use subsurface scattering, but I certainly intend to in future projects.

Note: For the mask layer I filled the silhouette using Kyle's #1 pencil brush; that lends the layers above more texture without resorting to superimposing noise with an Overlay layer.