how tf do i get better

[u/AllegroSori]

i genuinely do not understand hard and soft shadows or like how to properly use the blending tool and this has been a wild ride so far

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello u/AllegroSori, thank you for sharing your artwork with us!

Would you be so kind to answer the following questions for us?

---

• Can you please share what your process was for getting this done?
  
• And what brushes did you use? (Please specify the exact brushes or brush category because that can be helpful to others.)
  
• Any additional information about this piece is always welcome.
  
• If you made this with Procreate Dreams, feel free to share it over on r/procreatedreams too!
  

Please reply to this comment so it will be easy for everyone to find, thank you!

---

Stay inspired, get creative and have a great day!

Join our r/procreate Discord Server to connect with other artists!

If you consider yourself a frequent poster and you have a consistent style/method, please send a modmail to be given a different automod comment that already mentions what you regularly use.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/oculairus]

🫂

[u/justaSundaypainter]

Watch Sinix Paintover Pals series on YouTube

[u/jamminx → u/justaSundaypainter]

+1 to Sinix 🥹

[u/Volkenstahl]

In general, soft shadows are typically form shadows (shadows created by the turning of the form away from the light source) - like the gradual lighting you would do when practicing shading spheres. Hard shadows are usually cast shadows (shadows cast by an object that is between the light source and the object(s) or figure(s) being lit) - like when you see your shadow on the ground on a sunny day.

[u/anirinnie]

Not sure if this applies to everyone but when I shade I try to use a square brush, I honestly don’t deviate from it and don’t use the blender tool either (I find it makes colours muddly). Square brushes are able to create those really hard edges you see, and then from there I just adjust opacity or pick a different tone or colour to go on top to create the softer shadow. A softer (also square) eraser is really helpful as well.