The Compositing of Digital Illustration: Using Layers

Abstract

Originally, in early digital imaging software revisions, layers just isolated masked objects, like vellum on an overhead projector allows you to add to your presentations. The layer was designed to hold image compositing components, but at a certain point in the development cycle, developers started adding other cool features to layers, making them an order of magnitude more powerful. We will be learning about masking and alpha channels palettes during this chapter as well, as they are intertwined. In fact, we will also be covering some digital imaging concepts that also apply to digital painting or digital illustration.