Adobe Photoshop

• 1). Scan your image or take a high-resolution photograph and open the file in Adobe Photoshop.
  
  
• 2). Open the levels dialog box by clicking "Image" on the main tool bar, opening the "Adjustments" menu and selecting "Levels". This feature allows you to correct the tonal balance of your image, so outlines appear crisp against a background of an even tone. Drag the sliders until you feel you have achieved the correct balance.
  
  
• 3). Open the "Layers" palette by clicking "View" on the main tool bar and selecting "Layers." Select the layer named "Background," choose "Layers" on the main tool bar and select "Duplicate Layer." Name the new layer "Outlines" and delete the original layer by selecting it and dragging it to the trash icon at the bottom of the palette.
  
  
• 4). Select the magic eraser tool and click anywhere on the background color of your image.
  
  
• 5). Create several new layers by clicking on the "New Layer" icon at the bottom of the layers palette. Use these layers to separate regions of different color. If you are drawing a person, for instance, use separate layers for the hair and the skin. This allows you to edit each color without affecting your outlines or other colors. Change the color by double-clicking the color icon on the tools palette and use the brush tool to add detail.
  
  

Traditional Media

• 1). Clean up your outlines using a kneaded eraser. Strive for clarity and eliminate any extraneous pencil marks or smudges.
  
  
• 2). Make several copies of your outline using a photocopy machine.
  
  
• 3). Select your drawing medium. Choose artist-quality markers, such as Prismacolor and Copic, for a classic comic book-style drawing. You can achieve the same effect with acrylic paint but the moisture will warp lightweight paper. Colored pencils create a sketchier, artistic style.
  
  
• 4). Try various color combinations on the photocopies of your outlines. This allows you to experiment freely using your chosen medium without damaging your original. Choose your favorite color scheme.
  
  
• 5). Using a fine marker nib, a sharp pencil or a small brush, color the borders of each region, ensuring you stay within your outlines. Use a larger implement to fill in the center. Clean up your outlines using black paint or ink.