Shoutout to the guy who told me to stop using black for shadows

2 comments

2 Comments

Oh man, that advice is actually pretty solid but I think people take it way too literally. The real issue isn't using black for shadows, it's using straight black from the tube without any mixing. I've seen artists get great results by making their own dark colors from deep blues or purples instead of just reaching for black. There's something about how pure black flattens everything out that makes the whole piece look dead. Mixing your own shadows gives you way more control over the mood and depth.

shanenguyen10d ago

Well, I have to admit I used to just grab black straight from the tube for shadows. But you're right, it really does make things look dead and flat. I might have to try mixing my own darks and see if that changes things.