Applying colour to my drawings using Adobe Photoshop was one of the things I hated most.
I really had no patience when it comes to this.
I prefer to do it manually but I had no choice, it was a requirement to pass the subject back when I was studying.
So, I had no option but to learn.
I am not a master when it comes to applying colour and I am not saying that this is the best way.
What I am going to teach is just a simple way that even a beginner in Photoshop can follow.
First, you need your Photoshop and scanned drawing.
Open your Photoshop then click on File, select Open and pick your scanned drawing.
After that, give a significant name to the layer then set this layer to multiply.
It is better if you work on high resolution 300 Dpi to be precise.
Next, if your drawing is in grayscale mode you need to change it to RGB or CYMK.
I won't elaborate any further why to do this.
To change it from grayscale to RGB or CYMK: Go to image then mode and finally RGB / CYMK.
Take note, if your image is only for a computer screen then use RGB.
Now, you can start applying colours.
Just create a new layer then place it under the original layer or the layer where you have your drawing.
In every layer you use just put a name on it so that it would be easy to determine which is which.
You can now starts to colour just don't put shadings yet.
In my case every colour I use is equivalent to one layer.
So if you use many layers you can organise them with a folder located at the layer window just click on the folder icon at the bottom part.
To Colour: Click on Magic Wand tool then click the part of your drawing you want to colour.
Then click on the Brush tool and paint.
If you want to change the colour just go to the colour picker and choose any colour you want.
Instead of using the Brush tool you can also use the Paint Bucket tool.
You can easily change the colour if you feel it's not right any more.
You can also check the colour swatches at the right menu tool so you can easily select colours.
After you're done on your colouring, you can now start with the shading.
You must determine first the source of light before you start.
Click on the Magic Wand tool or click on the layer and select the colour you want to shade.
Choose a soft brush, set it to 50% and choose a darker colour.
Then add a little bit of colour in the dark area.
Keep doing this until you get the right shading.
After doing this you can use Smudge tool to make your colour more realistic.
You can also add harmonising colours.
Keep on doing this until you finish the whole image.
You can also add high lights in your drawing.
Just open a new layer above the layer where you have your drawings.
It will take a lot of time if you are new to this but all you need is patience and practice.
And by the way don't forget to save your work.