How Did I Do It: Starfire

Easy, the steps are laid out, Sketch it, lay out the flat colors, add all the appropriate Photoshop effects (I focus on Strokes, Gradient Overlays, Satins, Bevel & Emboss, Glows and Shadows), and add all the shades and highlights in the end. Dont forget to put a stamp (signature) on it.

I sketch in a 8 1/2 X 11" book right now. I wash I had a larger skatchbook so I can get alot more detail.
I dont have a Wacom anything yet so I use the lasso tool to create the Flats.
Add effects... keep an eye on your light direction at this stage. Make sure you're not conflicting yourself.
Then I pretty much do the shades and highlights simultaneously (with the lasso tool as well) - I know most artists do shades THEN highlights, but my sketch allows me to not care when I do either or.
There are 32 layers in this image. Never knew if it was a lot or not. But it seems just right to me lol.