Hello everyone,
The Shoost adjustment video I posted on X seems to have attracted more interest than I expected, so I'd like to explain the process in more detail here.
For this tutorial, I'll be using the character 天道すみれさん(Tendou Sumire-san).
I'll introduce the actual workflow with parameters, while keeping things not too technical.
Workflow Introduction
Let's go through the adjustment process step by step.
First, I start by setting Shoost basic feature, Screen Effects, to Normal. Blend AutoColor is set to 0.
Now let's start adjusting. I'll begin by explaining the layer adjustments.
1. Background Adjustment
First, I adjust the background color and add blur. Getting the background right establishes the overall direction of the atmosphere.
2. Character Adjustment
Once the background is set, I adjust the character to match it. The key concept is to adjust the character to match the background (environment).
First, I adjust the brightness using Color Correction.
Next, I use Color Grading for detailed color adjustments. This time, I'm adjusting it to be slightly warmer in tone.
Using a gradient effect with multiply blending mode, I add a subtle shadow to the right side of the character. This is because I'm assuming light is coming from the right edge of the screen, so the opposite side should be slightly darker.
Now I add a bit of light using rim lighting to express illumination.
3. Overall Screen Effects
Once the character and background settings are complete, I'll add effects to the entire screen.
First, I add a gradient to an empty layer and set the layer blending mode to multiply to add a subtle shadow to the bottom of the screen.
Next, similarly, I add a gradient to an empty layer and set the layer blending mode to add (additive) to express light.
To emphasize the light a bit more, I add another gradient using multiply mode, this time adding a subtle shadow on the opposite side of the light source.
Finally, to adjust the overall color, I set the layer blending mode to overlay and change the gradient to Solid for color adjustment.
4. Final Adjustments in Effects
Once the layer adjustments are complete, I make final adjustments in the Effects section.
I adjust the Flare to match the direction of the light source.
I make fine color adjustments using Color Grading.
I add a gradient from top to bottom.
Finally, I add Screen Filter and adjust Screen Effects to complete it!
Conclusion
This time, I introduced the complete workflow for screen adjustment using Shoost. The key points are to adjust the character to match the background, and to place shadows and light while being conscious of the direction of light.
Please give it a try!