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2. Applying Flat Colors

Insert a new layer.

When coloring, some people start from scratch and others go with flat colors first and then add shadows and highlights. I tried both ways in the past and in my opinion putting down some flat colors first is the better way to start coloring since it’s more organized.

So, the first thing you should do is to set up your color palette. If they aren’t already, open the color mixer palette (Shift+F9) and the color swatches palette (Ctrl+F9). The color swatches palette should contain all the default colors of a Flash document. Usually, I delete all colors from it, because it’s more organized when I add my own colors.
It’s optional of course, but if you like to clear them, too, just open the options menu of the palette and choose ‘clear colors’. (color_swatches_cap)

With the color mixer, start picking your set of colors. I usually put some blobs of color next to my lines, just to see if they work together or if they don’t. To ‘safe’ your colors within the color swatches palette, simply hover over the panel when you mixed your color. Your cursor will now turn into a paint bucket and as soon as you click once on the palette, your new color swatch will be saved.

You can start coloring your lines now. It’s up to you if you use the brush tool for it or if you copy the lines into your flat color layer and just fill the different parts with the paint bucket tool. Both ways will result in the same outcome.

Once you’re finished with this, lock the flat color layer and maybe safe your project. You’re now ready to start the shading.

Here’s my version:

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