'Brute Mech Soldier' FREE PSD

Here's a bit more insight into one of my techniques in creating a character in Photoshop. Though this is not a finished piece, I can 'fake it' by using various textures, 3d elements, custom brushes, and custom shapes. But most importantly, using CONVINCING LIGHTING! Otherwise it all falls flat!

A note on where I get these various elements: 

1)Textures: found or purchased online, or made myself. ( textures.com is a great resource)

2)3d elements: The ones I'm using here were purchased online( gumroad and cubebrush)... I'm not good enough to make those, I can just play around with them in zbrush ;)

3)Custom brushes: for this piece it was just for the hair. I made that brush myself but there are plenty you can find online for free.

4) Custom Shapes: these were made from combining textures I found and fusing them with my own art, giving a more original twist to them. Same with these, millions online for free...just Google 'custom shapes photoshop' !

Ultimately, the more ideas and tools you use and get a good grasp on, the more original you art will be!

Hopefully this gives you guys some ideas when creating your next pieces. Use EVERYTHING you know! Drawing, painting, 3d, photography, brushes, shapes etc...It's digital so anything goes:)  

I'll hopefully be making a tutorial of this soon, so follow me here to know when it's out!