I used to have about fifty gillion layers, but now I normally have these:

(> denotes layer, + denotes layer grouped to previous layer () defines modes or options)

>hilights (screen)
>lineart (multiply)
+ Lineart colours (sometimes)
>shades (multiply)
>flats
>background (sometimes)

there are other miscellaneous layers if more is goin' on, but generally it's just those.

_________________
***
(Updates Tu!)
Dave: I'm rageing lesbian trapped in a man's body.
Sucros: You can't learn to cook without learning a little french, you can't discuss softcore gay porn without learning a little japanese.

....



Well, with those last couple posts, I see why I dont use layers.



I get lost. Though, I must say your descriptions, they both help me more than any tutorials have. I need to find a person who actually knows layers and have them give me a brief spiel about it. I may get it eventuallly. Tho i suppose if my laziness subside i could look for my photoshop manual, considering, i have a semi-legit copy of PS7 :3

I tried that...but sometimes when I get done I go "Man...compared to the rest of the picture, the shading on the shirt is too strong...probably cause the shirt is white. I need to turn the opacity down on that" and there it is...the shirt shadow layers. I just turn down the opacity and its done.

I have started experimenting with using an opaque brush and doing alot of free style painting away from the layer system...kinda ends up looking like Open Canvas. I like it, but it really lacks alot of the control I'm so used to.

_________________
[22:38] <DJ_Cyni-Cole> you're tell me, a writer, that books are lame?
Jesus fuels with 89 Octane and so do I. Eat it, heritics. -Halo

Dude, it's so easy hahaha Just try it! *THUMBS uP*

Added after 2 minutes:



I find that uising a flats layer combines my "OMG need to see all my layers" need with my control-freak need. Because you just separate things based on colour, and then you can select them and change settings for THAT section only! With flats you're covered even in a painterly style, as long as your work is mostly blocked off you can go back and select the flat for that region. Like an underpainting almost.

_________________
***
(Updates Tu!)
Dave: I'm rageing lesbian trapped in a man's body.
Sucros: You can't learn to cook without learning a little french, you can't discuss softcore gay porn without learning a little japanese.