create a zombie in "the last of us"

1. How to create Zombie in Photoshop

Instructions for creating Zombies in Photoshop: 

1.1. Step 1

First we need to start with some quick and optional edits to the base image. You need to remove the skylights using the Patch tool to create a dark and underground environment. 

Next add a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer above the base image. Set the layer to -40 Brightness and +23 Contrast to darken the image a bit. 

1.2. Step 2

Next we need to create a human infection caused by fungus, like this tutorial we use tree mushrooms to create a creepy and spooky effect. When placing the mushrooms, pay attention to the angle, place them around the eyes and fold them into the subject's forehead. 

1.3. Step 3

You can move the mushrooms around if needed, and pay attention to adjusting the colors on the zombie to create a darker, more realistic effect. To do this, go to Image > Adjustments > Saturation down to -70. 

Then using Smart Objects, you can freely use the clipped adjustment layers instead. Next, let's darken the mushrooms and remove some of their contrast using the Curves adjustment and copy it to what you see here: 

1.4. Step 4

Once the mushroom is a better match to the zombie's skin, add a new Layer Mask to the mushroom layer and refine the shape further. Use a hard round Brush to remove large parts of the mushroom, and use a softer round Brush to slowly blend some of the edges into the skin. 

In addition to the Brush, you can use the Pen Tool or the selection tool to shape the mushroom so that it blends better with the zombie's face. 

1.5. Step 5

Repeat this mushroom adding step one more time to continue building the mushrooms on the model's face. We will use the same mushroom, duplicate the mushroom and Delete its layer mask, then add a new Layer Mask to mask them into a new unique shape. 

You can flip, resize, and cover them with this new layer of mushrooms.

1.6. Step 6

Duplicate the mushroom one last time and erase any layer masks it may have and bring it below the previous mushroom layers.

Next, set the new mushroom layer to Overlay and place it on the zombie's face. This will give the zombie's face the same color and texture as the mushroom, helping it blend into the skin. 

1.7. Step 7

We could stop here, but the "Last of Us" zombies have very distinctive mouths. So, we're going to borrow another zombie's mouth and teeth to paste onto our zombie's mouth. Make it a little bigger than the current mouth. 

1.8. Step 8

Next, we'll use the Warp Transform tool to warp the mouth, making it fit better on the face. 

To get the zombie mouth to start and go into the folds of the mushroom, you need to curve them into the folds on the right side of the face. 

If you use Smart Objects, you can come back and adjust later. 

1.9. Step 9

Finish the zombie mouth by blending the edges with a new Layer Mask and a soft round Brush. 

1.10. Step 10

We need to blend the mouth into the folds of the mushroom using a Normal layer placed above the mouth and a very dark red color #160000. This will create a quick shadow that looks much better after adding our color layer. 

You can help match the skin tone better by creating and clipping a Color Lookup adjustment layer set to 3D LUT TensionGreen to the mouth. Then set the layer to Multiply at 65% Opacity to darken the mouth with a greener tone. 

2. How to create a horror Zombie effect

Here are the specific steps to create a horror zombie effect:

2.1. Step 1

Now we have a basic zombie to add all sorts of details to. First we need to add some color, to add color you need to create a New Layer above all your current layers. Then set it to Multiply. 

Using a grunge or textured Brush, paint brown #5d4435 and red #840000 all over the zombie's shirt. 

Using Multiply will make any color you apply darker, so if you want a darker red, choose a vibrant medium red. 

2.2. Step 2

Double-click the layer to open the Layer Styles panel and go down to Blend If. We'll use the Underlying Layer toggle switch to blend the dirt and blood out of the brighter values ​​of the image. 

Grab the white transitions, hold Alt to separate the transitions, and drag them to the left. The further we drag to the left, the more dirt blends out of those brighter values. And the further apart the transitions are, the smoother the blend will be. 

Zombie's shirt is quite light, you can customize it until you feel satisfied.  

2.3. Step 3

We will use the same method, using a brush and red, to create blood from the mouth to the chin and shirt. 

The only thing we need to change is the Blend If settings, you can copy the settings like our guide or play around with the toggles until you get something you like. 

2.4. Step 4

Blood and dirt aren't the only things that work. We can use the same method to add color to the zombies themselves. 

The zombies in "The Last of Us" have varying shades of blue #74b4bf, yellow #f69f3a, and light green #caed93 in their skin tones. 

Using the same techniques we just learned, we can paint similar colors onto the zombie's face, skin, and mushrooms. 

2.5. Step 5

To finish off the details, add some saliva and slime. You can find brushes that simulate things like drool. Think brush packs for creating monsters, animals, or dragons. 

You can also do the coloring yourself by drawing thin light blue lines with the color code #cbd9dd on the Normal layer.  

The trick is to make it thin and lose some areas. Make it look like the slime has been stretched so thin that it breaks, or the light isn't hitting it. 

You can use the Eraser tool to taper lines or stretch them out with the Smudge tool. 

Or you can skip this step altogether, as some zombies in "The Last of Us" are slimy, and some aren't. 

3. How to create zombie eyes in Photoshop

3.1. Step 1

You need to focus on the eye detail, because the zombies in "The Last of Us" have those signature shiny, milky white zombie eyes. We need a new layer set to Screen, use a semi-soft round Brush tool at around 70% hardness. Then pick a pale yellow color code #ffeeb1 or whatever color you want for the eyes. 

Finally set the Brush Size to the size of the subject's iris and place a single dot of that pale yellow color. 

3.2. Step 2

Reduce the Opacity of the layer to 30%. 

3.3. Step 3

Finally, use a soft Eraser brush to blend the top of your eye to create depth. Depending on how much of your new eyeshadow you blend in and how opaque your layer is, you can achieve a few different effects, from dead-eyed to bright-eyed. 

4. How to create impressive lighting effects in Photoshop

4.1. Step 1

The light looks flat, so create a curves layer and highlight the highlights. 

Click on the layer mask and Invert it with Ctrl-I to turn the mask black. 

We want to use this layer and a soft round Brush to mask some light on the subject's face and upper body to brighten the zombie's face. 

4.2. Step 2

Once you are happy with the lighting, you can also add some shadows using a Curves layer. This time we will reduce the brightness and bring out some of the shadows so that the zombie background looks foggy, dark, and dusty. 

Once the Curves layer is set up, you can mask it off the zombie's face and upper body. 

5. How to create horror movie color layers

To create a horror movie color grade, use the following adjustment layers:

Step 1: First start by setting the Color Lookup to TealOrangeContrast at 40% Opacity. 

Step 2: Next, add a second Color Lookup set to TensionGreen at 25% Opacity. 

Step 3: Add a third Color Lookup set to 3Strip, layer mode Color and 100% Opacity to enhance the colors.  

If the face is too dark, add some brightness using a Soft Light layer and a light blue color to create a flashlight effect on her face and body. 

And here is the result we got. Zombie looks realistic and scary right? 

That's all there is to creating a zombie with "The Last of Us" mushrooms! There are millions of different types of mushrooms you can use to create terrifying zombies. 

As you can see, with just a few simple steps, we have created a zombie in "the last of US" that is extremely scary and hideous. Try and create your own impressive zombie, I wish you success with the above instructions. And don't forget to follow SaDesign to always update yourself with the most interesting information about design and photoshop! 

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