Question - Layer organisation

I just started using templates in CS2, and before anyone jumps down my throat, I have been using CS2 for digital art (though mainly Painter IX & Open Canvas), but this is quite different & the only question I really have so far is: Where is the best place to put my working layer? I take it I'd need to create one (or however many) after opening one of these pre-made templates or are they built in under a different name?

I've attached a CMFF template screenshot & I'm not sure if the working layer is already here on opening the file (under another name), if it's not where do I put it once I create it?

Thanks in advance

There is no right or wrong place to put your working layer. It just needs to be on top of the background and under the overlay seam guide. I turn the seam guides on and off as needed. I almost always end up with more than one layer for the clothing texture. Sometimes I like to keep the front and back on separate layers. You will find with experience a system of layers that works best for you.

I usually keep all the templates in a Set, at the top of the list (that way I can turn them all off or on easily).
I keep my working layers under it.

Thank you for that Sylvia & Raindrop, appreciated

I usually keep my template image at the top of my stack with it's blending mode set to either overlay, screen, or even multiply, depending on the type of colors I'm using. My working layers are all grouped under that. In this way I can paint without covering my template.

Something else you may want to try is to work with layers in groups of color, shadow, and highlight. For example if you are creating a shirt you would have one layer with just the shape filled with solid color. Above that layer you would have a layer with only folds and shadows painted on it with the blending mode set to multiply and it's opacity set to somewhere between 20-70%. Above both of these you can have your highlights layer where you paint with white and have it's blending mode set to screen or overlay.

What does this allow you to do? you can easily adjust each element separately. Need to make a dark version of the clothing item? Then you can adjust the highlights and shadows layers to make the texture really 'pop'. It also allows you to setup groups of folds, highlights, and shadows.

After posting I figured I'd share some screens of what I mean.

The color layer only

Basic shading

Shadows layer

Highlights layer

Features


Changing how the texture feels with only highlights and shadows

FYI these are all from the free template that is part of the TShirt class over at The FriedGeek Learning Center

Cheers.

Sorry I only just noticed this! Thank you very much for the screenshots, very helpful