How to remove the Pencil Lines that are left after coloring?

Question

FYI, I use Macromedia Fireworks to do my coloring. (the only program I have)

Still new to coloring.
This is what I did:

1) Scan in the sketch (color, grayscale, black & white?)
2) Color it with the help of the magic wand tool.

BUT, the problem is, the pencil lines are always there, and it doesnt look good. =/

If I sketch it lightly, the program couldn't find the outlines of the sketch when I use the magic wand tool hence it is quite difficult to color it.

But if I sketch it hard (on the outlines), I could color easily however the pencil lines are way too obvious (too thick).

So my question is.... is there anyway to remove the lines? Or do I have to remove them myself? by coloring them (the lines) over? or do I have to do the outlines using marker before scanning them in?

Also, is the method I used to color correct? By using the Magic Wand Tool etc?

Do recommend any other programs too, I'd be willing to try them =D

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

stick with photoshop on this one. try not to use the magic wand tool for this, it can be frustrating.

there is a function called "Levels..." under Image (i think) ...better yet, try this guy:

http://www.polykarbon.com/tutorials/scanning/scan.htm

it's a really good start anyways.

Answer 2

Well, I dont have much experience with that editing program, but if you have a tablet, it would help a lot with this. You can scan in your picture, then make a new layer. With this layer, you can draw over the sketch with black lines to clean it up a bit. Then, remove the sketch layer, and coloring should be simple.



If you dont have a tablet, just ouline it all in black marker or pen. then erase the pencil. Then scan it in and color it.



All I know is that purchasing a tablet if you do not already have one is a good idea. I am going to purchase one myself too.

Answer 3

Yes you can draw with Elements. But it wasn't designed specifically as "painting" software. Elements is an "image editor". In Elements, choose the paint brush tool, choose a colour, and paint. That's about it. Google for tutorials if you want to learn more.