Step 11: And here is the result with the gradient applied. 
Notice in the Layers Palette, we have a new layer Gradient Fill 1 that contains our gradient. That's the beauty of using the Create New Fill button to tweak our colors -- the color render layer is not actually impacted and if we don't like the effect we created, just delete the gradient layer! Of course, any of the other Create New Fill options would work the same way.The idea here is to be able to select a color area to manipulate (with just a click of the Magic Wand over the color selection layer), and do the actual manipulation in the color render layer (or technically above it). Sounds like a plan!
Step 12: After some more tweaking with the options listed under the Create New Fill button, here is the final rendering:Now click on the Layer palette menu button (circled in red):
This invokes the Layer menu options. Select the option Flatten Image to collapse everything to a single layer. Save your print-ready file: from the main menu, select File->Save As and save in either TIFF or Photoshop EPS format, depending on what your publisher asks for. When in doubt, opt for TIFF; a document in this format can be imported by most applications, notably QuarkXPress and InDesign (which are most likely the applications that will be used to lay out your artwork).
We're done! Time to call it a day.....
If you have any comments or questions about this tutorial or just want to chat about digital art in general, feel free to contact me at . My website is always open -- www.miketackett.com.
Ciao!
