Peacock Mantis Shrimp Illustration Color Stages

After scanning in my drawing and uploading it to Photoshop, I built a vector layer  following the silhouette of the peacock mantis shrimp.  This made it relatively easy to add color.  I used this vector layer to build masks for my color layers.  I also chose a gradient similar to the blue sea slugs illustration, hoping for the same shallow water feel.

After the initial color was in, I started adding texture and shading layers.  I also used the lighten mode of my paintbrush to add color to the line art itself.  A drop shadow and an orange glow around the fringes finished the piece nicely.