Blog Post: Colin and Razor – Inks & Colors
Colin and Razor 03OCT2025
by Terrio
From Sketch to Inked
Earlier, I shared my rough sketch of Colin and Razor, where I leaned into a Bravest Warriors-inspired style mixed with some retro influences like Butch Hartman and Genndy Tartakovsky. That sketch stage was all about finding the right balance between simplicity and superhero presence.
This time, I pushed the design further by moving into the inking and coloring stage. Using Photoshop, I gave Colin and Razor the sharp, bold look I envisioned from the beginning.
The Inking Process
For the inks, I used two different brush sizes:
- 25 for larger elements (like the armor and sword outline)
- 9 for smaller details (like the face and intricate linework)
Both brushes were set to hard edges to achieve those clean, bold cartoon lines. The thicker outer strokes frame the character powerfully, while the finer lines define his features without overcomplicating the style.
Adding Color & Personality
Once inked, I moved on to coloring. The palette builds on a heroic scheme of blue, white, and gold:
- Blue suit: Gives Colin that classic heroic tone.
- White armor: Keeps the design clean and striking.
- Gold accents: Breaks up the design and adds emphasis.
Razor’s massive blade fades into a gray-blue gradient, balancing Colin’s suit and helping the sword dominate the composition without overwhelming it. The standout detail remains Razor’s eye on Colin’s shoulder, a unique design choice that adds personality and makes the armor feel alive.
Final Impression
This inked and colored version feels like a huge step forward. The bold lines and crisp colors give Colin and Razor a polished, animation-ready look. It keeps the expressive cartoon roots while leaning into superhero strength.
I’m especially happy with how the serious expression came across—simple, yet commanding. With more exploration of expressions and poses, I see a lot of potential for Colin and Razor as recurring characters.
This isn’t the end—it’s just the next phase.