Using a reference, I block out where the colors are. I usually make skin, hair, and clothing on a separate layer. Then I go over and map out where the facial features are using light purple on a multiply layer. For this piece, I used Gaussian blur on the color blocks, as I wanted this piece to feel indisctinct and surreal.

I layer gradient maps over the color blocking to solidify a tone and color palette for the piece. I usually start with pre-downloaded palettes byt combine them with each other on multiple correction layers to create the desired effect. For this piece, I used three gradient maps, one as an overlay with lowered opacity, another as a multiply layer to darken the mood, and finally a normal gradient map to finalize the color palette. Finally, I fill a multiply layer with (in this case a dark) purple and then use a mask to block out the light. This allows me to erase out the light, rather than painting in shadows.

I put all of the layers I created so far and put them in a folder, closing it. I then paint on top of the base, color picking from the base I've established.