Make Fur Squirrel

before

after

In response to a request on methods of getting a soft fur edge I'm posting two examples. While the approach is similar in both examples, it depends on what type of fur/hair you need to deal with.
Page 1 : Example 1

In this example, the squirrel has soft but distinct fur. To replicate it takes a bit of time and practice but can be easily accomplished by anyone.
Page 2: Example 2

In this first step, removing the background, I used the eraser tool. This can be done just as well by masking but I prefer the eraser.
Use a medium sized soft brush and remove all traces of the background including anything that shows through the fur. A small soft brush should be used where the fur isn’t as thick as around the face, ears and paw.
Page 3

Using the smudge tool with a small brush at about 30% pressure, “pull” out areas of color to simulate fur around the entire squirrel. It may take several strokes to accomplish each bit of fur but that adds to the more casual look of the new edge. Vary your stroke direction so that all the fur isn’t unrealistically going in exactly the same
direction.
Page 4

On another layer, using a one pixel brush at 50% or less opacity, pick up color from the edge of the squirrel and stroke individual hairs. (using the ALT key changes the brush to the eyedropper tool)
Again be careful to vary the length and direction of these strokes. Have some of them cross over other hairs for a more realistic appearance. Keep in mind also the varying length of fur that exists on different portions of the animals body.
Page 5

For a finishing touch, use the smudge tool with a very small soft brush at about 30% and stroke over each hair you’ve added. “Pull” the tip of each one of these hairs to a softer point. This will result in a softer more photographic look.
The whiskers were added in the same way as the fur strands, with a one pixel brush at about 50% opacity but with a longer quick stroke.
I added a black background to make it easier to see the finished fur.