Post pobrano z: How to Make Colorful Sparkle Photo Lighting With Photoshop Actions

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a sparkle photo effect. I will explain everything in so much detail that everyone can create it, even those who have just opened Photoshop for the first time. 

The effect shown above is the one I will show you how to create in this tutorial. If you would like to create the even more advanced magic dust effects below, using just a single click and in only a few minutes, then check out my Magic Dust 2 Photoshop Action.

What You’ll Need

To recreate the design above, you will need the following resources:

• Stock Image 

1. Let’s Get Started

First, open the photo that you want to work with. To open your photo, go to File > Open, choose your photo, and click Open. Now, before we get started, just check a couple of things:

1. Your photo should be in RGB Color mode, 8 Bits/Channel. To check this, go to Image > Mode.
2. For best results, your photo size should be 2000–3000 px wide/high. To check this, go to Image > Image Size.
3. Your photo should be the Background layer. If it is not, go to Layer > New > Background from Layer.

2. How to Create the Sparkles Brush

Step 1

In this section, we are going to create the brush that we will need for this effect. Choose the Brush Tool (B) and pick a soft brush. Then, go to Window > Brush and in the Brush window use the settings below:

Step 2

Now to define this brush with new settings as a new brush, click on the top right icon in the bottom right corner of the Brush panel, and name it Sparkles.

3. How to Create the Sparkles

Step 1

In this section we are going to create the sparkles. Go to Layer > New > Layer to create a new layer and name it Sparkles_Small_1.

Step 2

Now choose the Brush Tool (B), select the Sparkles brush, and set the Diameter of the brush to around 10 px. Then, set the foreground color to #ffffff and brush as shown below (decrease the Diameter of the brush as you brush from the edges of the photo towards the center):

Step 3

Go to Layer > New > Layer to create a new layer and name it Sparkles_Small_2. Then, drag this layer just below the Sparkles_Small_1 layer in the Layers panel.

Step 4

Now choose the Brush Tool (B), select the Sparkles brush, and set the Diameter of the brush to around 10 px. Then, set the foreground color to #ffffff and brush as shown below (decrease the Diameter of the brush as you brush from the edges of the photo towards the center):

Step 5

Go to Layer > New > Layer to create a new layer and name it Sparkles_Medium_1. Then, drag this layer just below the Sparkles_Small_2 layer in the Layers panel.

Step 6

Now choose the Brush Tool (B), select the Sparkles brush, and set the Diameter of the brush to around 35 px. Then, set the foreground color to #ffffff and brush as shown below (decrease the Diameter of the brush as you brush from the edges of the photo towards the center):

Step 7

Go to Layer > New > Layer to create a new layer and name it Sparkles_Medium_2. Then, drag this layer just below the Sparkles_Medium_1 layer in the Layers panel.

Step 8

Now choose the Brush Tool (B), select the Sparkles brush, and set the Diameter of the brush to around 35 px. Then, set the foreground color to #ffffff and brush as shown below (decrease the Diameter of the brush as you brush from the edges of the photo towards the center):

Step 9

Go to Layer > New > Layer to create a new layer and name it Sparkles_Large_1. Then, drag this layer just below the Sparkles_Medium_2 layer in the Layers panel.

Step 10

Now choose the Brush Tool (B), select the Sparkles brush, and set the Diameter of the brush to around 50 px. Then, set the foreground color to #ffffff and brush as shown below (decrease the Diameter of the brush as you brush from the edges of the photo towards the center):

Step 11

Go to Layer > New > Layer to create a new layer and name it Sparkles_Large_1. Then, drag this layer just below the Sparkles_Large_1 layer in the Layers panel.

Step 12

Now choose the Brush Tool (B), select the Sparkles brush, and set the Diameter of the brush to around 75 px. Then, set the foreground color to #ffffff and brush as shown below (decrease the Diameter of the brush as you brush from the edges of the photo towards the center):

Step 13

Select the Sparkles_Small_1 layer, go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color to create a new solid color fill layer, name it SS_1_Color, and choose the color #eea815 as shown below:

Step 14

Now press Control-Alt-G on your keyboard to create a clipping mask. Then, select the Sparkles_Small_1 layer and change the Blending Mode of this layer to Linear Dodge (Add).

Step 15

Select the SS_1_Color layer and press Control-J on your keyboard to duplicate it. Then, drag this layer just above the Sparkles_Medium_1 layer in the Layers panel. After that, press Control-Alt-G on your keyboard to create a clipping mask.

Step 16

Now name this layer SM_1_Color. Then, select the Sparkles_Medium_1 layer and change the Blending Mode of this layer to Linear Dodge (Add).

Step 17

Select the SM_1_Color layer and press Control-J on your keyboard to duplicate it. Then, drag this layer just above the Sparkles_Large_1 layer in the Layers panel. After that, press Control-Alt-G on your keyboard to create a clipping mask.

Step 18

Now name this layer SL_1_Color. Then, select the Sparkles_Large_1 layer
and change the Blending Mode of this layer to Linear Dodge (Add).

Step 19

Select the SS_1_Color layer and Shift-click on the Sparkles_Large_2 layer to select all layers between. Then, go to Layer > New > Group from Layers to create a new group from the selected layers and name it Sparkles.

4. How to Create the Focus

Step 1

In this section, we are going to create the focus. Select the Background layer, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels to create a new levels adjustment layer, and name it Focus_1.

Step 2

Now Double-click on this layer thumbnail and, in the Properties panel, use the settings below:

Step 3

Choose the Brush Tool (B), pick a soft brush, set the foreground color to #000000, and brush as shown below:

Step 4

Now select the Background layer and press Control-J on your keyboard to duplicate it. Then, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and set the Radius to 10 px.

Step 5

Go to Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All to add a layer mask that reveals the whole layer.

Step 6

Choose the Brush Tool (B), pick a soft brush, set the foreground color to #000000, and brush as shown below:

Step 7

Now name this layer Focus_2.

5. How to Make the Final Adjustments

Step 1

In this section, we are going to make final adjustments to the design. Select the Sparkles folder, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves to create a new curves adjustment layer, and name it Color Look.

Step 2

Now Double-click on this layer thumbnail and in the Properties panel enter the settings below:

Step 3

Press D on your keyboard to reset the swatches. Then, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map to create a new gradient map adjustment layer and name it Overall Contrast.

Step 4

Now change the Blending Mode of this layer to Overlay and set the Opacity to 10%.

Step 5

Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Vibrance to create a new vibrance adjustment layer and name it Overall Vibrance/Saturation.

Step 6

Now Double-click on this layer thumbnail and in the Properties panel, set the Vibrance to +10 and the Saturation to +5.

Step 7

Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels to create a new levels adjustment layer and name it Overall Brightness.

Step 8

Now Double-click on this layer thumbnail and in the Properties panel enter the settings below:

Step 9

Press Control-Alt-Shift-E on your keyboard to make a screenshot, and then press Control-Shift-U to desaturate this layer. Then, go to Filter > Other > High Pass and set the Radius to 2 px.

Step 10

Change the Blending Mode of this layer to Vivid Light and set the Opacity to 50%. Then, name this layer Overall Sharpening.

You Made It!

Congratulations, you have succeeded! Here is our final result:

If you would like to create the even more advanced magic dust effects
below, using just a single click and in only a few minutes, then check
out my Magic Dust 2 Photoshop Action.

The
action works so you simply draw a path over your photo where you want the effect to appear and just
play the action. It’s really that simple! The sparkles remain fully layered, and you have full control over them to customize them—you can move, scale, or rotate them, remove them, or
duplicate them to create even more sparkles! The action
will also create 15 preset color looks that you can choose from.

The action comes with a detailed video tutorial that demonstrates how to use the action and customize the results to get the most out of the effect.

You may also like:

• 
  Photo Manipulation
  How to Add Lights to a Tree With a Photoshop Action
  Marko Kožokar

• 
  Photoshop Actions
  How to Create a Sparkling Action in Adobe Photoshop
  Marko Kožokar

Post pobrano z: How to Create 5 Awesome Gradient Effects in Adobe InDesign

Gradient effects are super easy to achieve in InDesign, and they’re an instant way of bringing your layouts bang up-to-date. 

Read on to discover five high-impact gradient effects, from duotone to neon-pastel, that would look fantastic on posters, flyers, stationery, or magazine designs.

If you want to make your gradient effects truly unique, you can easily add cool typography over the top of your design. Head over to GraphicRiver or Envato Elements to source great fonts for your next project.

What You’ll Need to Create Your Gradient Effects

All you need is access to Adobe InDesign to create the majority of these effects. 

To create the ‘Retro’ text effect, you’ll need to download Charlevoix Pro ExtraBold.

1. Simple Duotone Gradient Effect

This is the simplest gradient effect to achieve, and it looks amazing set as a background or as a fill color for shapes or text. 

Step 1

Open InDesign and go to File > New > Document. You can set the page to any size you prefer.

If you’re creating your gradient effects for print (as I am here), make sure the Intent is set to Print. For online-friendly images, set the Intent to Web. 

With your document created, expand the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches). 

Choose New Color Swatch from the panel’s drop-down menu (at top-right). Set the Color Mode to CMYK for print or RGB for web, and set the levels to C=0 M=82 Y=24 K=0 or R=234 G=76 B=125.

Click Add and OK.

Create a second new swatch, C=0 M=17 Y=85 K=0 or R=255 G=211 B=50.

Step 2

Choose New Gradient Swatch from the Swatches panel’s menu. 

Name the swatch Duotone Gradient, set the Type to Linear, and choose Swatches from the Stop Color menu. 

Click on the left-hand stop on the Gradient Ramp and set this to your first pink swatch, C=0 M=82 Y=24 K=0. Set the right-hand stop to the yellow swatch, C=0 M=17 Y=85 K=0.

Click Add and OK.

Step 3

Create a shape on the page you’d like to apply the gradient to. Use the Rectangle Tool (M) to create a background shape. Here I’ve used the Ellipse Tool (L) to create a circle (holding Shift to keep the proportions).

Apply the Duotone Gradient swatch to the Fill Color of the shape from the Swatches panel.

You can use the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient) to adjust the Angle of the gradient.

2. Blackout Gradient Effect

This is a high-impact gradient effect that gives an eclipse effect. This works best as a standalone effect using a circle design. Why not try placing text or an image inside the inner circle for extra impact?

Step 1

From the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches), choose Create New Swatch. Create a hot pink swatch, C=0 M=87 Y=2 K=0 or R=232 G=59 B=140.

Create two more new swatches:

• C=1 M=14 Y=63 K=0 or R=254 G=219 B=117 
• C=0 M=92 Y=99 K=0 or R=229 G=45 B=20 

Step 2

Choose New Gradient Swatch from the Swatches panel’s menu. 

Name the swatch Blackout Gradient, set the Type to Linear and choose Swatches from the Stop Color menu. 

Click on the left-hand stop on the Gradient Ramp and set this to your hot pink swatch, C=0 M=87 Y=2 K=0. Set the right-hand stop to the pale yellow swatch, C=0 M=92 Y=99 K=0.

Click on the ramp about a third across from the left to add a third stop, setting this to your red swatch, C=0 M=92 Y=99 K=0.

Step 3

Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and drag onto the page to create a small circle. Set the Fill Color to [Black].

Then create a second larger circle over the top, setting the Fill to Blackout Gradient. 

Right-Click on this larger circle and choose Arrange > Send to Back. 

Step 4

With the Blackout Gradient circle selected, go to Object on the top main menu and choose Effects > Gradient Feather.

Set the Type to Radial, and move the dark stop on the ramp about two-thirds of the way along. 

Click OK to exit the window. 

Step 5

Edit > Copy and Edit > Paste the gradient circle, sending it to the back as before. Scale it up to a slightly larger size and position it towards the top-left of the design.

Edit > Paste again, moving this circle to the bottom-right of the design. 

3. Pride Gradient Effect

Show your support of Pride this summer (LGBT Pride Month takes place in June) with this gradient set in the colors of the Pride flag.

Step 1

From the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches), choose Create New Swatch. Create a red swatch, C=0 M=93 Y=86 K=0 or R=230 G=42 B=40.

Create five more new swatches:

• C=0 M=60 Y=83 K=0 or R=240 G=127 B=54 
• C=8 M=6 Y=93 K=0 or R=245 G=222 B=0
• C=80 M=3 Y=86 K=0 or R=12 G=164 B=81
• C=82 M=63 Y=0 K=0 or R=66 G=96 B=169
• C=38 M=93 Y=0 K=0 or R=171 G=45 B=136 

Step 2

Choose New Gradient Swatch from the Swatches panel’s menu. 

Name the swatch Pride Gradient, set the Type to Linear, and choose Swatches from the Stop Color menu. 

Click on the left-hand stop on the Gradient Ramp and set this to your new red swatch, C=0 M=93 Y=86 K=0. Set the right-hand stop to the violet swatch, C=38 M=93 Y=0 K=0.

Click on the ramp to add four more stops, setting them to (from left to right) orange, yellow, green, and blue from your palette of new swatches. 

Then click Add and OK. 

Step 3

Create a shape on the page you’d like to apply the gradient to. Here I’ve used the Ellipse Tool (L) to create a circle (holding Shift to keep the proportions).

Apply the Pride Gradient swatch to the Fill Color of the shape from the Swatches panel.

You can use the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient) to adjust the Angle of the gradient.

Step 4

You can set the shape against a dark background for impact.

Use the Rectangle Tool (M) to create a frame across the whole page and set the Fill Color to [Black]. Right-Click on the shape and choose Arrange > Send to Back. 

4. Pastel and Neon Double Gradient Effect

This is a popular take on the gradient trend that looks incredible on posters and magazine covers. It’s simple to create, and you can switch up colors to create an almost endless range of results.

Step 1

From the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches), choose Create New Swatch. Create a lavender swatch, C=14 M=65 Y=0 K=0 or R=215 G=119 B=174.

Create three more new swatches:

• C=59 M=0 Y=6 K=0 or R=98 G=198 B=233 
• C=0 M=33 Y=22 K=0 or R=248 G=192 B=186
• C=0 M=86 Y=7 K=0 or R=233 G=62 B=136

Step 2

Choose New Gradient Swatch from the Swatches panel’s menu. 

Name the swatch Background Gradient, set the Type to Linear and choose Swatches from the Stop Color menu. 

Click on the left-hand stop on the Gradient Ramp and set this to your new lavender swatch, C=14 M=65 Y=0 K=0. Set the right-hand stop to the blue swatch, C=59 M=0 Y=6 K=0.

Then click Add and OK. 

Step 3

Create a second New Gradient Swatch. Name this swatch Foreground Gradient, set the Type to Linear, and choose Swatches from the Stop Color menu. 

Click on the left-hand stop on the Gradient Ramp and set this to your pale pink swatch, C=0 M=33 Y=22 K=0. Set the right-hand stop to the bright pink swatch, C=0 M=86 Y=7 K=0. Click Add and OK. 

Step 4

Create a shape on the page you’d like to apply the gradient to. Here I’ve used the Ellipse Tool (L) to create a circle.

Apply the Foreground Gradient swatch to the Fill Color of the shape from the Swatches panel.

Step 5

Create a shape across the whole page using the Rectangle Tool (M) and Right-Click > Arrange > Send to Back.

Apply the Background Gradient swatch to the Fill Color of the shape.

You can adjust the Angle of the gradient and strength of each of the colors from the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient).

5. Retro Gradient Effect

This funky effect takes inspiration from 1960s and 70s graphic design. It’s a more chunky, dissected take on the gradient trend, and it’s great for giving typography a retro flavor. 

For this effect, you’ll need to download Charlevoix Pro ExtraBold.

Step 1

From the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches), choose Create New Swatch from the panel’s main menu. 

Create a yellow swatch, C=3 M=6 Y=91 K=0 or R=255 G=226 B=9.

Create ten more new swatches, to create a full rainbow palette plus one pale swatch and one dark swatch:

• C=0 M=44 Y=93 K=0 or R=246 G=159 B=25 
• C=0 M=59 Y=94 K=0 or R=240 G=128 B=26
• C=0 M=92 Y=92 K=0 or R=230 G=45 B=32
• C=0 M=93 Y=0 K=0 or R=231 G=36 B=134
• C=77 M=100 Y=0 K=0 or R=98 G=36 B=131
• C=100 M=90 Y=22 K=5 or R=39 G=52 B=117
• C=73 M=9 Y=4 K=0 or R=6 G=173 B=224
• C=77 M=4 Y=47 K=0 or R=0 G=170 B=155
• C=7 M=3 Y=17 K=0 or R=242 G=241 B=222
• C=72 M=67 Y=59 K=79 or R=35 G=31 B=32

Step 2

Use the Type Tool (T) to create a large text frame across the bottom of the page. 

Type in a single word, such as ‘Hey’, and from either the top Controls panel or the Character panel (Window > Type & Tables > Character), set the Font to Charlevoix Pro ExtraBold. Blow up the Font Size so that the text extends across the whole page, crossing the trim edge on both sides.

Set your Type Tool cursor between each of the letters and reduce the Kerning (letter-spacing) from the Character panel, so that the letters are pushed closer together. 

Set the Font Color, from the Swatches panel, to your new yellow swatch, C=3 M=6 Y=91 K=0.

Step 3

Select the text frame and Edit > Copy, Edit > Paste in Place, using the arrow keys to move this second frame upwards slightly. 

Adjust the Font Color to your orange swatch, C=0 M=44 Y=93 K=0.

Step 4

Continue to Edit > Paste in Place more text frames, shifting them upwards and adjusting the Font Color until you have created a gradual rainbow effect, as shown below. 

For your final text frame, set the Font Color to your off-black swatch, C=72 M=67 Y=59 K=79.

Step 5

To add a final retro vibe to your effect, create a shape across the whole page using the Rectangle Tool (M) and Right-Click on it and Arrange > Send to Back.

Set the Fill Color to the beige swatch, C=7 M=3 Y=17 K=0.

Hey! Awesome Work!

And there we have it! Five quick and effective gradient effects that can transform any lacklustre layout.

Why not add cool typography to your gradient designs to transform them into posters or flyers? Head over to GraphicRiver or Envato Elements to source great fonts for your next project.

Looking for more InDesign text effect tutorials? Don’t miss these:

• 

  How to Create a Bold 90s Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  Have ten minutes to spare? This eye-catching effect gives any text an instant dose of nostalgic color and style.
• 

  How to Create a Quick Retro Video Glitch Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  Want to give your type an edgy, Mad Max makeover? This super-quick glitch effect only takes 10 minutes to put together, and it makes a good substitute for…
• 

  How to Create an ‘Everything Will Be Alright’ Neon Poster in Adobe InDesign

  Everyone needs a bit of optimism in their lives, and this neon sign poster is the perfect pick-me-up. Pop it on the office noticeboard, set it as your phone…
• 

  How to Create a 3D Paper Cut-Out Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  In this quick and simple tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a paper cut-out effect which you can apply to any text in Adobe InDesign. This type trend would…

Post pobrano z: Envato Elements Now Offers Video!

Welcome to video on Envato Elements!

If you work with video, your life just got a little easier. Instead of having to create everything from scratch or chase around the web looking for stock footage, motion graphics and After Effects templates, you can now access more than 60,000 top-quality video items, all in one place.

Read all about it on the Envato Blog, check out our related articles and courses, or go and check out the stock video and video templates for yourself!

Related Content

• How to Customize a Logo Sting in Adobe After Effects
• 18 Stunning Examples of Stock Video Footage on Envato Elements
• 100+ Hot Video Templates on Envato Elements — June 2018

Post pobrano z: How to Create Vintage Photos With Faded Effect Photoshop Actions

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a vintage photo effect using brushes and adjustment layers in Adobe Photoshop.

I created a Vintage Photo Press with different vintage effects using the same method for my GraphicRiver portfolio.

Tutorial Assets

You will need the following in order to complete this tutorial: 

• Any photo you want to use for this manipulation. You can find some free photos on Unsplash and Pixabay or buy high-quality photos on PhotoDune. I chose this photo from Unsplash.
• A free brush created by me specifically for this tutorial.

1. How to Prepare the Document

Step 1

Go to File > New and create a new file to work with. Use the following settings: Width: 2000 px; Height: 1500 px; 300 dpi.

Step 2

Go to File > Place and put your image inside the document.

Step 3

Right-Click on the layer, and then click Convert to Smart Object.

Step 4

Select your background layer and then go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color and chose #ebebeb color.

Step 5

Now we need to delete the background layer by clicking on the Delete Layer icon.

Step 6

Create a new layer above the image using the Shift-Control-N shortcut.

Step 7

Select the image and the texture layers while holding Shift, and then click on the Create a New Group icon.

2. How to Create the Texture

Step 1

Select the smart object and then go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Use the following settings: Amount: 5%; Distribution: Uniform; Monochromatic: On.

Step 2

Now let’s create a texture with our free brush. Select the texture layer and then click B to activate the Brush Tool and draw the texture you want to use for this manipulation.

Step 3

Change the Fill of the texture to 0%.

Step 4

Double Click on the texture layer and use the following settings: Knockout: Shallow.

Now the color of the texture depends on the first fill layer. If you change the color of the fill layer, your texture will also change color.

Step 5

Change the Opacity of the texture to 35%.

3. How to Create a Vintage Color Correction

Step 1

Now let’s create color correction layers. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map and create a black and white gradient.

Step 2

Change the Blending Mode of the gradient map to Soft Light and the Opacity of the layer to 25%.

Step 3

Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast and create a new layer with the following settings: Brightness: -5; Contrast: -15.

Step 4

Create another gradient map as we did before, and use the following colors: #564e63 and #8c96a2.

Step 5

Change the Blending Mode of the layer to Hard Light.

Step 6

Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Exposure and create a new layer with the following settings: Offset: +0,0500.

Step 7

Now let’s go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation and create a new layer with the following settings: Saturation: -25.

Step 8

After that, we need to create the last adjustment layer. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Photo Filter and use the following settings: Color: #e49d16.

Step 9

Change the Blending Mode of the layer to Color and the Opacity to 70%.

Step 10

Now we can add a vignette using the gradient fill layer. Go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Gradient and create a black and white gradient with the following settings: Style: Radial; Scale: 100%; Reverse: On.

Step 11

Change the Blending Mode of the layer to Soft Light and the Opacity to 20%.

Awesome Work, You’re Now Done!

In this way, we can create a vintage photo manipulation with a fade effect and a texture overlay using Adobe Photoshop.

If you would like to create similar effects in a few simple clicks, then check out my Vintage Photo Press item in my GraphicRiver portfolio.

Post pobrano z: International Artist Feature: Hong Kong

Welcome back to our International Artist Series.

Today
we’re catching up with six incredible artists from Hong Kong, home of incredible history, a bustling skyline, and the talented people of East Asia. I
asked each artist how
their country and culture inspired their work, and they delivered great
responses.

Panyeung Chan

Panyeung is a designer and illustrator from Hong Kong. Full of culture and dynamic scenes, his work reflects his real-life experience as an artist living in this energetic city.

See more in his portfolio and follow him on Instagram!

Leaving Hong Kong

Living in Hong Kong, the most fascinating thing is definitely its multi-cultural environment. When you walk down the street, you can
easily find everything in your surroundings, from architecture, to food and language—all hugely influenced by different cultures.

The 14th Guangdong Dance Festival

Hong Kong is such a small place that people are living here in a crowded
condition so most buildings along the main avenue
combine their list of functions. Inside one building alone you could find
that there is a wet market, a library, a gym room, or a gallery separated on a different floor.
Those crowded and detailed images stay deep in my
mind and I’ve always wanted to reflect this kind of impression in my work.

The 12th Guangdong Dance Festival

Aging Population in Hong Kong

Many internationally well-known galleries create their branches here in Hong
Kong. That is really good news for any art lover! Although art is not a mainstream industry in Hong Kong, people interested in art can really
enjoy living or visiting this city.

Claire O’Brien

Claire is a creative illustrator currently living in Hong Kong. Her joyous illustrations are not only sweet and beautiful but full of color and life.

See more in her portfolio and follow her on Instagram!

Little Bear Blu

Even though I’ve been here for only five
years, to me it’s still very exotic and I find it incredibly
interesting. I love the way the traditional culture spills out into the street in Hong Kong. It’s not uncommon to see
offerings of oranges and incense sticks nestled in and around the feet
of skyscrapers.

In the village near my studio, there are mini street
temples with little green tiled roofs, and I really
love watching the older generation going about their daily lives with woven wicker hats, sampan and even hanging
fish out to dry.

Hmong Woman and Child

I’m passionate about folk-art and ethno-cultural art forms. Hong
Kong has really beautiful folk arts and crafts, and my favorite
time of year is the Mid-Autumn festival. The colors are so inviting and
cheerful—it’s really magical to me.

I also came across embroidered bags
woven by the Miao and Hmong tribes in Northern China, Laos and Thailand
being sold in the markets here. That introduced me to a whole other world of
amazing inspiration and I really fell in love with the motifs and
traditional dress. Hong Kong is such a great place that just sets you off on a new journey of inspiration.

Year of the Rooster

Neon Koi

The art community here is small but vibrant. In the studio where I work, there are textile artists, ceramic
artists, graphic artists, and oil painters. We
all sort of influence one another back and forth, and I’ve also met some
lovely illustrators on Instagram. It’s quite hard to socialize or find other like-minded creatives in such
a business-oriented place. But yet we thrive!

Dixon Chan

Dixon is a talented graphic designer based in Hong Kong. His work features fantastic graphic design work with stunning visuals of design packages and more.

See more in his portfolio!

Paradox – Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

I love that it is always convenient to get around here and that nothing is ever too far away.
I get so spoiled sometimes that I once felt a 20 minute walk to a live house was too much when I was touring with other bands in Taipei.

LAVA

Like a lot of Hong Kong kids, I was taught it’s
better to be as multi-talented as possible. So I like trying out different
styles, tricks or gimmicks here and there in my design work.

In the area, there are mostly busy colors, overloaded
neon signs, too many adverts everywhere, and color themed subway stations. So I guess it’s in my subconscious to
use vibrant colors.

The Joker – Tuxedo

Avengers: Age of Ultron

The art community is pretty small here, I think, but closely knit. There are lots of
indie or small scale collaborations between people of different fields
and disciplines. It’s a nice little self-sufficient scene.

April Y. – Leafbear Studio

April is an artist who creates whimsical illustrations in Hong Kong. With a specialty in watercolor paintings, her work is delightfully unique with many pieces dedicated to fairy tales and yummy cuisine.

See more in her portfolio and follow her on Instagram.

Watercolor – Into the Maze

I love the convenience of living in HK. Everything is so accessible
as the transport system is very efficient. Also the food in HK is simply
amazing. You can find all sorts of different types of cuisine here.

Watercolor Doodles – Once Upon A Time

I draw my inspiration from what I see and experience daily. Hong Kong is
a very lively city where the Eastern and Western cultures truly blend.
There are always new discoveries to be made when you walk on its streets
and experience the energy and colorful life of the city.
It also
has a very unique cityscape filled up with skyscrapers. So both the culture
and the urban street scenes serve as a source of inspiration for me.

The Towers Series

Watercolor Doodles – Once Upon A Time

Apart from the
increasing number of international art shows and exhibitions being held
in Hong Kong, there are regular open studios, events, and weekend art markets for
independent artists to showcase their work and to connect with other
independent artists.

Kitty Wong

Our next amazing feature is Kitty, a traditional artist living in Hong Kong. With a fondness for the beauty and skill of pen and ink illustrations, her work spills into elaborate swirls of unique compositions.

See more in her portfolio!

Face

Hong Kong has such a strong mix of Chinese and Western culture that it
shows in everyday living and provides open minded thinking. We may not
have the best environment for creativity and opportunity, but it
certainly has room for those who strive to be persistent as creatives.

Chinese Zen Flower Doodle

In the past 20 years, I’ve worked with many talented creative
people and launched fantastic projects in top international advertising agencies. Hong Kong’s mix of culture provides constant stimulation and
collaboration. So having new ideas is everyday practice. I only started creating four years ago and I’ve already had tremendous opportunities while having a full time
marketing job in a new cultural destination.

Morning Charm

Face

In Hong Kong, like-minded artists become close and form collaborative projects, and art is very subjective in a way. But it’s a global market and
platform for many galleries, auction houses, and exhibitors. So international art events have been stimulating public interest in
the recent years.

Ophelia Pang

Our last artist is Ophelia, an imaginative illustrator living in Hong Kong. Her simplistic use of color and texture is absolutely intriguing, as she creates charming illustrations of the world around her.

See more in her portfolio!

A Cloudy Day

I love that Hong Kong is such a compact place where doing anything is very convenient.

We have food and cuisine from around the world and all types of services are just fast and efficient.
People work hard and play hard. It is a city that never sleeps.

The Place That I Used to Know

I admire Matisse, Egon Schiele, Van Gogh, as well as Chinese artists such as
Qi Baishi and Wu Guanzhong. I myself learnt
Chinese sumi painting when I was small and then Western watercolor and oil painting
when I grew older. My artistic styles are influenced by all of them.

The Place That I Used to Know 2

Paris

We have all sorts of design communities here, many of them are
active groups on Facebook where artists and designers share their work
and advice.

Many thanks to the artists who took time to answer my
questions and share a bit about themselves and how their country and/or culture
has affected their work. You can check out more of their work in the links
below:

• Panyeung Chan
• Claire O’Brien
• Dixon Chan
• Leafbear Studio
• Kitty Wong
• Ophelia Pang

Post pobrano z: How to Create a Sci-Fi, Robot Photo Manipulation in Adobe Photoshop

Test out your skills and build a sci-fi scene from scratch!

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a cool 80s-inspired photo manipulation using free stocks and 3D assets in Adobe Photoshop.

Get inspired! Find more stocks for your manipulations on Envato Market.

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used in the production of this tutorial:

• Model
• Robot
• City
• Glasses
• Moon
• Armor
• Earth

Finding Sci-Fi Inspiration

I’ve been wanting to make a sci-fi manipulation for a while now. So I was super happy when I stumbled across this Robot stock, modeled after the ED-209 machine in the movie, RoboCop.

So with this in mind, I’ll be going for a total 80s sci-fi look, complete with body armor, an 80s droid, and a night-time city scene. Though it’s not based on the movie, this photo art can still be made by finding inspiration about the series online.

Just check out the background characters and story for more ideas.

Let’s take a look at the before and after, featuring some of the stocks used:

Pretty cool! We’ll learn how to build the entire scene from scratch, using a couple of free stocks and 3D assets from Envato Elements.

Let’s get started!

1. How to Build the Sci-Fi Scene

Step 1

Start by creating the general composition.

Open a New Document in Photoshop at 2000 x 1500 pixels and 300 dpi.

Copy and Paste the Robot Stock onto a New Layer. Resize it with the Free Transform Tool (Control-T) and position it to hug the right side, as shown below.

Feel free to delete the original white background layer.

Step 2

In order to make the most out of this image, we need to cut it up.

We’re still going to use the dark gradient background and flat ground, so we just have to separate the robot onto a New Layer.

Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) to make a selection around the robot. It’s okay if the selection is imperfect. Once it’s selected, hold Control-J once to create a new Duplicate onto a New Layer.

Step 3

Now add the city.

Copy and Paste the City Stock onto a New Layer above the original Robot layer. Free Transform (Control-T) to resize the city picture and fill up the background.

But make sure the bottom floor from the robot stock is still visible!

Step 4

Let’s add the model next!

Copy and Paste the Model Stock onto a New Layer above the robot copy (Layer 2).

1. Resize the picture (Control-T) to fill the document as shown.
2. Then add a Layer Mask to the model and use a Hard Round Brush (100% Hardness, 100% Opacity) to paint black onto the mask until the entire background is removed.
   
3. Right-click the Layer Mask to Apply Mask when you’re through. Then rename the layer „Model.”

Step 5

For more style, let’s add the glasses and armor.

Download this angle of the Sunglasses 3D Stock. (Feel free to use your own stock, or just omit the glasses entirely.)

Copy and Paste the glasses onto a New Layer above the Model layer. Resize (Control-T) the glasses so that they fit the model’s face better.

Now add the armor.

Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) to select these highlighted areas one at a time from the Armor Stock.

Step 6

Copy and Paste each piece onto a New Layer and position them to fit onto the model. Use the Eraser Tool (E) to erase any areas you don’t want showing. Once they’re positioned, Merge all the armor layers together.

For a little extra length in her hair, add some extensions to the ponytail!

Simply select the ponytail with the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L). Copy and Paste it onto a New Layer, and then use the Free Transform Tool (Control-T) to make the hair longer.

Erase any areas you don’t need before Merging the layer with the original Model layer.

Step 7

The next thing we’ll add is the Earth patch.

We’re going to apply this to her outfit to add to the visual story. Creating a quick embroidered patch will help cover the red flower shown on the model’s chest, which is currently a little distracting.

Open the Earth Stock in Photoshop.

Then go to Filter > Filter Gallery.

Select Rough Pastels and add the following values:

• Stroke Length: 6
• Stroke Detail: 6
• Scaling: 100%
• Relief: 20

When you’re finished, Copy and Paste the Earth patch onto a New Layer above the model. Use the Free Transform Tool (Control-T) to change the perspective so that it’s resting on her chest.

Then Right-click the patch layer and go to Blending Options. Add a quick blue #031030 Stroke with the options shown above.

Here’s the result so far.

Step 8

The last piece of this puzzle is the moon.

Copy and Paste a selection of the Moon Stock onto a New Layer above the others.

Add a Layer Mask to the layer and use a Soft Round Brush (0% Hardness, 100% Opacity) to mask away the harsh edges of the picture.

Here is the composition so far.

2. How to Create Depth of Field

Now that we have all the elements in place, we can move on to creating depth of field.

Depth of field will give us that realistic look by making sure that the objects look more blurred as they move farther away in the distance.

Step 1

Start with the robot.

Select the robot copy (Layer 2) and hold Control-J to create another Duplicate. Temporarily hide the copy, and then go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Add a Radius of 5 pixels and hit OK.

This second copy of the robot will help bring some of the details back.

Unhide the robot copy (Layer 2 copy) and Right-click to set it as a Clipping Mask to Layer 2. Now lower the Opacity to 50%. Now that the robot shows much clearer, Erase any areas you prefer to stay blurred with the Eraser Tool (E).

You can also take this time to refine the original robot. Add a Layer Mask to mask away any remaining parts that are showing above the city.

Step 2

Move on to the City layer.

Select the layer and go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Add a Radius of 6 pixels and hit OK.

Step 3

Lastly, we’ll blur the moon.

Select the layer and change the Layer Blend Mode to Screen. Then go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Add a Radius of 4 pixels and hit OK.

3. How to Adjust the Lighting

To make this scene more realistic, we’ll need to adjust the lighting extensively for a beautiful night scene.

Try not to get too distracted by the color changes; we’re just focusing on the shading values for now.

Step 1

Let’s start with the background.

Create a New Layer below the robot copy (Layer 2) and fill it with blue #111146 using the Paint Bucket Tool (G).

Set the Layer Blend Mode to Difference.

Step 2

Create another New Layer, this time below the blue layer.

Use a Soft Round Brush (0% Hardness, 70-80% Opacity) to paint greenish-black #020811 along the bottom of the ground. Allow a single bit of light to appear below the robot’s right foot.

Set the Layer Blend Mode to Multiply.

Step 3

Let’s adjust the robot.

Create another New Layer, set as a Clipping Mask to the robot copy (Layer 2).

Set the Layer Blend Mode to Multiply and use a Soft Round Brush to paint dark blue #151b31 all over the left side of the robot and brown #38150c towards the top.

Make sure to get into those crevices too!

Our light source is coming from the right, so make sure the robot is mostly shaded behind the model.

To make the robot even darker, add an Adjustment Layer.

Set a New Color Lookup Adjustment Layer as a Clipping Mask to the robot copy (Layer 2).

Set the 3D LUT File to NightFromDay.Cube. Then set the Layer Blend Mode to Darken and the Opacity to 65%.

Step 4

Let’s continue to darken the background.

Create a New Layer above the robot copy. This one shouldn’t be clipped.

Use the Gradient Tool (G) to create a blue #131a33 to transparent Linear Gradient moving upwards from the ground. Set the Layer Blend Mode to Difference and the Opacity to 78%.

Step 5

Light up the city!

Create a New Layer underneath the Dark Green and Blue layers.

Use a Soft Round Brush (0% Hardness, 70% Opacity) to paint yellow #e0e0ad onto the city lights. Set the Layer Blend Mode to Overlay and the Opacity to 61%.

Step 6

Now let’s shade the model.

Create a New Layer and set it as a Clipping Mask to the model. Set the Layer Blend Mode to Multiply and use a dark blue #0e1328 to paint soft shadow onto the model with a Soft Round Brush.

We’ll need to color/darken the glasses separately.

Create a New Layer above the Glasses layer and set it as a Clipping Mask to the glasses. Use a Hard Round Brush to paint blue #0a206c all over the glasses, and then set the Layer Blend Mode to Darken.

Step 7

Take this moment to clean up any areas or add extra details with a Hard Round Brush.

Here I added an earpiece (with highlights) for the glasses, a rectangular bar on her shirt, and painted away the original earpiece that covers her eye. Just use the Eyedropper Tool (I) to sample colors from these areas to add these details on a New Layer.

4. How to Finish the Manipulation

Great job so far!

Here is what the composition currently looks like.

For the final stages of this manipulation, all we need to do is add a little more lighting and tweak the final colors with Adjustment Layers.

Let’s do it!

Step 1

Temporarily Hide the detail layers.

Create a New Adjustment Layer of Curves above the Model layer. Set the curves like the ones shown below for the RGB and Blue Channels. This will make the whole scene a little darker.

Step 2

Now light up the armor and robot!

Create a New Layer above the rest. Use a pale green #b6d6be to paint light on the armor and robot with a Soft Round Brush (0% Hardness, 50% Opacity).

Then set the Layer Blend Mode to Vivid Light.

Make sure that some of the light is reflected onto the model’s skin, hair, and outfit.

Step 3

For more style, add a dramatic lip color.

Unhide the detail layers. Create a New Layer set to Multiply. Paint blue #283d89 onto the model’s lips for an intense, stylish look!

Step 4

Continue to tweak the lighting. Add a quick vignette!

Create a New Layer set to Soft Light. Use the Gradient Tool (G) to create a blue #010228 to transparent Radial Gradient, making sure the Reverse option is checked.

Lower the Layer Opacity to 50%.

Step 5

Almost there!

Now adjust the color scheme with a New Adjustment Layer of Levels above the rest. Set the values for the RGB, Red, and Blue Channels to the following:

Here’s the result.

Step 6

Now let’s make this composition black and white!

Because the colors in each stock are so different, this ends up being a much better option than leaving it in color. But feel free to experiment!

Create a New Adjustment Layer of Gradient Map above the rest. Add a black to white Linear Gradient, and then set the Layer Blend Mode to Color.

Step 7

For a slightly blue hue, fill a New Layer with blue #00183b above the rest, using the Paint Bucket Tool (G).

Then set the Layer Blend Mode to Lighten and the Opacity to 15%.

Step 8

Time for the highlights!

For this last step, all we need to do is use a tapered Hard Round Brush to paint crisp white highlights around the scene. Do this on one last New Layer.

Make sure the highlights reflect both the moon and city as potential light sources.

That’s it! Check out the final result below!

All Done! Great Job!

Have fun making your very own sci-fi manipulations by using free stocks and 3D assets. In this tutorial, not only were we able to create an entire scene from scratch, but we also made it look as if it came straight from a movie!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial! How’d you do? Share your comments and results below.

For more photo manipulation tutorials like this one, check out these links:

• 
  Photo Manipulation
  How to Create a Vintage Portrait Photo Manipulation in Adobe Photoshop
  Melody Nieves

• 
  Adobe Photoshop
  How to Create a Wall of Lights Photo Effect: Photoshop in 60 Seconds
  Melody Nieves

Post pobrano z: How to Create a Quick 3D Botanical Letter Effect in Adobe InDesign

Often seen across advertising and poster artwork, this eye-catching effect gives an immersive, natural look to any letter. As well as being a quick tutorial, this is also a great introduction to some more advanced techniques in Adobe InDesign. 

If you’re on the hunt for more great fonts to use in your text effects, head on over to Envato Elements to browse a huge range of display typefaces.

Ready to get started? Awesome, let’s go!

What You’ll Need to Create Your Text Effect

For this tutorial, you’ll need access to both Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. You’ll also need to download the following images and font files:

• Pink paper background
• Nista International Bold font
• Set of green leaves on white background

1. How to Map Out Your Text Effect

Step 1

Open up Adobe InDesign and go to File > New > Document. You can set up your page to any size, but here I’ve set it up as Portrait A3. When you’re ready, click Create. 

Expand the Layers panel (Window > Layers) and double-click on Layer 1 to rename it as Background.

Create four new layers above this, in this order: Type, Leaves Inside, Shadow, and finally Elements in Front at the top. 

Then lock all layers except Background.

Step 2

Use the Rectangle Frame Tool (F) to create an image frame across the whole page. 

File > Place, navigate to the pink paper background image, and click Open, allowing it to fill the frame completely (without the gift box in the corner visible).

Step 3

Lock the Background layer and unlock the layer above, Type.

Create a large text frame on the page using the Type Tool (T), and type in a single letter*. From the Controls panel at the top of the workspace, set the Font to Nista International Bold, and make the Font Size nice and generous.

* Note that this effect works much better with completely angular letters, like ‘F’, ‘L’, and ‘T’, but is much trickier to achieve with letters with rounded elements like ‘O’ or ‘P’.

2. How to Edit and Add Leaves to Your Letter

Step 1

Minimize the InDesign window briefly and open up the green leaves image in Photoshop.

Duplicate the Background layer to preserve a copy of the original image, and switch off the visibility of the original layer. 

Go to Select > Color Range and click anywhere onto the white background of the image. In the Color Range window that opens, increase the Fuzziness slider until most of the white is selected. Then click OK.

Click on the Refine Edge button on the top Controls panel, and check Smart Radius. Increase the Radius and Shift Edge sliders until you’re happy with the accuracy of the selection. 

Then click OK and hit Delete on your keyboard to delete the white area.

Step 2

Use the Lasso Tool (L) to isolate one of the leaves on the image, and then Edit > Copy the selection.

Create a new Photoshop document, and Edit > Paste the leaf onto this new canvas. 

Switch off the visibility of the Background layer and then File > Save As the document as a Photoshop (PSD) file. Name it ‘Leaf1.psd’.

Repeat the process for each leaf, looping it off, copying and pasting it onto a new document, switching off the Background layer, and saving it as an individual Photoshop file. Name each leaf image in a sequence, e.g. ‘Leaf2.psd’, ‘Leaf3.psd’, etc.

Step 3

When you’ve saved all the leaves as Photoshop files, head back over to your InDesign document. 

Lock the Type layer and unlock the Leaves Inside layer above.

Use the Rectangle Frame Tool (F) to create a small frame somewhere over the top of your letter. Go to File > Place, choose one of your leaf images, and Open.

With the image frame selected, go to Object > Effects > Drop Shadow. Switch the Effect Color to a pink swatch (here, I’ve added a new CMYK swatch from the Swatches panel, C=13 M=60 Y=48 K=2, beforehand, to make a good match to the pink paper background), and adjust the options in the Effects window until you have created a subtle shadow for the leaf. 

Step 4

Select the leaf’s image frame and Edit > Copy, Edit > Paste, moving it over to cover another section of the letter. 

With the copy selected, go to File > Place and choose a different leaf PSD image.

By adding the leaves this way, you can preserve the drop shadow settings for the image frame.

Continue to Paste new image frames onto the page, and File > Place to replace each frame with a different leaf image. Build the leaves up across the stem and arms of the letter.

Step 5

Once you’ve built up a dense range of leaves across the letter, unlock the top Elements in Front layer.

Then expand the Leaves Inside layer to view all the leaf PSD images sitting on that layer. Highlight the top four or five leaves.

Then drag these up, dropping them onto the Elements in Front layer. 

Step 6

Lock the Leaves Inside layer, and switch off its visibility. Keep the Elements in Front layer unlocked and active. 

Now we want to create blocks of pink texture on this top layer, to overlap some of the edges of the leaves and create the desired peekaboo effect. 

Use the Pen Tool (P) to mark off a section of the background, running the edges along the letter’s edge. Here, I want to disguise the top edge of the leaf pictured here, so that’s my focus for this block.

Then unlock the Background layer and double-click inside the large image frame sitting on this layer, to directly select the pink paper image. Then Edit > Copy the image. 

Lock the Background layer and go back to the shape you created on the Elements in Front layer. From the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches), make sure the Fill and Stroke Color of the shape is set to [None]. 

Then select the shape and Right-Click > Paste Into, dropping the pink paper image into the shape at the same scale as the background image.

Step 7

Repeat the process for another section of background. 

Use the Pen Tool (P) to loop off another area on the Elements in Front layer, before Right-Clicking > Paste Into the paper texture image into the shape, and then setting the Fill and Stroke of the shape to [None].

Keep building up shapes around the perimeter of the letter, and pasting in copies of the paper image. Do each bit in small sections, until the whole page is covered around the edge of the letter. 

Step 8

Now you can start to experiment with moving some paper-filled shapes in front of or behind the leaf shapes sitting on this layer. 

Expand the Elements in Front layer and try setting the group of leaves in the middle of two sections of paper shapes, allowing some of the tips of the leaves to poke out. 

This will take a bit of experimenting, so keep checking the result as you work. 

Eventually, you’ll end up with a 3D effect like this:

3. How to Add Depth to Your Text Effect

Step 1

Lock the Elements in Front layer and unlock the Shadow layer. 

Use the Rectangle Tool (M) to create a rectangle shape over one edge of the letter, setting the Fill Color to [Black].

Step 2

With the black rectangle selected, go to Object > Effects > Transparency. Set the Mode to Multiply and bring the Opacity down to 75%.

Click on Gradient Feather at the bottom of the window’s left-hand menu. Keep the settings as they are, only reversing the gradient if needed, to allow the shadow to move from more opaque closer to the edge of the letter and more transparent towards the center of the letter.

Step 3

Select the rectangle shape and Edit > Copy, Edit > Paste it. You might need to Right-Click > Rotate it and resize it to position it along another edge of the letter.

Continue to paste more rectangles along the edges of your letter, rotating and resizing each to fit. 

Eventually, you’ll have a shadow running along each edge of the letter, adding depth and drama to the whole effect.

Your Finished Text Effect

And your text effect is finished! Awesome job!

You can now incorporate your text effect into other InDesign work, or go to File > Export to create a JPG, PNG, or PDF version of your effect. 

On the lookout for more great fonts to use in your text effects? Head on over to Envato Elements to browse a huge range of awesome display typefaces.

Looking for more quick InDesign text effects? Make sure to check these out:

• 

  How to Create a 3D Paper Cut-Out Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  In this quick and simple tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a paper cut-out effect which you can apply to any text in Adobe InDesign. This type trend would…
• 

  How to Create a Bold 90s Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  Have ten minutes to spare? This eye-catching effect gives any text an instant dose of nostalgic color and style.
• 

  How to Create a Quick Retro Video Glitch Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  Want to give your type an edgy, Mad Max makeover? This super-quick glitch effect only takes 10 minutes to put together, and it makes a good substitute for…

Post pobrano z: How to Create a Quick Burnt Wood Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

This effect adds rustic charm to any typography, is quick and easy to create, and is a great way of mocking up logos or signage. We’ll use Adobe InDesign’s Effects window to develop depth, highlighting and shadowing.

Have 15 minutes? What are you waiting for!

If you’re on the hunt for more great fonts to use in your text effects, head on over to Envato Elements to browse a huge range of display typefaces.

What You’ll Need to Create Your Text Effect

As well as access to Adobe InDesign, you’ll also need to download the following image and font files:

• Rustic wood texture
• Douglas-Calgury Block font (from the Douglas Collections pack)

1. How to Set Up the Wooden Backdrop for Your Effect

Step 1

Open up InDesign and go to File > New > Document. You can set up your page to any size, but here I’ve set it up as Landscape A3. When you’re ready, click Create. 

Expand the Layers panel (Window > Layers) and double-click on Layer 1 to rename it as Background.

Create three new layers above this, in this order—Smudge, Type, and finally Highlight at the top. 

Then lock all layers except Background.

Step 2

Working on Background, use the Rectangle Frame Tool (F) to create an image frame across the whole page.

File > Place, navigate to the wood texture image you downloaded earlier, and Open, allowing it to fill the whole frame. 

Step 3

Lock the Background layer and unlock the Type layer. 

Expand the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches), and choose New Color Swatch from the panel’s drop-down menu. 

Set the CMYK levels to C=71 M=79 Y=66 K=92, and click Add and then OK. 

Repeat to create three more CMYK swatches:

• C=26 M=75 Y=89 K=21
• C=8 M=46 Y=42 K=1
• C=43 M=65 Y=48 K=48

Step 4

Choose New Gradient Swatch from the Swatches panel’s menu. 

Name the swatch Burn Gradient and set the Type to Radial. 

Click on the left-hand stop on the Gradient Ramp, and choose your new dark swatch, C=71 M=79 Y=66 K=92, for this. 

Set the right-hand stop to your pale swatch, C=8 M=46 Y=42 K=1. Then click on the ramp to add a central, third stop, setting this to C=26 M=75 Y=89 K=21.

2. How to Create Your Burn Effect

Step 1

Still working on the Type layer, use the Type Tool (T) to create a text frame centrally on the page. Type in some text and set the Font to Douglas-Calgury Block.

Here, I’ve also added text frames above and below this central text frame.

I also add a framing circle around the typography using the Ellipse Tool (L), and increase the Weight of the circle’s stroke to 23 pt from the Stroke panel (Window > Stroke). 

Step 2

When you’ve finished formatting your typography, Right-Click > Group all of the elements together. 

Edit > Copy and Edit > Paste the group, moving the copy over onto the pasteboard. 

Step 3

To format your effect you may find it easier to Right-Click > Ungroup the original type elements sitting on the page. 

Select each text frame individually and apply the Burn Gradient swatch as the Font Color of each. 

Also apply the Burn Gradient to any other elements, like the circle shape here.

You can use the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient) to adjust the gradient on each text frame individually. Try shifting the Angle, reversing the gradient or moving the gradient stops on the ramp at the bottom, to create a deep, dark gradient effect on each text frame. 

Step 4

Select all the text frames and shapes and go to Object > Effects > Transparency. Set the Mode to Multiply and bring the Opacity down to 90%. 

Step 5

Click on Inner Shadow in the Effects window’s left-hand menu. 

Click on the colored square next to the Mode menu, and from here change the Effect Color to C=71 M=79 Y=66 K=92, and click OK.

Back in the Inner Shadow menu, set the Distance to 1 mm, Size to 3 mm, Choke to 25%, and Noise to around 15%. 

Step 6

Click on Outer Glow in the Effects window’s menu. Adjust the Mode to Normal and Opacity to about 90%. 

Change the Effect Color to C=26 M=75 Y=89 K=21.

With the Technique set to Softer, increase the Size to 5 mm, Noise to 25%, and Spread to around 45%. 

Step 7

Finally, click on Inner Glow in the left-hand menu. Switch the Mode to Normal, Opacity to about 85%, and switch the Effect Color to C=8 M=46 Y=42 K=1.

Set the Technique to Softer, Source to Edge, Size to 2 mm, and Noise to around 25%. 

Then click OK to exit the Effects window.

Step 8

Select the grouped elements which you moved over to the pasteboard earlier. Move this over on top of the elements sitting on the wooden background, placed slightly to the right, as shown below. 

In the Layers panel, expand the Type layer by clicking on the arrow to the left of the Type name. Drag the <group> element down onto the Create New Layer button at the bottom of the panel, to duplicate it.

Then unlock the Smudge layer, and drag one of the two <group> elements down, dropping it onto the Smudge layer. Then you can lock the Type layer.

Working on the <group> now sat on the Smudge layer, apply the Burn Gradient swatch to each element of this copy of the typography. Use the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient), as before, to adjust the angle and position of the gradient on each section of the type. 

With the <group> selected, go to Object > Effects > Transparency. Set the Mode to Soft Light and click OK.

Step 9

Expand the Smudge layer and drag the <group> element down onto the Create New Layer button, to duplicate the <group>.

Unlock the top layer, Highlight, and drag one of the <group> elements up onto this layer. 

Lock the Smudge layer, working on Highlight.

Select the group of type elements on this page and shift its position slightly to the left. Then go to Object > Effects > Transparency. Set the Mode to Screen and click OK. 

Your Finished Text Effect

Your burnt wood text effect is finished—awesome job!

You can now incorporate your text effect into other InDesign work, or go to File > Export to create a JPG, PNG, or PDF version of your effect. 

A great way to give a twist on a text effect is to use a different typeface style. You can find a huge range of awesome fonts to use in your text effects over on Envato Elements.

Looking for more quick InDesign text effects? Make sure to check these out:

• 

  How to Create a Bold 90s Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  Have ten minutes to spare? This eye-catching effect gives any text an instant dose of nostalgic color and style.
• 

  How to Create a Vintage Movie Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  Have 15 minutes to spare? This super-quick and high-impact effect gives any text an instant dose of vintage movie magic.
• 

  How to Create a Quick Retro Video Glitch Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

  Want to give your type an edgy, Mad Max makeover? This super-quick glitch effect only takes 10 minutes to put together, and it makes a good substitute for…

Post pobrano z: How to Create a Sliced Mountain Effect Using Adobe Photoshop

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a sliced effect in Photoshop by mimicking a 3D shape on a 2D image to give an object the illusion of being cut in pieces.

What You’ll Need

In order to complete this project, you will also need the following image:

• Faraglioni rocks at Capri Island coast

1. How to Prepare the Image

Step 1

Open the Faraglioni rocks image in Photoshop. We want to remove the background before using the rocks in the poster. To do this, in the Layers panel, Duplicate the Background layer by pressing Command-J, and Hide the visibility of the original Background layer. 

Step 2

While selecting the new Layer 1 on the Layers panel, click on the Vector Mask button to add a Layer Mask to the Background copy.

Step 3

We will use the rock on the right side as it is solid compared to the one on the left. Let’s crop the image using the Crop Tool (C). I am maintaining the height and only closing in horizontally, as shown in the image below. Hit Enter to apply the crop.

Step 4

Select the Magic Wand Tool (W) and head over to the Options bar to make sure the Contiguous option is unchecked. For this specific tutorial we need to delete the sky, so click on a white part of the sky, which will select parts of the sky. In order to add to the selection, hold down Shift and click on the blue parts of the sky.

Step 5

Once all of the sky is selected, head over to the Layers panel. Select the Layer Mask we created for the new layer and hit Backspace on the keyboard to delete the parts we selected. You should have something like the image below. To deselect the parts we selected with the Magic Wand Tool (W), press Command-D.

Step 6

Now we need to remove the water. Using the Brush Tool (B) and black as the Foreground Colour on the Tools panel, you can hide parts of the image. If you use white as the foreground colour, you will instead reveal parts of the image. Make sure you have the Layer Mask selected on the Layers panel.

Right click to set the brush to a Size of 150 px and Hardness of 100% and start brushing parts away from the image. I like to do the big parts first, before zooming in and concentrating on the details later. 

A great tool that helps here is using the backslash key (\) to get a red tint behind the image and see what parts need to be perfected.

Step 7

To soften the edges of the image, we can use the Refine Mask option. Using the Zoom Tool (Z), zoom in on the image. Head over to the Layers panel and right click on the Layer Mask > Refine Mask, and a new window will pop up. Under the Adjust Edge option, set the Feather to 2 px and Shift Edge to -30%. Click OK.

2. How to Create a New Document and Guides

Step 1

In Photoshop, go to File > New. Name the document Sliced-v1, and set the Width to 1275 px and Height to 1650 px, with Background Contents white. I am keeping the poster digital, so I will work with 72 dpi. Click OK to create the document.

Step 2

Let’s create guides in our document to make sure things are aligned. My ruler measures in inches; you can change this in Photoshop > Preferences > Units and Rulers. Head over to View > New Guide, where a new window will pop up. We want to make all of our Guides 1 inch from each edge. Select Horizontal and under Position type 1 in. Click OK. 

We will do the same for the Vertical option. To add a guide to the bottom and the right side of the page, subtract 1 inch from the overall dimensions of the page. To hide and show the guides, hit Command-;.

3. How to Duplicate Layers and Add a Gradient Background

Step 1

Let’s duplicate the Layer 1 from the rocks file into our new Sliced-v1 file. To do so, Right Click > Duplicate Layers. Under As:, rename the layer to Rock, and under Destination select Document > Sliced-v1. Click OK to continue.

Step 2

In the Sliced-v1 file, resize the Rock layer by hitting Command-T to activate the Transform Tool. Resize the image to fit within the margin. Alternatively, you can head to the Options bar and set the Width and Height to 58%, making sure to activate the Maintain Aspect Ratio button. Hit Enter to proceed. 

Step 3

Head over to the bottom of the Layers panel, and click on Create a New Fill or Adjustment Layer > Gradient. A new Gradient Fill window will pop up; click on the Gradient color space.

Step 4

Go to Gradient Editor > Gradient Type, double-click on the left color swatch, and use the following color code: #c5c5c5. Click OK. Double-click on the right color swatch and set the following color code: #f1f1f1. Click OK in all three windows to go back to the page. Let’s move the Gradient Fill layer under the Rock layer.

4. How to Convert a Single Layer to Black and White

Step 1

Before we start to create the effect, let’s turn the Rock layer into black and white. Select the Rock layer on the Layers panel and head over to Image > Adjustments > Black and White. An option window will pop up; click on Auto and then OK. 

Step 2

The photo looks dull, so let’s add some contrast. Go to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast and set the Brightness to 35 and Contrast to 65. Click OK.

5. How to Create a Sliced Effect

Step 1

We need to cut our image into five pieces. We will be using the Pen Tool (P) to draw through the rock to create a mask. Try to follow the surface of the rock to make the effect credible.

Select the Pen Tool (P). Head over to the Options bar and make sure that Fill has no color selected. We can choose white as the Stroke at 1 pt. This is so we can see where we are slicing. Now we are all set! 

Start by making the first point on the left side of the rock, and try to follow the form of the rock. You will notice I did about eight points, the last point being on the edge of the right side of the rock. Close the shape by going around the rock either around the top or bottom—I chose the top. Close the shape by clicking on the first point again. This new shape will be a new layer.

Step 2

Let’s go ahead and do the same step three more times, but lower on the rock. You can do as many points as you like with the Pen Tool (P). We should have four layers, each containing a shape like the image below. 

Step 3

On the Layers panel, right click on the Rock Layer Mask thumbnail and select Apply Layer Mask to delete all of the background we had on the rock layer.

Step 4

We will use the shapes we created as masks to duplicate the different parts of the rock and convert them into separate layers. On the Layers panel, press Command and click on the Shape 1 thumbnail, which will select only the shape. Click on the Rock layer and press Command-X to cut, followed by Shift-Command-V to paste in place. This will create a new layer with the first shape we created. Below, I’ve deactivated the layer so you can see which part I’ve cut from the original image.

Step 5

Repeat the same step with the other shapes. Select all the Shape layers and drag them towards the folder icon on the Layers panel to group them. Deactivate them so we don’t get confused. Below I have moved the layers to show you how they should be separated and how the Layers panel should be looking.

Step 6

Now that we have the rock as puzzle pieces, we will create the 3D effect. I am moving the Rock layer off the bottom margin to give space for the other rocks. We will work our way up. Select Layer 4 or the second layer from the bottom. Using the Pen Tool (P), we will draw on the bottom of the rock to form a 3D look. Click on the very edge of the left side, giving shape to the rock all the way to the edge of the right side (image on the left). To close the shape, this time go through the rock (right image). 

If you want to change the shape, simply select the Direct Selection Tool (A) and click on the shape to bring up the points and edit. There is no right or wrong, so you can edit as much or as little as you want! 

Step 7

Drag the shape under Layer 4. Head over to the Options bar and select Fill > Gradient and Stroke > None. We will worry about the color of the gradient later. Group these two layers to avoid confusion.

Step 8

Do the same step as above for the other rocks. I will organize the layers by grouping the shapes layers with their correspondent rock layers to avoid confusion and naming them numerically. You should have something like the image below.

Step 9

We want to create the illusion that the slices are falling on top of each other. In this specific image, our eyesight is at a low angle as we are looking up at the rock. The 3D parts we created need to be behind each other from bottom to top. 

Let’s switch the order of the layers. Instead of going from 1 to 5, we will have 1 to 5 starting from the top. In other words, the gradient shapes we created need to be behind the rock. Below is an image of the order of the layers and how the file should be looking.

Step 10

Now that we have the layers in the right order, let’s give them a spontaneous look. Select different sections and use the Transform Tool (Command-T) to rotate them slightly. There is no right or wrong—you can move them as much as you like and resize as you wish! 

Step 11

On the Layers panel, expand one of the folders. I will be expanding Rock 5, so double-click on the Shape 5 layer to bring up the Gradient Fill window. Here we need to change the Angle of the gradient; mine is at -100. The darker color we will choose later on needs to go on the side closest to the bottom rock, and the brighter side on the side that is farthest from the rock. On this specific layer, the closest point is on the left side, while the farthest is on the right. This will be different on all the layers. Feel free to use this as a reference.

Double-click on the Gradient color swatch. In the new Gradient Type window, double click on the left color swatch. I am using an orange color with the following code: #ef8d00. Click OK.

Double click on the right color swatch and choose a darker color than the one above; I am using #412701. Click OK on all the windows. 

Step 12

Now let’s do the same for the other shapes! I am using the following codes for bright and dark shades respectively:

• Purple: #5700e6 and #1a0145
• Pink: #e600e6 and #49014a
• Green: #0ebb98 and #004134

The image should be looking like the one below.

Congratulations! You’ve Done It!

In this tutorial, you learned to:

• Create the illusion of a 3D object on a flat image.
• Use the Pen Tool to create shapes that can be used as Masks on an image.
• Use the Gradient Tool to create the illusion of light and shadow.

Post pobrano z: How to Create a Sci-Fi Scan-Line Text Effect in Adobe Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to use layer styles to create a super quick and easy sci-fi scan-line inspired text effect. Let’s get started!

This text effect was inspired by the many Layer Styles available on GraphicRiver.

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial:

• Kenney Future font
• Black grunge wall texture by kues1
• Free Pack 6000 photoshop gradients by Supertuts007 (Load the CHROMES.grd file.)
• Paper 2 pattern by Atle Mo

1. How to Create a Simple Gradient Pattern

Step 1

Create a new 500 x 104 px document, and double-click the Background layer to unlock it.

Step 2

Double-click the Layer 1 layer to apply a Gradient Overlay effect with these settings:

• Check the Dither box.
• Use the faucet 150 gradient fill.

Step 3

Pick the Single Column Marquee Tool and click once anywhere to select a single vertical line.

Then, go to Edit > Define Pattern, and set the Name to Lines.

2. How to Create a Background Texture

Step 1

Create a new 850 x 588 px document with the Resolution value set to 300, place the Black grunge wall texture image on top of the Background layer, and resize it as needed.

Step 2

Go to Image > Adjustments > Levels, and change the Gamma value to 1.10.

Step 3

Double-click the texture layer to apply a Color Overlay effect with these settings:

• Color: #3b7aab
• Blend Mode: Overlay

This will add a blue color to the texture.

3. How to Create and Style Text Layers

Step 1

Create the text using the font Kenney Future, and set the Size to 50 pt.

Duplicate the text layer and change the copy’s Fill value to 0%.

Double-click the original text layer to apply the following layer style:

Step 2

Add a Bevel and Emboss with these settings:

• Style: Stroke Emboss
• Technique: Chisel Hard
• Depth: 550
• Size: 6
• Uncheck the Use Global Light box
• Angle: -169
• Altitude: 37
• Gloss Contour: Ring
• Check the Anti-aliased box
• Highlight Mode: Color Dodge
  • Opacity: 75%
• Shadow Mode: Linear Burn
  • Opacity: 40%

Step 3

Add a Contour with these settings:

• Contour: Cone – Inverted
• Check the Anti-aliased box.
• Range: 100%

Step 4

Add a Stroke with these settings:

• Size: 3
• Position: Outside
• Fill Type: Gradient
• Angle: 90
• Click the Gradient box to create the gradient

Create the Gradient by adding alternating Color Stops of the Colors #1b5ad3 and #6db7fd.

Step 5

Add an Inner Shadow with these settings:

• Blend Mode: Color Burn
• Color: #0886f1
• Opacity: 60%
• Uncheck the Use Global Light box
• Angle: 90
• Distance: 0
• Choke: 25
• Size: 9

Step 6

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

• Blend Mode: Vivid Light
• Opacity: 70%
• Color: #7ffffd
• Choke: 30
• Size: 16
• Check the Anti-aliased box
• Range: 100

Step 7

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

• Check the Dither box
• Blend Mode: Linear Burn
• Opacity: 75%
• Scale: 109%
• Create the Gradient using the Colors #145190 to the left and #9517ff to the right.

Step 8

Add a Pattern Overlay with these settings:

• Pattern: Lines
• Scale: 7%

Step 9

Add an Outer Glow with these settings:

• Blend Mode: Overlay
• Opacity: 75%
• Color: #dd69ff
• Spread: 10
• Size: 30
• Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 10

Add a Drop Shadow with these settings:

• Opacity: 100%
• Uncheck the Use Global Light box
• Angle: 90
• Distance: 10
• Spread: 30
• Size: 15

Step 11

Add another instance of the Drop Shadow effect with these settings:

• Opacity: 70%
• Uncheck the Use Global Light box
• Angle: 90
• Distance: 20
• Size: 35

This will create the main effect.

4. How to Add More Layer Effects

Double-click the copy text layer to apply the following layer style:

Step 1

Add a Bevel and Emboss with these settings:

• Size: 49
• Uncheck the Use Global Light box
• Angle: 58
• Altitude: 21
• Gloss Contour: Cone – Inverted
• Check the Anti-aliased box
• Highlight Mode: Vivid Light
  • Opacity: 77%
• Shadow Mode:
  • Opacity: 0%

Step 2

Add a Contour with these settings:

• Contour: Rolling Slope – Descending
• Check the Anti-aliased box.
• Range: 100%

Step 3

Add an Inner Shadow with these settings:

• Blend Mode: Soft Light
• Color: #ab2eec
• Opacity: 100%
• Uncheck the Use Global Light box
• Angle: 90
• Distance: 0
• Size: 21

Step 4

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

• Blend Mode: Vivid Light
• Opacity: 25%
• Gradient: Use the Colors #3b5e7e to the left, #588b8a in the middle, and #c5c396 to the right
• Source: Center
• Size: 51
• Check the Anti-aliased box
• Range: 100%

Step 5

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

• Check the Dither box
• Blend Mode: Linear Light
• Opacity: 50%
• Scale: 109%
• Create the Gradient using the Colors #98addc to the left and #9e727f to the right.

Step 6

Add a Pattern Overlay with these settings:

• Blend Mode: Multiply
• Pattern: Paper 2

Step 7

Add an Outer Glow with these settings:

• Blend Mode: Color Dodge
• Opacity: 75%
• Color: #88621f
• Spread: 10
• Size: 20

This will finish off the text effect.

5. How to Add Finishing Touches

Step 1

If you want to add more than one line of text, just duplicate both styled text layers, and change their contents.

Step 2

Click the Create new fill or adjustment layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and choose Color Lookup.

Choose the Fuji REALA 500D Kodak 2392 (by Adobe).cube table from the 3DLUT File menu, and change the layer’s Opacity to 35%.

Congratulations, You’re Done!

In this tutorial, we used textures, patterns, and layer styles to create a quick and easy tech-inspired scan-lines text effect.

Please feel free to leave your comments, suggestions, and outcomes below.