(no subject)

[scummys]

alright, so, i did a tutorial while i was still at my other icon journal, & i got some positive feedback. so, i thought i might try again, considering my icon making skills have grown since the last one.

so, here we go, a hopefully pretty simple tutorial for this textless icon right here on PAINTSHOP PRO EIGHT (it'll work this other version, too, i bet).



so, i started with this lovely image right here, http://supernatural.4fans.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/SN05-CA-0007.jpg
( http://supernatural.4fans.net is the best site ever. thank you. )

i cropped it & resized it to 100x100, so we now have this icon right here;


&, out of habit, i sharpened the image, because when you resize large files you lose some detail. it's simple; i went to effects → effect browser → presets → sharpen → sharpen
you're image should now look like this;


it might not look that different, & if you're the type who likes sharp edges, feel free to sharpen it again.

alright, so, another bit i do out of habit is a screen/multiply effect.
i take the image, copy it & paste it as a new layer twice. i put the screen effect on the first layer, & the multiple effect on the one below.
your layers box & icon should look like this when completed;


i find this little effect makes the image look brighter, which is a good thing when doing the style i am right now. it works particularly good on dark pictures.

now, we're going to make a new raster layer. click the icon on your layers box;


this will come up, & click ok;


now, use your flood fill tool, & pick a light, solid color. for me, i like a bright tan;


now, flood fill the raster layer. you won't be able to see the winchester boys, but don't fret, you will in a moment.

go to your layers box & apply the multiply effect on your raster layer, like this;

.
now we see our boys again (:


now, create yet another new raster layer. this one should be labeled raster 2. next, go to the side bar where your colors are & change your color to a gradient. it should look like this;


once selected, you want to click the gradient pre-chosen, & you should get a pop-up window like this;


now click the little black arrow next to the gradient there (for me it's ocean blues), & chose a gradient. you can select from one of the pre-made ones, or you can create your own.
i've created my own, because you really need a dark gradient for the effect we're going for. the one i used looks like this;


if it's easier, you can just copy this image & paste this as a new layer, instead of making a new raster & gradient. it's the same thing.

so, once again, you can't see sam or dean, but like before, we'll fix that.
you're going to go to your gradient layer, & select the lighten effect, like this;


now, right click your icon & select the copy merged option, like this;


then, right click again & go to paste → paste as a new layer, like this;


you'll now have another layer in your layer's box that should be labeled raster 3. select the soft light effect for this raster, like this;




& there you have it. a simple, yet nice look (i think) for your icon. now, you can of course go from here with text or a different effect, but that's clearly up to the maker. this is just a start.
hope i helped in some way. if you have any questions, please let me know.
&, if you use my tutorial, let me see what you come up with! (: