tutorial: tricks and tips for making light textures V

[awmp]

as my dear PSP users always complain when I'm using the Lens Flare filter when making light texture tuts, I wrote a quick one without this filter (yay for caffeine that makes me hyper). Hope you're happy now ;P
I have no clue about PSP though, so don't blame me when I'm using other things that are PS only *g* (but I think this one is safe...)

also on a completely random note: yay! I think I've just repaired my washing machine and it spin-dries again, but booo! now I have no excuse for not wearing that ridiculous Hippie outfit to that FlowerPowerParty tonight....

tricks&tips for making light textures V
- Light textures with the gradient tool -




step 01: starting...

- a new document, size doesn't matter, I usually go for something big (1200x900 in this case)


step 02: grab your gradient tool

- I'm using the gradient tool in the ever popular way...
- choose the b/w standard Reflected Gradient, Mode: Difference, reverse it to w/b


- the Difference mode for the gradient tool allows some funky effects
- start dragging not so large little distances from one corner to the opposite one
- repeat that a couple of times (I speak of 10-15 and above *g*)
- try to keep them relatively closely together and in the middle of your canvas
- you can try some larger gradients but use them sparingly, and in the same direction


a closer look


and the result of this step


step 03: repetition

- on a new layer repeat step 02 on a new layer
- but in a different direction and with larger distances of the start and end point of your gradient tool
- try to get something similar to this... it's all about playing *g*


- set this layer on Blending Mode Screen or Lighten, depending how light your gradients are


step 04: color

- add a color fill layer in a color you like
- I've chosen a purple tone here (#95527D)
- simply set this layer on Color Burn mode, that way we also get more contrast and nifty colorization


- another color fill layer, this time in orange (#FF9B61)
- set it on Blending Mode Multiply and lower the opacity to around 20%
- we need this step to add some yellowish glow on the inside of our lights later :)


- still on the color thing...
- on a new layer paint a random mess with some dark colors, really anything goes...
- I've chosen dark green, dark blue/purple and dark brown for this (I've mentioned the colors should be *surprise* dark, right?)
- you can use a large soft round brush for this


- and it will look pretty when you put it on Layer Mode Color Dodge


- and lastly I added a b/w Radient Gradient on a new layer
- set it on Blending Mode Overlay to emphasize a spot and darken some parts




step 05: motion

- merge-copy-paste the whole thing into a new layer (crtl+shift+alt+e)
- use the Filter - Distort - Wave on this layer




- put it on Blending Mode Screen or Lighten depending on how light you want it to look


- Duplicate the last layer and put it on Blending Mode Linear Burn


tadaaaa! finished. (this one was made with the same technique)


step 06: additional cropping

- of course you can crop icon textures from it now :)





the easy feedback system ;)

Poll helpful?

as always: Have Fun! :)

uhm and also, what's with the sudden increasement of watchers of my little comm? I start feeling paranoid... which could also be the caffeine, but still... *looks around suspiciously*