TUTORIAL #2
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For Photoshop
Here's the image I started out with.
I brightened the image and adjusted the saturation
Image > Adjustments > Curves:
RGB
Input: around 128
Output: around 146
Image > Adjustments > Curves:
RGB
Input: around 10
Output: around 255
Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation:
Saturation: +10
Then sharpen & fade sharpen as much as needed.
Duplicate the base layer and set it to screen 100%
Create a new layer, fill with #04111F, and set to exclusion 100%
Then merge all of the layers together, select all, and copy.
Then Edit > Undo (twice)
Then paste the copied layers.
Set the copied layer to soft light 100%
Create a new layer underneath the soft light layer.
Fill with #FFEEE5 and set to multiply 100%.
Create a new layer above the multiply layer.
Fill with #E5F9FF and set to color burn 100%.
Duplicate color burn layer.
Then go to...
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance:
Cyan/Red: +45
Magenta/Green: +0
Yellow/Blue: +32
Then go to...
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves:
RGB
Input:147
Output:153
Then go to...
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast:
Brightness: +0
Contrast: +10
Go back to your base layer, copy it, and set it to soft light 100%
Then go to your soft light layer near the top (the one above the color burn layers), copy it, drag it down to the bottom (below the screen layer), and set it to soft light 100%.
Here's what your layer palette should look like.
Feel free to ask questions about any of the steps!
Here are some examples of icons I have made using similar techniques.
Examples:
