Before starting, it’s we must download and thank Moonchilde-Stock and SXC for their wonderful stock images.

Final Image Preview

Before you start take a look at the final image you will be creating.

Step 1 – Preparing the scene

Start by creating a new document. The canvas below is 1655×2132 and filled with black.

Step 2 – Creating the background

Create a new layer group called "Background". In this new group you will create the main elements that define the background. Start by creating a new blank layer. Make sure the Foreground color is black and Background color is white. Render some clouds by going to Filter > Render > Clouds.

Step 3

Next you need to apply a Radial Blur to this layer (Filter > Blur > Radial Blur) and apply a amount of 100 with Blur Method set to Zoom and the Quality to Best.

Step 4

Press Command + F (Ctrl + F on Windows) to apply the same filter again.

Step 5

Bring up Levels (Command + L or Ctrl + L on Windows) and adjust the settings to produce similar results as shown below.

Step 6

Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) set to 100% Feather and select several parts of the cloud render to delete (Remember: after making a selection, hold shift and create a new selection to add to the previous selection. Learn More About the Selection Tools). Delete this selection (Delete or Control+X). You may decide to feather this selection prior to deleting once more to make a softer deletion.

Step 7

Open this layers Blending Options and apply a Radial Gradient. Use the settings below to get a similar result.

Create a Blank Layer underneath this layer, and merge the layers together (Select Both Layers > Layer > Merge Layers). Set the layer to Linear Dodge and duplicate the layer (second layer must be Linear Dodge as well).

Step 8

Duplicate the layer again and this time apply a Twirl to this layer (Filter > Distort Twirl) with the angle set to 350.

Step 9

Create a black layer over the burst layers and add some noise over this layer (Filter > Noise Add Noise). Set it to 50% Gaussian and check Monochromatic.

Apply a Radial Blur over the Noise layer. Set it to Zoom, Amount 100% and Best Quality. Repeat this filter (Control + F).

Next bring up the Levels panel (Command + L or Ctrl + L on Windows) and apply 50 – 1 – 90 and erase the edges of the layer using the Eraser Tool (E) set to a soft brush. Set the layer to Color Dodge and 60% Opacity.

Step 10

In this step you will use a Nebula stock image. There are many to choose from, but I have chosen the wonderful stock image created by Moonchilde-Stock. Erase the edges of the image with a soft brush, and set the image to Linear Dodge and 80% Opacity.

Step 11 – Color Adjustments

You are finished with the Background Group.

Next you will create another Group called Adjustments. Inside this group create a new layer and using the Soft Brush (B) you need to add a spot of pink color #ff00f0, into a new layer a red color #fe3c00 and into another new layer an orange one #ff6c00. Each color should be in it’s own layer for easy adjustments.

Set each layer as follows: pink Linear Dodge and Opacity 21%, red Linear Dodge and Opacity 5%, orange Linear Dodge and Opacity 21%.

This is one of those steps that requires the best judgement of the designer. For this particular setup, these values made sense, but do as you see fit obviously.

Step 12

Create a new Solid Color Layer with the color #eca700.

Set the layer to Color and Opacity 24% to give the image a bit of a color cast.

Step 13

Repeat Step 12 but this time apply this color #00af3a and for the layer style again use Color and Opacity 11%.

Step 14

Repeat Step 12 but this time apply this color #001eff and for the layer stile again use Color and Opacity 16%. Also above all the layers and groups add the texture provided by SXC and set the layer to Overlay. Please note that this same effect could definitely be achieved by other means such as a levels adjustment layer if you’re comfortable using them.

Step 15 – Creating the Symbol

You are finished with the Adjustments Group. This next part of the tutorial focuses on the Omega Code symbol (but you’re free to create your own logo/symbol if you’d like). Create a New Group between the Adjustments and Background groups and name it Omega, this group will hold all the details and the Omega Symbol.

Create a new layer. Press Command + A (Ctrl + A in Windows) to select everything and press Command + Shift + C (Ctrl + Shift + C in Windows) to copy merged and then press Command + V (Ctrl + V in Windows) to paste into a new selection. Place the new layer inside the Omega group if it’s not already there..

Create a triangle shape and place it in the middle of the composition. You will use this shape just for reference.

Step 16

Make a selection around the black triangle (Ctrl + Click Layer in Layers Palette). For the moment, hide the triangle shape layer. Select the layer you have created in Step 15 (the merged copy of all other layers) and with the selection simply cut out a piece out of the merged layer.

Step 17

Show the triangle layer again, and be sure it’s rasterized (Right Click > Rasterize). Apply the following adjustments: Command + Shift + Option + B (Ctrl + Shift + Alt + B on Windows) with setting in image below.

Then set the layer to Soft Light. Duplicate this layer and set it to Multiply and 10% Opacity.

Step 18

Now you will have to create 4 more Triangles but these Triangles will have some cuts inside of them. To create the triangles you need to duplicate the triangle layer you have created back in Step 16, apply a black and white adjustment (Command + Shift + Option + B or Ctrl+ Shift + Alt + B on Windows) then use the Levels Adjustments to make it lighter (0 – 1.00 – 176).

Step 19

Create a smaller black triangle. Duplicate this triangle, and transform it so that there is an even smaller triangle within it (Note: Hold Alt + Shift while transforming to transform in proportion, and from the center). This triangle should occupy roughly 1/4th the area of the large triangle we applied the Black and White adjustment to in the previous step.

Step 20

Duplicate this black triangle 3 more times and place them like below.

Step 21

Make a selection around one of these triangles then select the big triangle and cut (Ctrl + X) a portion out of it. Paste this cut into a new layer, and delete the black small triangle layer.

Step 22

Repeat Step 21 for all the other triangles and deactivate the big triangle from step 18.

Note: Each of the small triangles should now be in a layer of their own.

Step 23

Apply the below Blending Option for all 4 triangles.

Step 24

Now use the Polygonal Lasso Tool and make a selection like below. Create a new layer and in this layer apply a Soft White gradient set to White/Transparent (a soft, large white brush may work just as well). Set the layer to overlay and Opacity 70%. The soft glow is not visible at the moment but as you proceed they will look very nice.

Note: Erase the edges with a Soft Brush.

Step 25

Keep on creating more glows, different sizes like in step 24.

Step 26

Same technique with the left side.

Step 27

And the bottom side. Keep layering the effect on top of one another to build up a powerful collection of highlights.

Step 28

Now you will use the same technique but this time create circle selections using the Elliptical Marquee Tool, invert the selections and then use the Radial Gradient. You will set these layers to Overlay and 88% Opacity.

Step 29

Next you will need to use the Pen Tool (P) and create paths on different locations over the 4 triangles. Then you will have to stroke those paths with a small white brush and set the layers to Overlay and Opacity so that the effect isn’t overwhelming.

Step 30

Use the Pen Tool (P) and create 2 white strokes 1px that will intersect and use the Eraser Tool (E) on the edges to fade them out softly. Then apply a soft white Outer Glow to it

Step 31

Duplicate, or create several more of these star elements to give your symbol a bit of polish!

Conclusion

We’re finished! Hopefully you’ve picked up a few new techniques and had fun while doing so. Please share any of your personal creations in the comments for others to see! You can view the final image below or view a larger version here.

Download the Free PSD

I have worked on this new tutorial with Cucu Tudor. In this tutorial you will learn how to create a glossy mail icon that can be used for your apps or websites.

Step 1: Create a new document

Create a new document in Photoshop and fill it with white. Create a new layer and use the Pen Tool (P) to create the shape of the envelope. Then press Command + Enter to transform the path into a selection.

Step 2: Apply Color

Fill the selection with this color #80a5c0 using the Paint Bucket Tool (G).

Step 3: Apply Gradient

Double click on the layer to activate the Blending Options and apply a Gradient Overlay like below.

Step 4: Envelope interior

Now you need to create a new layer and create a new shape like below. Fill the shape with #738ea3.

Step 5

Double click on the layer you have just created and apply an Inner Shadow, Gradient Overlay and a Stroke to the layer.

Step 6: Add Shadow

To add the shadow below the envelope you need to use the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) and create a black shape like below. Then go to Filter Blur Gaussian Blur and use 3,8. This effect will make the envelope look like it is floating.

Step 7

Create another new layer and create a shape like below then fill it with #4b7c9d. Next double click on the layer and add a Gradient Overlay.

Step 8

Create the lower part of the envelope and add a Gradient Overlay like below.

Step 9: Lines

Create a new layer for each line you create. You will create these lines using the Line Tool (U) set to white and different weights. Also you will change the Opacity of each as you wish.

Step 10: Sticky strip

Start creating the sticky strip of the envelope. Create a new layer then use the Pen Tool (P) to create the shape below and fill the layer with white.

Step 11: Strip texture

To create the strip texture you need to make sure you have the white strip layer selected and go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise and set the Noise to 56,56; Uniform and deselect Monochromatic. In the end set the layer to Opacity 15%.

Step 12: Elements

Now it is time to add the elements inside the envelope. Start with a piece of paper. Create a new layer and place it over the envelope like below then create the shape using the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) and fill it with white. You must create another layer above this shape and use a black brush to create the shadow that is going to be above the inside elements.

Step 13

Create another shape. This time use the Custom Shape Tool (U) and in the shape list search for the puzzle shape. When you find it place it onto the screen, use the Transform Tool to distort the element then add a simple gradient like below.

Step 14

Create another shape as you did in step 13 but this time select from the list the magnifying glass. Apply the shape and fill it with #2ea7fa. Also apply a smooth Gradient Overlay.

Step 15

Create a magnifying effect. Simply create a new layer and place it below the magnifying glass layer. The layer should be white with a soft grey gradient. Then add the text “text” and erase a part of it to make it look like it is magnified. Next you need to add a soft white gloss to make it look like a glass. In the end add the shadow by creating a new layer below all these and applying a soft black color. Then set the layer to 20% Opacity.

Step 16

Create a movie roll the same way as you did with the other elements.

Step 17

The last element is a pen. Create this shape using this color #ff7000.

Step 18: Details

Now it is time to add details and gloss to the elements. Follow the steps below as you will be taken through each modification so you can create it as well.

Step 19: Gloss

Next you need to add some gloss effect to the envelope. Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) and create 4 triangles the use a soft white brush to bring in some gloss.

Step 20: Final Shadow

Create a path like below using the Pen Tool (P) then transform it into a selection and use a black soft brush to add the shadow.

Step 21: Final Adjustment

In the end you need to darken everything a little and add more contrast. Press Command + A then copy Command + Shift + C and paste Command + V. Now that you have the image duplicated go to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast and increase the contrast a little.

This little icon looks pretty good when it is used on your app. Use Icon Composer to create the icon then set it to your app using Candy Bar.

Final Result

Download the PSD

First of all I would like to thank Negreu Andreas for collaborating with me in creating this tutorial. This is an inspiration from the Bolt movie poster. In this tutorial you will create a glossy thunder logo using a few layers and some white shapes that will make the thunder more interesting and glossy.

Step 1: Create a new document

First of all create a new white document 1000×600 and then create the thunder shape using the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L).

Step 2: Apply Color

Create a new layer and with the selection still activated fill it with #ff9c00.

Step 3: Create the 3D effect

Next you need to duplicate the layer two times and change the color of these 2 layers to #ffc66c. Also move them behind the first layer and place them like in the image below.

Step 4

Next you need to merge the two layers you just created in step 3 and using the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) make selections like below and fill them with the same color as the shape.

Step 5: Add shadows

Using the Burn Tool set to Shadow and 60% Exposure you need to draw over the corners of the layer created in step 4.

Step 6: Darken shape

Again using the Burn Tool (O) you need to select the first thunder layer and burn the corners of the shape.

Step 7: Add stroke

Hold down Command key and then click on the first shape layer thumbnail to make a selection around it, create a new layer above this then with the Lasso Tool (L) select and press the Right + Click on the screen and create a 3 px stroke with this color #ffab45.

Use the Blur Tool (R) to soften the edges of the stroke.

Step 8

Create a new layer on top of all the layers and using the Brush Tool (B) set to the same color used for the stroke #ffab45 you need to draw on all the corners of the thunder.

Step 9: Shadows

It is time to add some more intense shadows. For this select the layer behind the original thunder shape and using the brush set to #800300 draw on the corners like in the image below.

Step 10

Duplicate the stroke from step 7 and go to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast and set it to (brightness -150, contrast +30). You will also have to move the new layer right a few pixels like below.

Step 11

Use the Eraser Tool (E) and erase the corners of the stroke and use the Blur Tool (R) on the stroke to make it blend in with the other shapes.

Step 12: Light colors

Create some more light colors on the thunder using the Brush Tool (B) set to #ffa93c. Make a selection like below, create a new layer on top of all the layers and start adding some color. Remember to use a soft brush for this.

Step 13

Create a new layer and make a selection like below. Draw with the Brush Tool (B) set to #6b000 and set the layer to Overlay.

Step 14: Improving the shape

Next you need to work some more on the layer behind the original thunder shape. You need to change the shape of the layer a bit by making some selections like below and drawing over the layer with some more colors and shadows.

Step 15

Create a new layer and make a selection like below and using the Brush Tool (O) draw on top of the selection with #e20001 and on the bottom of the selection with #ffa739.

Step 16: Details

Use the Eraser Tool (E) and erase the corners of the stroke.

Step 17: Add Gloss

It is time to add some more gloss on the shape. Create a new layer on top of all the layers and make different selections like below, then using a yellow color and a soft brush you need to simply draw some faded shades of light on the shape then set the layer to Overlay or Soft Light. You can also erase some parts of the gloss and make it fade out. In the end add some final strokes, smudge them and lower the opacity.

Remember that you will have to create different selections for each gloss you apply.

Final Result

Download the PSD

First of all I would like to thank Cucu Tudor for collaborating with me in creating this tutorial. The final image is an Angel that lights his way in the dark forest. You will create this photo manipulation using stock images provided by some really great artists, which I would also like to thank a lot.

Materials Needed:

• Vegetation1
• Vegetation2
• Female
• Wings

Step 1: Create a new document

First of all open a new document in Photoshop (Dimensions: 1019×1219 px).

Step 2: Apply Vegetation

Now import the first image “Vegetation1″ that we’ll use to create the background. Resize it and than place it to the top of the page.

Step 3: Reduce Saturation

Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and reduce the yellow saturation and grow up a little bit the yellow lightness.

Step 4: Complete the background

Fill the background with black color and erase slowly the bottom part of the image you added so that it will blend in with the black.

Step 5: Add the main character

Import the second image “Female” resize it and fit it in the centre of the image like below. Change the name of the layer to angel.

Step 6: Selecting the model

Using the Pen Tool (P) you need to trace the female model and erase the background behind her.

Step 7: Correcting the colors

Go again to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and reduce the yellow saturation. Than select the Burn Tool (O) and try to make the females dress a bit darker, till you reach a result like the picture below.

Step 8: Add more detail to the background

Copy and paste the next image we used for the ground Vegetation2 and place it below the angel layer.

Step 9

Erase the trees from the top of the image, make sure you use a soft brush for this and that you will only have the ground visible and than change the Hue/Saturation and the Color Balance from Image > Adjustments.

Step 10: Create the angel

Import the image, which contains the wings. Select the contour with the Pen Tool (P) and get rid of the black part of the image. Than use the Burn Tool (O) on the pointed area.

Step 11: Add some color to the wings

Go to Image > Adjustments > Color Balance and use the settings below. Than you can change the contrast from Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.

Step 12: Building the star

Create a circle with the Ellipse Tool (U) (Shape Layers). Than go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, set the radius around 4%.

Step 13

Now you should smudge the circle from outside to inside, which will allow the finger be seen. To make it glow, right-click on the layer with the white sphere and go to blending options and use the options from the Outer Glow like below.

Step 14

The light should go over the face. So you must brush and smudge a white color over the face and the hair then set the layer to Overlay.

Step 15: Creating the star rays

Draw some lines like below and then select with the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) a circle.

Step 16

Go to Filter > Blur > Radial Blur set to around 15.

Step 17: Add mist

Create a new layer and fill it with black. Then go to Filter > Render > Clouds. For the colors use these codes: #bfb499 and #000000.

Step 18

Set the mist layer to Screen and Opacity 75%.

Step 19

Now create a new layer and move it below the clouds layer and add some shadow. Brush with black and then smudge a little bit to cover the legs and the dress.

Step 20

In this step you must create some more mist at the female’s feet. Make a selection with the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) and go to Filter > Render > Clouds. Use the same colors like before.

Step 21: Light behind angel

To create the light behind the angel create a new layer below the angel layer and brush it with #dbbe79. Set the layer to screen in the end.

Step 22: Rays of light

Create a new layer then create some straight lines using the Line Tool (U) set to 2px and color #dbbe79.

Step 23

Wile still on the rays layer go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and than Filter > Blur > Motion Blur effect till you get the same result like below.

Step 24: Add final light

This is the final step. Select all the layers (Ctrl + A) and copy merged (Shift + Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + P). Then go to Filter > Render > Lens Flare. Using the Erase Tool (E) set to Opacity 70%, you need to slowly erase the lower part of the flare.

Final Result

Download the PSD

I would like to thank Cucu Tudor for collaborating with me in creating this tutorial. In this tutorial you will learn how to use the brush and smudge tools and create a close to reality portrait.

Final Image Preview

First of all take a look at the illustration you will be creating. You can view the final image preview below or view a larger version here.

Step 1

First of all open a new document in Photoshop and then create a group of layers named “hair”, here you add all the layers for the hair. Create a new layer in the group (Command + Shift + N).

Step 2

You will start with the hair. Add the hair color and draw with the brush the shape of the haircut. The color I used is black. Because you are experimenting it is good to try with a different color and try to follow this tutorial to get the same results, also you could try a different haircut.

Step 3

Then choose a brighter color (using the code: #282828) and draw some curves and smudge the edges with the Smudge Tool (R), like in the image below.

Step 4

Also with a brighter color draw some lines and then give them a motion blur effect (Filter > Blur > Motion Blur) and then smudge the edges again.

Step 5

Brush many lines with a small hardness and master diameter to give a more realistic look, then you can blur it using Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur).

Step 6

Next you need to go to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast (make sure that you have the hair layer selected) and play around with the settings until the white hair will slowly fade out.

Step 7

The last step in drawing the hair part is to brush again in a new layer with a special brush (I marked the brush in the image below), using Flow around 10% and Opacity 70%. Create a new layer named “shadow” above the background layer and draw a sleek shadow.

Step 8

Create a new layer place it below the first hair layer you worked on and add more hair, which is seen coming from the back of the head.

Step 9

Create a new group and name it “face” and place it below all the other layers except the back hair layer. Create the shape of the face using the Pen Tool (P) with a skin color #b68b6d.

Step 10

According to the light source (which is from the front), draw some shading using a soft Brush (B). This time use the same color but give it a slightly darker touch #795944.

Step 11

Use the same way and create a group for each other when you start to draw a part of the face. In the group “eyebrow” make a shape of the eyebrow with the Pen Tool (P), fill it with black then erase the edges with the brush I used (14px / Opacity 38%).

Step 12

Using a soft brush set to Opacity 40% add some shadow on the ear Color used is black.

Step 13

Create a new group and name it “eyes” and make a shape of the eyes with the Pen Tool (P) then fill the strokes. Smudge the eyes a little bit and then create a new layer and make the sclera white.

Step 14

Now it is time to make the iris. Create a new layer using the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) and fill it with black. Color the eyes with #434d30 or chose other color if you please. Then you must make it shiny, so brush a little white spot and smudge it.

Step 15

Create a new layer and name it “eyelashes”. Using the brush represented in the image below you need to create the eyelashes one by one.

Step 16

Create a new layer and name it “lachrymal duct”. Make 2 circles and place them where the lachrymal duct is and use this color cod #985c55. Then double click the circles layer to enter the Blending Options and use Bevel And Emboss (if it’s needed reduce the opacity of the highlight) and then smudge it a little bit.

Step 17

You must start adding some more lights and shadows to the portrait and start giving some shape. The nose and the cheeks will be created using light and dark brushes, Burn and Dodge Tools.

Also you will have to use the Smudge Tool after you add the lights and shadows.

Step 18

Add more lights to accentuate the cheeks and the chin parts. Also you must add the shadow on the right cheek coming from the fringe.

Step 19

Add more light around the left eye and shadow to the right eye. The face is becoming to get a real view.

Step 20

You should continue accentuating the nose with a brighter color, the cheeks and the chin.

Step 21

Now we start drawing the mouth. First of all create a new layer and name it “lips”. Draw a shape and make it darker at the edges. Colors used: #840f0f, #ab1e1f and #c14141.

Step 22

Draw the base line, which separates the lips. To bring more realism you need to draw some dark and light lines on the lips. To make it shiny draw a white line and then smudge it. To the upper lip draw a pink stroke. Remember that the key tools used in creating this type of portrait are the brush tool and the smudge tool.

Step 23

Add some more lights and shadow to the left cheek and nose.

Step 24

In this step you should make the upper lip darker and the chin more accentuated.

Step 25

In this step you should copy all the face and change the contrast. To do so you need to make the background invisible then press (Command + A) and go to Edit > Copy Merged then go to Edit > Paste. This will copy you entire face with all the layers and place them all into a single layer.

Make the background visible again then select the head layer you just created. Go to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.

Conclusion

In the end you can add some pink color on the cheeks and a little bit of green on the eyebrows using the same brush and smudge tools. Hope you learned some new techniques and had fun while doing so. You can view the final image below or view a larger version here.

Download the Source PSD

In this tutorial you will learn a few techniques that might be very useful for you and give you some great ideas when you start creating an advertisement. Before you go on and start the tutorial I would like to thank the photographers for their amazing stock images and for giving e permission to use the images:

Materials Needed

• Katanaz-Stock male
• Katanaz-Stock female1
• Katanaz-Stock female2
• Stock Art Resources Gem1
• Stock Art Resources Gem2
• Stock Art Resources Gem3
• Stock Art Resources Gem4
• Stock Art Resources Gem5
• Stock Art Resources Gem6
• Demon-Daisy-Stock Gem7
• kire198 nebula
• sxc 1
• sxc 2
• sxc 3
• sxc 4
• sxc 5

As you can see this tutorial will require a big number of images and most importantly are the diamond images that you must use as many as you can, same shapes but different perspectives.

Getting Started

Before you start creating a piece it is very important that you fist make some sketches or maybe jot down some ideas, some elements that you have in mind and would like to use in you composition. It is true that the final result may not be the same and may not have the exact shape as you first imagined it but that is the point, you must evolve and expand your idea. This is something that happens to me all the time I start a project.

Final Image Preview

Before you start take a look at the final image you will be creating.

Step 1

First of all you need to start a new document. The size I chose is a very big one as I want this printed later on. Then import the male stock to your document and resize it as you wish. As you can see in the image there is a lot of white that you need to cover with the same grey behind the model.

Step 2

Using the Clone Stamp Tool (S) expand the grey so that it looks like the image below. Also play around with the Levels settings a bit so that you make the model more detailed and a bit darker.

Step 3

Next I will start adding some elements on the composition. Using the Brush Tool (B) with the below settings, draw some white circles.

Step 4

Command + Click on the circles layer, using this selection go to the original model layer and press Command + J. Move the new layer left a few times and set the layer to Overlay.

Step 5

Next step is to import the diamonds into the composition. You can start arranging them but you must keep in mind that you will surly change their order when you add more elements. The first images shows you how I arranged my diamonds.

1. Working on the top diamond: First of all crop the diamond and import it into the document then duplicate the diamond and desaturate it. Set the desaturated layer to 70%. Then I used my logo to make it look like it is frozen into that diamond.

2. The lower diamond between the legs need some shadow and masks applied to it. First of all mask the diamond using the Pen Tool (P). Then create a new layer on top of that and using a sot black brush draw a shadow like below and set the layer to Overlay and Opacity 75%. Duplicate the same layer, set it back to normal but change the Opacity to 45%.

The other diamonds just need some shadows below them and apply motion blur and blur to 3 of them.

Step 6

Using the Pen Tool (P) create a shape around the model. Next you need to lower the Fill to 0% and add a #f424cf stroke of 1 pixel to the shape. Duplicate the shape 2 more times and place them above the model layer. Move the layers into a group and set the group to Multiply.

Step 7

Next using these 2 brush files found on PSDTUTS you need to place 2 of them beside the model.

Step 8

When I first created this illustration I reached this point and realized there is something missing. The elements donÕt get along with the rest of the illustration so I imported 2 more female models.

The difference between these 2 models and the first one is that you need to crop these 2 using the Pen Tool and import them in the document, also you need to place them behind the male model layer.

Step 9

In this step we will make the male model transform into a shadow of some sort. The idea behind this illustration I have made is that “Girls Want Diamonds Not Boys”. This is what we are trying to illustrate here. We have the diamonds very visible but we have to make the boy invisible somehow.

Duplicate the male model layer and desaturate it. Then create a new layer above that and then using a soft black brush, add some more dark. Remember that the brush Opacity needs to be lowered.

Step 10

Duplicate the white and black male model 2 times and place the new layers above the recent layer then set them to Multiply. Set one of them to 43% Opacity.

Step 11

At this point the contrast between the male and background is too high so you need to do something with that. This is the step where you start creating the space background.

First of all create a new layer and place it below all the other layers.

Step 12

Next, create a mask for this layer and using some black cloud brushes that you can find here DeviantArt, you need to start letting in some of the previews background that I also liked very much. This is a really great effect and the result will look very good, like a crack in the space.

Step 13

Next you need to create the stars and nebulas.

First create a new layer above the black one and fill it with black then go to Filter > Render > Noise. Then go to Adjustments > Levels, drag the left slider until stars start disappearing and stop when you are satisfied with the result. In the end mask the start so that they will be visible only on the dark background you created.

Step 14

Import the nebulas created by kire198. What you will do next is to use 2 of those nebulas, desaturate them and place them in position. Then with a soft eraser you need to erase the edges. Set the layer to Exclusion and 20% Opacity.

Step 15

In this step you need to add some elements that I called “Extras”. These are a few blurred white circles and a blurred line. Simple to create but they are very useful.

Step 16

Add more white dots like in step 15 but this time use the Eraser Tool (E) and Overlay setting and place them in the lower left corner. Because you set these white circles to overlay, they will make the nebula more visible and that is exactly what you wanted.

Step 17

Create a new group and call it colors. In this group you will create 4 layers and each layer will have a color. You will need to place all these colors using the Gradient Tool (G) then set each layer to Screen, Color Burn and Soft Light. Follow the images for reference.

Step 18

One more element I will add over all the layers and mask in some places is another line swirl like you added in step 7. This time make it white and set it to Overlay and Opacity 62%.

Conclusion

In the end it is good to save the image as a JPG then add some more details to the image by changing some settings with the Curves. Hope you learned some new techniques and had fun while doing so. You can view the final image below or view a larger version here.

Download the Source PSD