Posted at the3dstudio.com in 3D Studio Max
The Rotating beacon will be mounted into a casing. For a lighthouse this is a very large unit some as much as 8 feet tall, while in a police light bar it would only be 3 inches tall. For the purpose of this tutorial I will use a police rotating light common in the 1960s and early 1970s.
This quick video tutorial explains how to change colour of the eyes using Photoshop.
Posted at 3dsmaxtutorials.net in 3D Studio Max
Learn how to model a daisy in 3D Studio Max
Posted at freewebs.com in 3D Studio Max
Learn how to model a pod chair using 3d studio max.
Posted at photoshopforce.com in Photoshop
Create an abstract frozen digital flower using several easily applied filter settings and photoshop tweaks.
Make a sunburst in Illustrator that can be saved as a symbol to use in future projects.
This tutorials will show you how to make a cool abstract image. This one takes a little bit of time but it is worth the end effect.
This tutorial learns you how to make Karamendos cell (slime). This is a very simple, step by step tutorial for beginners and intermediate 3ds Max users. There is three chapter.
Making circular shapes and patterns in Illustrator is straightforward using a simple technique. Here's how to save yourself some time.
Here's a simple tip I came across for quickly creating repeating shapes in Illustrator. Give it a try it.
TOPICS COVERED: 1. Exterior Lighting. 2. General Scene Setup. 3. V-Ray Displacement. 4. Night Scene Lighting Setup.
In this tutorial we will learn how to model the wheels of a wooden cart.
Video tutorial showing the modeling of a Birthday Cake [3x Speed]. I made this for the 1 Year Anniversary of Game-Artist.net
Photoshop files can become large very quickly especially you start to work with different Photoshop files and more advanced projects, that your hard drive will start to fill up. There are a number of solutions you can use to tackle file size.
Posted at adobetutorialz.com in Photoshop
Create a nice background effect like an airplane turbine.
Posted at photoshopnerds.com in Photoshop
Create a unique, absract background image that uses basic filters to create a blurred, radial background image.
Posted at photoshoptower.com in Photoshop
Create a fantastic fractal effect in photoshop using various filters and blending options.
Posted at layersmagazine.com in Photoshop
From the Photoshop Finishing Touches book, author Dave Cross shows you how to make unique border effects in Photoshop. Requires Flash
Posted at photoshoptower.com in Photoshop
Create an abstract cosmic alien embryo looking mass, using several fundamental photoshop creation techniques.
One of the most comprehensive skin tutorials out there and it would take you a while to complete, but the end result would be rewarding.
This tutorial will show you how to create a great abstract image that looks like frozen pedals. This tutorial is very easy to complete as most of the steps are filter generated.
There is an easy way to simulate this ‘neon glow’ effect (also known as ‘painting with light’) by adjusting a photoshop brush. Learn how to make a brush taper, change colour, and fade.
Posted at flash-game-design.com in Photoshop
This tutorial will show you how to create a shape changing glow.
Posted at turbogfx.com in Photoshop
Learn this easy and effective way to create water drops on a glass.
Posted at vatos-x.com in Photoshop
In this tutorial I will show you a technique to use a Flare Tools for making chrommy artwork.
Posted at tips.watchandlearnphotoshop.com in Photoshop
This is a great effect using the color table and the wind filter. Take text or any object and apply a stunning effect that looks very professional.
Posted at web-by-design.net in Photoshop
Learn how to create the wordpress logo out of stone, and add a really cool 3d effect!
Posted at photoshopsupport.com in Photoshop
This technique offers superior midtone contrast over Photoshop's merge to HDR automated feature.
This tutorial will teach you how to reshape literally any object in a simple way.
In this example we will take picture of the Planet Earth (round), and reshape it into a Square!
This tutorial is designed to create an icon that is similar to the Icons you see on all the new applications by Adobe. Although it is no perfect, it still looks good. You will for this Photoshop. Click any of the image for full size.
This tutorial shows you how to create realistic 3D fruit bowl illustration with one of the Adobe Illustrator CS2 new features: 3D Revolve Effect.
In this exercise, you will create a model of a flat screen monitor from an ordinary Box object. Its low polygon count will make it suitable for use in a real-time 3D video game.
Modeling and rendering a realistic glass using Max and V-ray renderer
This tutorial exercise provides step by step instruction on creating a cup and saucer. Follow the below link for more...
In today's lesson we will learn how to model a medical double stethoscope. We'll be focusing on the chestpiece, but I'll also give you instructions on how to create the other components.
In this tutorial you will learn how to model a cross screwdriver in 3D Studio Max
Read Making of Bugatti Veyron on 3DM3. This 3D Model was created in 2 Days completely, used 3DS Max for this.
Speed Modeling Video Tutorial showing the making of a Siege Weapon.
Speed 3x
Speed Modeling Video Tutorial showing the making of a Clock Tower.
Speed 3x
In this tutorial you will learn how to model a Grohe Allure bathroom faucet.
This tutorial devoted to making process of my artwork - "Tallgate" investigation and ideas that I used in this direction would probably be interesting to some of the readers and I dare to hope they would be as well useful.
Get to know the techniques used to create those awesome plastic interfaces, with a nice shiny touch to them.
Create trees using ContextFreeArt and Photoshop to get realistic ink trees, that can be used for any artwork.
Learn a very easiest way to fill the text with photo in Adobe Illustrator.
Practice makes perfect as they say. With this tutorial you'll get some practice using the Revolve effect and learn how to make a soccer practice cone!
Learn how to make a fancy star in this Illustrator tutorial. Use blending to create an interesting graphic.
Learn how to take a boring pie graph and turn it into a cool 3D graphic with reflection. Graph creation included.
In this tutorial, you will learn to create an “about company” icon in Illustrator. After a little treatment in Photoshop, .....
You'll learn the placement of lights in the scene and the Vray rendering settings to achieve the result which was my requirement. So sharing with you people as well.
Light caustics are light shapes created on the floor when light passes through certain glass objects such as a drinking glass.
Latest Free photoshop techniques Learn how to make a ray or beam of light or green laser gun. Photoshop effect laser - Adobe skill tutorial laser beam.
This tutorial teaches you to design a promotional ad for your products :)
Posted at flash-game-design.com in Photoshop
This tutorial will show you how to create golden, animated, glowing text.
Posted at oman3d.com in 3D Studio Max
This tutorial will teach you how to create an animation of of a planet shockwave explosion in outer space.
Dave Cross introduces some of the exciting new features in Illustrator CS3 which include the Live Color options and the Color Guide. Tutorial courtesy of Adobe Illustrator Techniques.
An easy way to get abstract shapes in Illustrator. Use an artistic Brush stroke, and take the stroke size way beyond normal.
Learn how to create gradient text without losing the ability to edit the text in the future.
Learn how easy it is to take a vector path from Photoshop, and use it in Illustrator. There are a lot of resources for "Photoshop Custom Shapes." Take advantage of those free Photoshop vectors and save time drawing.
An underused Illustrator feature: Seamless Patterns. This tutorial will show you different ways to make cool effects, easily with vector seamless patterns in Illustrator.
bubblebutt40.jpg)
This tutorial shows you just how easy it is to create a nice looking speechbubble in illustrator.
Creating Nice gloss Buttons and icon for your website or designs. This might not be the best way of doing this type of gloss button and icon.
This tutorial shows how to create a grunged/distressed look in Adobe Illustrator
The Adobe Illustrator CS3 Tools panel contains selection tools, drawing and painting tools, editing tools, viewing tools, and the Fill and Stroke boxes. As you work through the lessons, you'll learn about each tool's specific function.
This tutorial shows how to create a Neon text effect in Illustrator
Learn several tools and techniques while making a cool looking clock.
Learn about the pen tool, pathfinders, and transforming objects while making a basic skull tattoo (with flair!).
Create a pixelized box made of cubix. Nice unique effect for web layouts.
Learn how to make a simple metal spike and realistic cracks. Recycle the same layers to make more spikes and take advantage of global lighting built into Photoshop.
Using Ocean ripple technique create Italian Marble text effect Photoshop tutorial
Latest Free photoshop tutorial Learn how to make or design marble stone effect. Design stone effect
A cool effect with the feather tool
how to use the feather tool to make some awesome effects.
Creating a nice Smudge Signature Photoshop tutorial
Learn how to create a nice forum signature using some nice Smudge Effects
Learn how to create a simple Light Rays Effect to add to your Signature.
This tutorial exercise provides step by step instruction on creating a cup and saucer.
This tutorial explains how to set up Sun and Sky to render a old gas station scene.
Posted at photoshopnerds.com in Photoshop
Design a cool background that uses a custom shape and built in filters.
Posted at andreibilan.blogspot.com in Photoshop
Learn how to create a very cool sparkle effect.
Posted at maagraphics.com in Photoshop
Learn how to give a twirl effect in Photoshop CS.
Posted at photoshoptower.com in Photoshop
Learn how to create an awesome life beam effect.
Posted at photoshoptower.com in Photoshop
Create a deepsea scintillant effect that resembles illumination in the deepsea. Great for banner and header backgrounds.
In this tutorial you will learn how to create an amazing starburst abstract background that looks great for darker, maniacal headers, and signatures. The steps in this tutorial can be altered in an uncountable amount of ways to get a completely different result, so do try experimenting with different techniques, and tricks to add your own spin to the final rendition.
Here is an example of what you will be creating with this tutorial:
Here is how this type of background would look as a basic forum signature with a game render added to give you an idea of how something like this can be used:
Step 1.)
Open a new document in photoshop that is 500 x 500 pixels in size, and fill the background with black (#000000).
Step 2.)
Press CTRL + SHIFT + N to create a new layer.
Get out the Custom Shape Tool (
).
Select the default shape named "Boom 1" and apply the following settings to the custom shape tool:
Using these settings, draw a shape in the center of the canvas as l've done here:
Get out the Pen Tool (
) and Right-Click in anywhere inside of our shape and choose "Make Selection".
Click Okay:
Set your foreground color to white (#FFFFFF), get out the Flood Fill Bucket (
) and fill this selection:
Press CTRL + D to deselect the selection.
Result:
Step 3.)
Go to Filter->Distort->Wave and apply the following settings:
Click 'Randomize' a few times to get a good random shape.
Go to Filter->Blur->Radial Blur and apply the following settings:
Press CTRL + F on your keyboard two times to repeat the Radial Blur filter twice more.
Result:
Step 4.)
Next press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer.
Go to Edit->Transform->Flip Horizontally.
Press CTRL+ E on your keyboard to merge these two layers into one.
Name this layer "Starburst". I will refer to this layer later in the tutorial.
Your canvas should look something like this now:
Step 5.)
Press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer.
Go to Filter->Distort->Wave, and apply the following settings:
Click 'Randomize' a few times to get a good random shape.
Go to Filter->Artistic->Plastic Wrap and apply the following settings:
Change the Blending Mode of this layer to "Multiply" and drop the opacity down to 85 percent:
Result:
Step 6.)
We're going to repeat the steps preformed in step #5. Click on the layer named "Starburst" again, and press CTRL + J on your keyboard.
Go to Filter->Distort->Wave, and apply the following settings:
Click 'Randomize' a few times to get a good random shape.
Go to Filter->Artistic->Plastic Wrap and apply the following settings:
Change the Blending Mode of this layer to "Multiply" and drop the opacity down to 85 percent:
Result:
Step 7.)
Once again click on the "Starburst" layer to select it, or make it active.
Press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer.
It is very important that this layer is directly above your Starburst layer, and below the two layers we'd created in steps #5 and #6.
Go to Filter->Pixelate->Pointillize and apply the following settings:
Press CTRL+ SHIFT + U on your keyboard to de saturate this layer.
Change the blending option of this layer to "Overlay" and drop the opacity down to around 55 percent.
Result:
Step 8.)
Finally we'll ad some color to our design. We'll do this by clicking on the top most layer to select it, or make it active. (this should be the topmost layer with the Plastic Wrap applied to it).
Go to Layer->New Adjustment Layer->Color Balance:
Press Okay.
Now apply the following settings:
Highlights:
Midtones:
Result:
That concludes the creation of this very abstract starburst background, here l've added some text, and a game render. I have also added a few decals using one of the Tech Brushes available for free download here(Free registration required). This should show you one way that you might be able to use this type of technique, and hopefully give you some ideas:
Thanks so much for reading this tutorial, and l hope you've enjoined it. Please be sure to check out the rest of our great tutorials while you're here!
author: http://www.photoshoptower.com
Posted at tutorials-photoshop.com in Photoshop
How to take any photograph image and apply a vector effect.Vector Effects
Here is a fun tutorial that shows how to take any photograph and apply a vector effect to it so that it appears as if it were made in Illustrator, Flash, or any other vector based Effects program.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Open up the photograph that you want to vectorize in Photoshop.
2. Goto Filter > Artistic > Cutout.
3. Adjust the sliders until you get the vector effect that you want.
4. When you are done, you should have a cool looking vectorized image.
author: http://www.tutorials-photoshop.com
Step 1: Start a new document of size 400x400 pix. Select Foreground(#54B6E9) and background(#005E8F). Use the brush tool and select this brush and give some random strokes on the canvas. like this Step 2: Now go to Filter>Blur>Radial Blur and use the following settings This is what I got after the radial blur filter. Step 3: Now go to Filters>Sketch>Basrelief and use the following settings There we go we have a rippling water effect.
Posted at vertextemplates.com in Photoshop
Learn to create ripple in water. Learn to create a water ripple in photoshop 
author: www.cooljeba.com
I just want to show you the way to make quite nice rondom looking grass. I hope that it will b usefull to you.
irstly I made a one plane(ground), then I scattered another one(grass object - 4polys) over the ground with scatter tool. I set 8000 duplicates. It is enough for this situation, but the number of duplicates depends on situation, I just want to show you my way.Here it is what I have done so far.(display in scatter modifier is set to 10%)
Then I applied the first vol.select modifier to our scattered grass. I made a noise map for this modifier and assigned to it. All settings are on the next picture.
(notice that in scatter modifier is now set display to 100%) Then I applied another vol.select modifier. I made other noise map with smaller size(you can make your own maps - not just noise - but noise is easy tweakable for this situation) for this one is important to check subtract in this modifier. Look at following picture.
Then I applied the deletemesh modifier to delete polys that were selected by vol.select modifiers to have non-regular looking grass like on the picture.
Now you can play with size of noisemaps in mat.ed.(to obtain effect you want) and see the result directly in the viewport. Than I played around within edit mesh modifier(applied on the top of modifier stack) with soft selection to lower some vertices - especially in those areas with fewer polys. Finally I applied a texture map and opacity map (I painted both in ps) to scattered grass and other map to ground.You should make your own maps in ps for vol.select to get what you want and can also scatter different types of grass for a very nice looking grass.You should have more vol,select modifiers etc. I hope this will help you. And this is the result that I achieved by this method. 
author: http://www.cgshelf.com
picture 1 picture 2 picture 3 Let’s consider each of the tools, and the role it plays in A) Muscle Types are ‘standard,’ or ‘bulging’ muscles. The default is ‘standard,’ which is what we will use for the Monster.Standard muscles are most commonly used for> modeling. Bulging muscles are used for animation. They bulge and stretch like real muscle when placed between two moving points. B) Display Mesh Density relates to how the objects are seen in the viewports. When Mesh is unchecked, the metamuscle is displayed in cross sections composing the radii of the metaballs and the splines. When Mesh is checked, the skin of the metamuscle is displayed. C) Radial Density pertains to the resolution of the radii of the object in the viewport. D) Length Density is the density of the mesh along the splines. The higher these numbers are, the denser and more detailed the mesh will appear. E) Render Mesh Density operates the same as Radial and Length density, but pertains to the rendered objects. F) Fusion Strength gives you different colored boxes that correlate to different influence strengths of the metaballs. Some have a positive attraction, while others are negative. From left to right; red is soft positive; yellow is medium soft positive; green is medium hard positive; blue is hard positive. On the other> hand, dark brown is soft negative; beige is medium soft negative; dark green is medium hard negative, and turquoise is hard negative. pictures 4and 5 Take a look at Pictures 4 and 5 to see how negative metaballs influence other metaballs. Picture 4 shows you the metaballs in wire form. Picture 5 displays the influence in smooth mode. OK, that’s it for the tool panel. With our basic understanding of the MetaReyes tool, let’s look at creating shapes with the metaballs. To create a metamuscle, you begin by creating a metaball. Picture 6 through 8 show the cross section, or radius, of a metaball in wire form. A series of mouse clicks cycle through determination of the radius, scaling the sides, and rotation of the metaball radius. In the viewport, click the mouse once to determine the radius. Picture 6 shows the metaball’s initial radius. Another click scales the sides, as shown in Picture 7. Finally, a third click of the mouse rotates the metaball, as seen in Picture 8. The next click of the mouse creates the spline and, finally, the next creates another metaball to repeat the process. Review Picture 9 to see how the splines interact with the metaballs. Take a look at the lower Left Viewport in the figure. You’ll see a series of metaballs connected with splines. The first metaball is indicated with the “A”. The second is labeled “B”, which is joined by the spline indicated by the “D”. The third, and final, metaball is indicated by the “C”. The spline connecting the metaballs creates a smooth skin between them. When you’re finished with the metamuscle, simply right-click the mouse to finish. You’ll end up with something like the shape shown in Picture 10. picture 6 picture 7 picture 8 picture 9 picture 10 picture 11 picture 12 picture 12 Size the second metaball a little smaller than the first. Then, drag the spline down to create the third metaball in the same manner. Make it slightly smaller than the second metaball. Finally, create the fourth and fifth metaballs and splines, as shown in Picture 11. Be sure to make the fourth metaball slightly larger, to strengthen the joint in the torso. Finally right click the mouse to finish the metamuscle. You can now click on Fast View in the Modify panel to see the final mesh, shown on the right side of Picture 11. Now let’s work on the shoulder area. We want to create metamuscles that give the torso bulk. Using the same technique you used in creating the torso, lay down a series of metaballs as shown in Picture 12. The shoulder metamuscle is shown in red. Create the first metaball a little above and near the center of the torso. Then, create a small, spherical metaball next to the first one to create the width of the shoulder. The next metaball starts running parallel to the torso. Keep adding the metaballs, as shown in Picture 12, until the shoulder metamuscle travels up and back into the body. Now it’s time to add more bulk to the body, by creating the metamuscle for the abdomen and tail/spine. Refer to Picture 13, and you’ll see several colors, indicating the different metamuscles in the body. The green metamuscle in the image indicates the shoulder muscle we created earlier, while the black metamuscle is the original torso 
Complete tutorial of how to create a monster in 3ds max
Create the Monster
When creating concept sketches, you need to consider
what your model will be used for, and your deadline. For
example, will your character be animated? Will it always
be seen from a distance? If so, the model doesn’t require
as much detail - you’ll be able to substitute detailed texture
maps for actual object geometry. If the model will be
seen up close, the mesh should be high resolution, and
include details such as eyelids and fingernails.
You must also consider whether there
will be any facial animation. If so, you
should create the gums and teeth. You
should also make the face high resolution
for creating morph targets. Then,
consider how the character’s look and
feel should be modeled. Our tutorial
creature isn’t one that does a great deal
of talking, so we can primarily focus on
the body details. Let’s take a look at
the artists’ conceptual sketches of the
Monster creature, shown in pictures 1
and 2.
As you can see by the sketches, this Monster is a very detailed creature. If we attempted to model all the details, this tutorial might take months! Instead, we’ll model the major distinguishing details, and accomplish the smaller ones using bump maps. Since the Monster is defined and muscular, MetaReyes is a perfect tool for its creation. Let’s take a look at MetaReyes.
MetaReyes Overview
Third party plug-ins like MetaReyes add possibilities to
3D Studio Max. If you haven’t bought a copy of
MetaReyes, go to their website (www.infografica.com) and
download the demo. You’ll need it to complete this tutorial.
The only thing missing in the demo file is the ‘Save’
function, but that won’t prevent our completing this tutorial
MetaReyes is a modeling and animation plug-in for 3D
Studio Max. It combines metaballs and splines, which are called ‘Metamuscles.’ A metaball is created, and then a spline connects another metaball to it, forming a smooth skin surface. Let’s open the MetaReyes rollout and become more familiar with the program. Go to the Create, REM Primitives rollout and view the tools panel, which is shown in left picture
organic modeling.
The splines create a gesture for the metaballs to follow. The mesh, as it travels along the spline, averages out between metaballs. This disposes of the longtime problem of a metaballs model appearing like a sack of marbles. Instead, the tension between the balls is distributed evenly, creating a smooth organic shape. You can see that creating an organic shape was very simple using the metaballs. Now that we have a handle on the basic idea of MetaReyes, we’re ready to get started modeling the Munster.
Creating the Torso The best place to begin modeling this bizarre creature is the torso. We’ll start by creating a basic structure to act as an armature for the muscles to lie upon. First, enter the Create panel, and select REM primitives, MetaReyes. Accept the default settings for now. You can experiment later with the different settings, particularly the softness, hardness, positive and negative of the different colored metaballs and the effects they create. The default is red, or Soft Positive, which will work fine for now. You can select Display Mesh to see your mesh while you’re working, but turning it off will make it easier to see the metaballs. This is a good idea if this is your first experience with MetaReyes.
OK, let’s create the basic shape of the torso. Highlight the Left viewport, and click the mouse. All the metaballs we will create are perfect spheres, so non-uniformly scaling the metaballs is unnecessary. Now click again to create the radius of the metaball. Click again in place for rotation. Be careful not to rotate the metaball - this would cause a twist in the mesh, resulting in what looks like a balloon animal! Finally, click again to create the spline. Now, drag the spline downward and create the second metaball. Use Picture11 as a guide for placing the remaining metaballs. The first Metaball is indicated with an “A”, and the last with a “B”.
You’ll want to create a metamuscle below the torso to make abdominal muscles. Refer to the red metamuscle in Figure 13 to create the metaballs for the abdomen. Then, create a long metamuscle for a tail and spine, illustrated by the blue metamuscle in the same figure. Finally, create the small metamuscle shown in yellow. This small metamuscle adds bulk to the body. Now, to complete the body, mirror the metamuscles by selecting one and choosing mirror. Now restrict it on the X-axis, and move it into place on the opposite side. Do the same for the shoulders, tail, and metamuscles that fill the area between the torso and the shoulders. Once completed, you may want to change the details of the body somewhat. You can edit the metaballs and splines on the vertex, or radii level, by going into the Modify panel and choosing Edit Muscle. Below is a description of each control in the Edit Muscle control panel. Edit Vertex is the default setting that allows you to move the metaballs in the viewports. Insert Mode creates more metaballs along the Delete removes metaballs Edit Angles rotates the metaballs. Edit Segment scales the metaballs along an axis. Edit Radii allows you to scale the radius of each metaball along the metamuscle.Notice how all the metamuscles together make up the body. You can see the basic torso object is at the center. The other muscles lie around it, giving the body detail. Remember, this is where the details of realistic creatures are added to the model. You can add as much detail as you’d like by simply adding or removing metaballs in the metamuscles.
Let’s take a look at modeling those arms.
author: http://3dflashworld.com
Step 1 Step 2
Posted at dphotonews.com in Photoshop
In this tutorial you'll learn how to make a reflection of an object which is standing on a surface.
Make illusion of object standing on reflective surface
Open our picture (it is located here). Picture size is 500px x 375px.
We have to remove white background from our picture. First copy background layer (use CTRL + J on the keyboard) and name it back_copy. Insert new layer and put it below our "back_copy" and name it "white". You can now delete our "background layer". Now use Magic Wand tool (W) set tolerance to 20 and click somewhere on white area on "back_copy" layer. Press DEL on keyboard. Next go to the IMAGE - CANVAS SIZE and set new values for dimension of 500px x 750px.
Now we have to copy "back_copy" layer so we again use CTRL + J on the keyboard. Name that layer "illusion". Go to the EDIT - TRANSFORM - FLIP VERTICAL. This will flip "illusion" layer. Pick Move tool (M) and move picture exactly below our object. Also put "illusion" layer below "back_copy" layer in the layer palette.
Step 4
Now we have to make illusion of dissapearence. Click on the "back_copy" layer, go to the Layer palette and click on Add layer mask.
Click on the mask, pick Gradient tool, select Black,White and drag gradient tool from the top of our picture down to the 4/5 of picture (maybe just a little more). Set opacity of layer to 70%.}
See you!
author of this tutorial is Vladimir Markovic
Posted at photoshopforce.com in Photoshop
Create a very digitalized graphic effects background to add to your signatures and web page headers.
This tutorial will explain how to create an effect that l like to call "Digital Darkness" It's a very nice graphic effect that can be applied to all sorts of things, such as signatures, desktop wallpapers, banner and header designs. The end result resembles a digital circuit board that truly looks fantastic.
Create a new document of any size, for this example l will create a document that is 1024x778 - for a standard desktop background. Fill the background with black (#000000).
Create a new layer. Get out the rectangular marquee tool, and make a selection like so near the bottom left corner (region) of the canvas:
Fill this selection with the paint bucket using the color #4a4a4a.
Press CTRL + D on your keyboard to deselect the selection. And go to Filter->Distort->Wave and apply the following settings:
Tip:
Click the 'randomize' button until you get an "random" result, avoid a pattern look.
Result:
Now Press 'V' on your keyboard to get out the move tool, and position the scattered blocks near the center of the canvas.
Press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer.
Go to Edit->Transform->Flip Horizontally
Press CTRL + E on your keyboard to merge these two layers together.
Press CTRL + J on your keyboard again to duplicate this layer.
Go to Edit->Transform->Rotate 90 Degrees CW
Press CTRL + E on your keyboard to merge these two layers.
Result:
Double click this layer, and apply the following blending options:
Inner Glow:
Stroke:
Result:
Next get out the Dodge tool (
) and apply the following settings:
Using these settings scribble over top of our shape a few times to create some contrast in the color as l've done here:
Next get out the Burn tool (
) and apply the following settings:
Once again, using these settings scribble over top of our shape a few times to create some contrast in the color.
Now create a new layer below this layer (above the background), here is what your layers pallet should look like:
Now click on the topmost layer (the one with the scattered blocks) and press CTRL + E on your keyboard to merge it with the new layer we'd just created. Doing so will rasterize the layer effects we had added to the layer.
Now go to Filter->Stylize->Extrude and apply the following settings:
Result:
Press CTRL + U on your keyboard to bring up the color balance tool, and apply the following settings:
Result:
Press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer.
Change the new duplicate layers blending option to "overlay", and drop the opacity of this layer down to 45 percent:
Merge these two layers by pressing CTRL + E.
This should bring out the colors a little bit more.
Press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer. Click on the middle layer (the one we just duplicated) to select it:
Now go to Filter->Blur-Motion Blur, and apply the following settings:
You can drop the opacity of this layer down to around 60 percent to give it a little more of a blended effect.
Result:
Click the topmost layer, and press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer once again. Now select the
Click on the layer directly below our duplicate layer to select it:
Go to Filter->Blur->Motion Blur, and apply the following settings:
Drop the opacity of this layer down to around 75 percent.
Result:
Now select the topmost layer (the one that hasn't been blurred at all) and go to: Filter->Sharpen->Sharpen.
Press CTRL + F on your keyboard to repeat this process.
Result:
Press CTRL + E on your keyboard twice to merge the top three layers together.
Now press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer.
Change the blending mode to "screen" and drop the opacity of this layer down to 90 percent:
Now press 'V' on your keyboard to get out the move tool, and position this duplication near the top right corner of the canvas:
You can repeat step 15 a few times if you wish, however at this point l simply used the crop tool, found a section of the design that l think looked nice, and cropped it out for a banner background. Here is my final result after adding a simple panel border:
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, please be sure to check out the tutorials we have to offer, and thanks for reading!
Author: http://www.photoshopforce.com
Discuss this tutorial on the PhotoshopForce.com Forums
Ok this tutorials will show you how to get a really cool glass-crystal effect. now to the right, under the geosphere settings unclick the smooth option, and choose Tera for your shape. Now we are going to extrude each patch of the shape. To do this right click on the image and choose convert> convert to editable patch. Then right click on the image again, This time it should have a lot more options, click on "extrude Patch" Now click somewhere on the image. When you put your cursor over the spot that you clicked a new cursor image will appear. When it does, hold down the left mouse button and drag. This should start to pull a piece of the shape outward Keep doing this until you get a shape like the one below Now we are going to smooth it out a little. To do this go to Modifiers> subdivision surfaces> and choose mesh smooth. The change the Ilteration to the value of 2 and don't change anything else. This should give you an image like the one below Now we are going to put a good material o it. Press "M" to bring up the material editor. Then click on this icon, and then find the material called "Reflection Lake Gold" Then double click on it to bring it up in the material editor. Now click the option that says "opacity" and then click where it says "none" and choose "falloff" Now click the button below Now all you have to do is render it and you should get something like the image below.
Ok, this tutorial will show you how to get a really cool glass-crystal effect in 3D Studio Max.
Start off by resetting max. Then choose the geosphere object and draw a geosphere on your perspective view
Posted at abtuts.com in Photoshop
Learn how to create a sonic effect.
Learn how to create Sonic effect.
Step 1
Create a new photoshop document size 400x400px, with white backgorund.
Step 2
Then, create a two new layers.
Step 3
Select the first layer, take the Eliptical Marquee Tool (M) and in the top left side create the circular selection and fill it with black color.(While you're making the selection, hold down Shift key to get the symmetrical selection).
Step 4
Select the second layer, take the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) and create the selection like is is shown on the picture below and fill it whit black color.
Step 5
On the third layer create the selection like we have done for the first layer, but set it vice by comparison with the first layer. See the picture below.
Step 6
Now, we will add outer glow on every layer.
The first and the third layer 60px, and second layer 100px size.
Step 7
To connect the all layers in one, Choose: Layer > Merge Visible.
Step 8
Choose Filter > Distort > Zig Zag, and set the options from the picture below.
Step 9
Press D key on the keyboard to restart the color.
Step 10
Create a new layer and apply the following filters on it.
Clouds
Filter - Render - Clouds
Mosaic
Filter - Pixelate - Mosaic
(Cell size 15 square)
Find Edges
Filter - Stylize - Find Edges
Difference clouds
Filter - Render - Difference clouds
Step 11
Now, set that layer on Overlay.
Our picture now looks like this:
Step 12
Press Ctrl+U key (Hue/Saturation), and try to find blue color.
Step 13
Press Ctrl+B on the keyboard and set the options from the picture below.
We're done!
Have a nice day!
author: http://www.abtuts.com
3. Press Ctrl-A to select the entire lightning photo. Press Ctrl-C to copy to lightning photo. Select the Kobe at Night file and press Ctrl-V. Lower the opacity setting of this new Layer to 50% and rename it to Lightning Ref. Your Layers palette should look like this: 4. Select Free Transform by pressing Ctrl-T. Scale the lightning so it fits nicely in your image. Press Enter to apply the transformation. If you get a pop-up Press Apply. 6. Select the Brush Tool 8. Add a new layer, and rename it to Small Beams. Decrease the size of the brush, and trace the smaller beams. Decrease the brush size again for the smallest beams. Your Layers palette should now look like this: 9. Select the Zoom Tool and zoom in at the light beams. Select the Smudge Tool 10. Create a new layer and rename it to Cloud Light. Increase the size of the brush and set hardness to 50%. Draw the white lit part of the cloud (not the glow, we'll add that in a bit). You don't need to be very precise either because we will smudge the cloud light after we have added the Glow. 12. Hide all layers except Main Beams, Small Beams, and Cloud Light by clicking on the eye in front of the Layer. Press Ctrl-A to select the entire image. Press Shift + Ctrl-C (copy merged) to copy the three visible Layers and press Ctrl-V to paste them in a new Layer. Color: FFDEF9 Play a bit with the settings until it looks good for your image. 15. Copy and paste the Outer Glow effect to the Cloud Light layer and increase the spread setting to 5 % and the size setting to 40 px. Set the range to 100% and use the following color for the Outer Glow # D636B9. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you have any questions with regard to this tutorial use our contact form. 
Posted at 2dvalley.com in Photoshop
This tutorial describes how you can add realistic lightning to a photo in Adobe Photoshop.
In this tutorial, we will show you a simple technique to add realistic lightning to a photo in Photoshop.
1. Open a suitable photo in Photoshop, e.g. one with a dark cloudy background. Press Ctrl-A to select the entire photo, press Ctrl-N to open a new image. Press Enter and press Ctrl-V to paste the photo. Rename the Layer to Main Photo by double clicking the Layer. I'm using the following photo of Kobe by night. Click the image for a larger view or to save the image. 
2. Next, find and open a photo of real lightning that suits your main photo. This lightning photo will be used as a reference, but you can use the freehand method if you like. I will use the following photo as a reference, because it will fits nicely between the two towers:
And your image like this:
Here is my result after using the Free Transform Tool:
5. Create a new Layer by clicking the Create a new Layer icon and rename it to Main Beams by double clicking the Layer. Your Layers palette should now look like this: 
from the Tools palette and set the foreground color to # FFE1FA (light pink, almost white).
7. Select the Zoom Tool 
and zoom in to 300%. Start tracing the main lightning beam(s) using the appropriate brush size (use [ or ] to decrease or increase the size of the brush). If you are using a tablet to be able to create straight lines, this is a good time to switch back to the mouse. ;) In other words, the lines don't have to be neat and straight. Make sure you make some light spastic moves with your hand while tracing the beams. Here is my result: 
Here is my result:
and stretch the light beams a bit at the end. 
Here is my result of the of the light beams with the Smudge Tool and the Cloud light:
13. Move this new Layer under the three lightning Layers. Change the name of the new Layer to Copy cloud/ beams by double clicking the Layer. Make the Main photo layer visible again and keep the Lightning ref Layer hidden.
Your Layers palette should now look like this:
14. Make sure you have the Copy cloud/ beams layer selected. Place this layer exactly on top of the Lightning ref Layer. Go to Layer styles by double clicking on the Copy cloud/ beams Layer. Enable the Outer Glow effect for this Layer and use the following settings:
Spread: 3
Size: 3
To Copy the Layer style click your right mousse button and select Copy Layer Style. To paste the Layer style, select the Cloud light Layer, click your right mouse button and select Paste Layer Style.
16. Copy and paste the Outer Glow effect to the Main Beams layer and use 3 for the spread and 15 for the size setting. Use # D636B9 for the color.
17. Copy and paste the Outer Glow effect to the Small Beams layer and decrease the spread setting a bit and use # D636B9 again for the color.
Your Layer palette should look like this:
18. Enable the Inner Glow effect on the Small beams Layer. To do this double click the effects Layer and enable the Inner Glow effect by clicking your mouse button on the effect. Use # FCB9F0 for the color and set the size to 5 pixels.
19. Copy and paste the Inner Glow effect to the Main Beams and Cloud Light layers, just as we did before with the Outer Glow effect.
Your Layers palette should now look like this:
20. Select the Smudge Tool again and zoom in at the Cloud Light, make sure you also have this Layer selected. Use the following settings for the Smudge Tool:
21. Start from the middle of the Cloud Light and stretch it outside, not to much but just make it a bit larger. Here is my result:
22. Create a new Layer by clicking the Create new Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers palette. Name this new Layer Sky. Set the Opacity of this Layer to 10%.
Your Layers palette should know look like this:
23. Zoom in at the cloud light to 200%. Select the Brush Tool Set Brush size to 19 and the Opacity of the Brush to 10%. 
24. Select #EC008C as foreground color and give the sky around the Could light a light pink touch. Increase the opacity of the brush a bit when you get closer to the cloud light nut never go above the 50%.
25. Here is my final result:
Christa
2Dvalley.com
Why not download the illustrator file so you can work through this too? Here's what we are going to end up with: Symbols in illustrator allow you to save objects and illustrations so they can be used again and again in your illustrations. Secondly they allow you to edit the symbol in one place and for all occurrences of that symbol to be updated. This can be a huge timesaver when a client asks you to change something at the last minute. In the example below we are going to imagine that we are producing a simple illustration for a client. Firstly we will draw our illustration in the standard way. I've used the pen, elipse and rotate tools to create a simple flower. Once I am happy with it adding it to the symbol library is straightforward. Using the direct selection tool I select all objects in the flower. Now go to Window > Symbols. This will bring up the Symbols panel. Now drag the flower into the symbols panel. The flower is now available as a symbol. Now you have the flower in your symbols you can start to use it. I've created a background of some clouds, sky and grass. Incidentally I'm using symbols for the clouds too. To add a symbol to the canvas there are two options. I can either use Symbols Palette (Window > Symbols) and click the second icon from the left "Place Symbol Instance". Note you will need to have an active layer for this to work. Clicking this will place one instance of you symbol on the canvas. Alternatively you can just drag the symbol from the Symbols Palette onto the canvas. Another option is to use the Symbol Sprayer Tool. You will need to have selected the symbol you want to use in the Symbols Palette by clicking on it. You can tell it is selected as a small black border will appear. Then select the symbol sprayer tool (Shift + S) and click and hold on the canvas. You will see that the symbol is sprayed all over the place! You may not be happy with this but the good news is you have a lot of control over how this works. Double click the tool in the tools panel to bring up the options: You have control over all the aspects of this tool and it is probably a good idea to have a play with them to understand what all the options are. So with the options amended I've sprayed my symbol and ended up with this: A bit uniform. To break it up I use the rest of the tools within the Symbol Sprayer Tool. Click and hold on the Symbol Sprayer Tool to see these options come up. You can alter the rotation, size and distribution of the shapes. Hopefully now you can see the power of symbols in allowing you quickly build illustrations from a library of symbols. The real beauty of symbols is that if a client asks for the an amend you can do this very quickly. Let's say for example the client asks for the flowers to be made orange. We would simply bring up the Symbols Window and then drag the flower to the canvas. Double click the flower and Illustrator will notify you you are about to edit the symbol definition. Click ok and you will be able to edit the flower. You can do anything you like to the flower at this point. Once you are happy with your work you will see an arrow in the top right hand corner of the canvas which will return you to your picture and will update all instances of the symbol. Imagine if you had had to do this to each individual occurence of the flower. Another bonus of symbols is that the more you work the more you will build up a library of symbols allowing you re-use symbols on projects and save time. Maybe you could go and lie on the beach instead...
Symbols are an extremely powerful aspect of Illustrator allowing you to create illustrations more rapidly, build a library and respond quickly to client amends and changes. If you are not already using them here is why you should.
What symbols do
Drawing your illustration
Using symbols
Efficient amends
Building a library
The dripping effect is one of the most useful special effects Adobe Photoshop has to offer. In this tutorial we will use Pen Tool, Dodge Tools, Burn Tools, Plastic Wrap and ZigZag options to get that effect. 1. Open a Color Can image as shown below. 6. Apply Brightness and Contrast for more glistening and shiny.(Here iuse Brightness = +18 and Contrast = -2). 8. Here's what I made:
Posted at adobenerds.com in Photoshop
In this tutorial I have explained how to create dripping effect using paint as an example. you can use any liquid like paint, blood, water etc using Dodge and Burn Tools etc.
Create dripping effect in any liquid like paint blood water etc using tools like Dodge and Burn Tools.
2. Now with Pentool (P) draw the drip on the color can.
3. Fill with color, here i use #AAA8A9.
4. Now comes the tricky part, the best way to begin is to shade the drips by using Dodge and Burn Tools.So that it looks vaguely three diamentonal.
5. Now select Filter > Artistic > Plastic Wrap (Highlight Strength =10, Detail = 11 and Smothness = 15)
7. Now i drew an elliptical selection and add ZigZag filter(Filter > Distort > ZigZag) with following setting:(Amout = 10, Rigdges = 5 and Style = Pond ripples):
source: http://www.adobenerds.com
Create a new document of size 400*200 pix. Press 'd' to reset the colour..... Now select filter>render>difference Cloud Now select filter>Brush Stroke>Ink Outlines Step 4: Now select filter>Blur>Blur more u get this add some Hue/saturation to it to so this go to Step 5:
Posted at webdesigntutorials.net in Photoshop
Create a random abstract . This technique can be used to create a signature too. Let's try to create a random abstract in photoshop .
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Image>Adjust>Hue/Saturation
You can use it for your signature.
Author: www.cooljeba.com
layer 4 - red snowflake blend The order of layers will determine the sequence of the animation.
An often overlooked feature of Illustrator is the ability to create Flash animations (without needing Flash). We are going to make a fireworks display to celebrate the 4th of July. Basic Illustrator knowledge is assumed for this tutorial.
Grab and drag the 'Snowflake' symbol on to your canvas. Place the middle of the snowflake on top of dot3.
layer 3 - blend of red dots
layer 2 - blue snowflake blend
layer 1 - blend of blue dots
Use these settings. Things you need to change are circled in red. Basically, what you're doing is converting each blend into it's individual steps so we can display one step in each frame of the animation.
source: http://www.slicktutorials.com
Posted at photoshoptower.com in Photoshop
Learn how to create a dark abstract effect with interesting effects and depth.
In this tutorial you will learn how to create an effect that l like to call the Dark Tower Effect. This effect will give the impression of darkness, as well as extreme depth to your desktop backgrounds, wallpapers, and works great as a banner, header, or signature background.
Here is the result of what we will be creating today:
Step 1.)
Create a new document of any size, for this tutorial l will be working with a document that is 400x400 in size.
Fill the background with black (#00000) using the Flood Fill Paint Bucket (
)
Step 2.)
Get out your Custom Shape Tool (
) and select the "Rounded Square Frame Shape" as l've done here:
Step 3.)
Double click this layer, and apply the following Blending Options:
Bevel & Emboss
Color Overlay:
Result:
Step 4.)
Press CTRL + J On your keyboard to duplicate this layer. Press CTRL + T on your keyboard to bring up the Free Transform Tool.
Double click this layer, and change the Color Overlay blending option as l've done here:
Color Overlay
Rotate and scale this duplicate shape a few pixels by placing your mouse cursor near the top right corner node (box) and dragging inward slightly. Press ENTER on your keyboard to deselect the selection to complete the transformation:
Change the blending mode of this layer to "Vivid Light" as l've done here:
Result:
Step 5.)
Press CTRL + SHIFT + T on your keyboard 7 Times to repeat the free transformation 7 times.
Apply Luminosity, Hard Light, Linear Dodge, and Linear Light blending options to these layers randomly to create an effect similar to what l've done here:
Step 6.)
Select and merge all the rounded square frame layers.
Photoshop CS(2):
Hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard, and click each of the layers once. Next go to Layer->Merge Selected to merge these layers.
Photoshop 7 and below:
Click the topmost layer to select it, and press CTRL + E on your keyboard 7 times, to merge each of these layers together. Your canvas should look similar to this afterwords:
Step 7.)
Press CTRL + J on your keyboard to duplicate this layer.
Go to Filter->Texture->Stained Glass, and apply the following settings:
Result:
Step 8.)
Change the blending option of this layer to "Vivid Light":
Result:
Step 9.)
Merge these two layers together:
Photoshop CS(2):
Hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard, and click each of the layers once. Next go to Layer->Merge Selected to merge these layers.
Photoshop 7 and below:
Click the topmost layer to select it, and press CTRL + E on your keyboard 7 times, to merge each of these layers together.
Press CTRL + J and duplicate this layer.
Press CTRL + T on your keyboard to get out the free transform tool, and scale the duplicate layer down as l have
done here:
Step 10.)
Go to Layer->New Adjustment Layer->Hue/Saturation, and apply the following settings:
Result:
Step 11.)
Select and merge all layers.
Photoshop CS(2):
Hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard, and click each of the layers once. Next go to Layer->Merge Selected to merge these layers.
Photoshop 7 and below:
Click the topmost layer to select it, and press CTRL + E on your keyboard 7 times, to merge each of these layers together.
Go to Filter->Brush Strokes -> Accented Edges, and apply the following settings:
Change the blending mode of this layer to "Overlay":
Here is how my final result turned out:
I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial. The key is to adjust some of the layers, and experiment with Photoshop to see what kind of different, unique effects you can achieve. Please be sure to check out the rest of our great tutorials while you're here at PhotoshopTower.com!
source: http://www.photoshoptower.com
Posted at photoshopnerds.com in Photoshop
Learn how to animate a golf putt to show it moving from the golfer to the hole.
source: http://www.photoshopnerds.com
Golf Shot Animation Start by opening an image of a golf player. 
Create selection of the golf ball using elliptical marquee tool. Press Ctrl+J to copy paste the selection in a new layer. 
Using clone stamp tool clone the golf ball area in the main image layer. 
Hide the ball layer. 
Create golf stick selection using polygon lasso tool. Press Ctrl+J to copy paste the selection in a new layer. 
Similarly stamp the golf stick area. Hide the golf stick layer. 
Create lady selection using polygon lasso tool. Press Ctrl+J to copy paste the selection in a new layer. 
Stamp the edges of the lady using clone stamp tool. 
Create a rectangular selection of the below the hole area using rectangular marquee tool. Press Ctrl+J to copy paste the selection in a new layer. Move this layer above all the layers in layer order in layer palette. 
Unhide the golf stick layer. 
Duplicate the layer and press Ctrl+T. Right click the layer and select distort. Adjust nodes to get the shape as shown. 
Create more duplicate layers and distort each layer to get stick position as shown in the image. 
Open animation window. For the first frame hide all stick layer except the one that is the begining position of the shot. 
Duplicate frame. Hide the stick layer and unhide the next position of stick layer. Move the player layer 2 pixels downwards. 
Repeat the above step for additional duplicate frames. 
For the 5th frame move the golf ball towards the hole. 
Duplicate frame. move the ball more towards the hole for additional frames. 
For the 9th frame let the ball be completely hidden behind the grass strip layer that is above all layers. 
Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S to save an optimized animated GIF. 
In this tutorial we are going to show how to create a simple brush that will create a starry sky for a nighttime illustration. This tutorial will focus on scatter brushes. You can download the Illustrator file here Creating a custom brush is simple. You draw objects directly onto the canvas. To create the stars I'm cheating and using the Star Tool but you could draw this by hand. Then select all the shapes using the select tool and bring up the Pathfinder window by going to Window > Pathfinder. Click add to shape area. This joins all the stars together to we can drag them to the brushes window. Once you are happy with what you have drawn bring up the Brushes window by going to Window > Brushes. Then with the stars selected drag them into the brushes window. Select New Scatter Brush and then give it a name. Your brush is now ready to use. Once you have added the stars into the Brushes window delete the stars on the canvas.
Custom Brushes in Illustrator are an excellent way to add to designs. Here's a short tutorial how they work and how to use them.
How to create a custom brush
