1. New Image: White Background, Size at least twice as big as you want your final image like 800X600.

2. Basically the Same as my foil paper tutorial. Select the Gradient tool. Use "four bars" or "default", Gradient linear, Set it to "Difference Mode". Then start clicking rapidly and all around the document (Around 25 clicks). You should see something like below.



3.Now Filters->BLur->Pixelize. I am using 10X10.



4.Now make a new transparent layer called "border" or whatever you want. Fill it with a 10X10 grid pattern. SEE MOSAIC GRID TUTORIAL. Set the layer opacity to 30%. Then merge that layer with your pixelized layer.



Now we have our base we will start making our different backgrounds. We start with the simple to the difficult.

First, let me say that we have made our background twice the final size for a reason. To get it to its desired size do Layers->Layer Boundary Size... then resize it and make sure there are no empty spaces in the preview window. I usually center mine.

Second, to get a desired color use Layer->Colors->Colorize. Then play with the different values to change the colors.

IMPORTANT
Third, Everytime we start a new backgroud we will duplicate our base layer and give it some color and work on that duplicated layer. To avoid having to repeat myself over and over.
IMPORTANT

Background ONE
Now Layer->Transform->Arbitrary Rotate. Do 45 degrees. Then resize your layer (just that layer). Simple huh.



Background TWO
Now shear your layer. Tools->Transform Tools->Shear... I did the x by like 500.



Background THREE
A little more complicated but not that much. Do a Tools->Transform Tools->Perspective. Now pull the squares out like below. Then do a Layer->Layer to image size. Repeat those steps as many times a you fill you have to get the right look. You can also push the top two in.





Background FOUR
Read my foil paper tutorial if you don't know how to create and save a pattern. Make a new 10X10 image. Take your gradient tool (white to black) from the top left to the bottom right. Save that gradient, then refresh your gradients. Select your bucket fill tool, CHANGE THE MODE TO OVERLAY, and use pattern fill. Will our pattern selected, fill the image. I did it twice.





Background FIVE
Now create a pattern from top to bottom.



The End. Play with the patterns. Try 10X20 or 20X20 (with opposite gradients in each sqaure). Use a radial gradient from the center of your pattern.

You gave me an idea for text could you these like in the tutorial put an image in your text that would be a cool looking for text.Nice tutorial by the way.That blue one would look good in the sig I made

Just Playing Around!

Nice tutorial.

I love it! The effect really makes the background look 3D. I'm very interested in the steps you used to accomplish this one.

Thanks, a

Also, you mentioned making the background twice in size for a reason. I probably won't get to the tutorial until later, what is the reason? Did I overlook it?

I used a 20X20 pattern. With a black to white radial blur from the center. Each 10X10 grid is the opposite (invert the colors) of the one before it.
ie. bc= black center; wc= white center;

bc | wc
---------
wc | bc

Then just add whatever text effect you want.

NC

My try....

Great tut, NC!

How do you make text like that?

Explain. The font or the blending? I created the blending effect by using the steps I described here:

Simulation of Photoshop Blending

My final text layer blend mode was set to Value with an Opacity of 70. I also cropped the layer to the alpha selection so that I could move it around the signature without some stray shadows.

The font I used is called IMPACTED.

EDIT: Try out the various blending modes. The text will take on various colors based on the blend mode. You can then move the text around the signature wherever you want and it will automatically take on whatever colors are below it.

Love it Art. Really nice, just the right amount of color. So many people add too much color to their images. Maybe if you added a reflection like your fencepost sig, that would make it perfect.

EDIT: Don't get me wrong I like color but sometimes it can be a little over kill. Anybody here an art major? Please write a tutorial on COLOR THEORY!

NC

The text with just a black outline, not such blended, is it?

Luke, the whole text layer is blended, actually. Does that answer your question? If not, PM and I'll help you out.

Thanks for the comments, NC. Instead of colorizing the actual layer, I created a separate layer and put the gradient on it and reduced the opacity. That way, I can reuse the base background image over and over. I'll do the text reflection you referred to. I like that also.

a

That answers it fine.

I am hoping to write a "trendy" background tutorial. But I am still working on it. The text on this one sucks but you get the idea.
NC

Very well explained tutorial.
I will give it try by tommorow.

thanks for writing such nice doc noclayto :h:

regards

Included the text reflection.

Awesome. Ten times better.

NC

Thanks! How did you get that "swirly" pattern (dark red) running through your text on the red signature?

I like that!

A

im way off from your level.. but here is what i manage to do.. nice tutorial..

Here are some tutorials on color theory:
http://www.pixel2life.com/forums/index. ... topic=2073
http://128.238.79.60/host/mm/tutorials/colortheory.html
http://www.planetphotoshop.com/tutorials/spivey20.html
http://www.planetphotoshop.com/tutorials/spivey21.html

Thanks Gimplite I added a new post to the user submitted tutorials with these links.

NC

Here's my result.

Nice it looks like there is light coming from above or reflecting off water.

NC

Amazing Tutorial!!!!
I especially like those orange pictures

I also tried to make it, it's far away from your quality but as this is my first try I'm satisfied with it



And the same with a reflection...



Thanks for all the great tutorials!

der Pumuckl