icon tutorial

[sparkz0r]

Heh. My first (and quite possibly last) icon tutorial.

how to go from this:

to this:



1. Base

So you've found the perfect screencap. Generally, I find many screencaps to be too dark. To lighten them up, I usually copy the image on separate layers a couple of times and change the blending mode to screen. Once I feel I can see enough detail, I flatten the image.

2. Selection & Layer Copy

For this icon, I've decided to only have colour in the background. I desaturate the image (shortcut: ctrl+shift+u). Rather than deleting the bottom layer ('cause things can go wrong), I make a selection of Buffy. (Don't forget to save your selection - it will come in handy later.) I feather the selection 1 point (shortcut:alt+ctrl+d), then under the Layer menu I choose New Layer via Copy (shortcut: ctrl+j).

3. Background

Next, I make a new layer between the cutout of Buffy & the original image. For whatever shapes (in this case rectangles) I want to use in the background I use either the Marquee tool (shortcut: m) or the Lassoo tool (shortcut:l) to make selections. I then fill with my colour(s) of choice.

4. Curves

Buffy looks a little washed out - simply use curves (shortcut: ctrl+m) to increase the highlights & shadows.

5. Outline & Text

To create a sharp, thick outline around Buffy I load the saved selection. I create another new layer between the cutout of Buffy and the new coloured background I created. I nudge the selection to the left about 3 or 4 points, then simply fill with black. Finally add your text of choice (if you want). And you're done. :)


P.S. *points at Joss icon* Thanks anno_superstar.

Comments

[anno-superstar.livejournal.com]

Yay tutorial! + You're welcome.