BACKGROUND MASH UP - A PHOTOSHOP LAYER TUTORIAL by Angelica S.


welcome to another Photoshop tutorial, in which I'd like to show you, how to create several unique backgrounds in an easy and speedy way, 
with just one file and two of my recently released #Photoshop styles

skill level: intermediate (knowledge of working with layers and basic photoshop tools like eraser/brush)
you can work with this tutorial in 2 different ways 
- by reading the green text or by ignoring it and just work the step by step to the result.
The green text is for some more background information about how styles work, all in the green text is my own experience, which I share to the best of my knowledge.

all parts of this tutorial and the files related are my intellectual property
no copying or distribution of the text, screenshots or supply files for any reason
if you wish to translate this tutorial and publish a translation, please mail an inquiry to support@art-for-design.com 

supplies you need: 
Photoshop (I worked with CS4, but any version will  get the job done)
a large splatter brush 
(you find the transparent png of the one I used in the supply file, besides the open layer psd file from the tutorial for references)
if you like to use the brush - be my guest, but any large size splatter or grunge brush will work

photoshop styles (you can experiment with a variety of styles, if you like mine - you find them in the store)


reward for working through the tutorial
if you would like to have the CU set with 7 backgrounds - you can get without charge HERE and are welcome to use it for PTU kits or other designs according to the TOU)
 for all who just want the freebie right away, don't feel bad - that's ok, too! You're welcome :-)

START TUTORIAL 
-open a new file
you can determine your preferred size
 I choose 2800x2800px to make it easier on people who have less than 4 GB workspace 


-load a splatter brush 
do it right away, so it won't distract you later :-)

you find the transparent png file in the supplies
open it in photoshop and save as brushpreset
then close the png, you won't need it anymore

-open the style menu (window > styles)
-load the styles you wish to use for the tutorial


-flood fill the layer with a medium grey or any other color you like

EXPLANATION
 the color will never be seen in the result and serves as base for the layer style, you can only apply a style to existent pixels, the style needs something to transform in order to show up

-apply the style of your choice by clicking on it in the Styles Menu
-open the style by double clicking the layer icon


- un-check 'Stroke'
-set pattern size to 200

Explanation :
when you know my photoshop styles, you might have noticed, that I included the stroke feature in most of the styles. I do that, to give you more options, when it comes to creating elements or even wordart, for backgrounds the 'stroke' feature is not always needed. You can adjust the stroke at any given time to your liking or uncheck it completely or change to a simple black/white/anycolor  cartoon outline.

about the patterns, which are the core of the style:
I work with a variety of patterns in one style bundle, which are handcrafted to render seamless results and are adjustable to any size you chose. You can scale them down or up. I would not recommend to go over 200-250 at the maximum, downwards are no limits, whatever fits and looks sharp.
The sharpness of the outcome is directly connected to the size of pattern you chose, you will notice, if you chose size 48% for example - the turnout will be blurry
you fix it with choosing 50% instead, try it and see the difference it makes.
the same applies to the stroke feature, which also works with patterns


 -copy the first layer
-add the second style
-open the style (double click layer icon)
-uncheck anything but the pattern
-set the pattern to 200


-adjust the second layer to opacity 60% /  fill 100%

Explanation:
this makes the layer below shine through
the lowering of opacity is a subtle thing, 60% is what worked on this project, but is not
a rule, there are no rules, all depends on what you create and what the desired outcome is 


-make a new layer, flood fill
-apply the floral style (or any other one you might like)


 -double click the layer icon and open the style
-uncheck anything but the pattern overlay
-set the size of the pattern to 200 (if you work with the styles I used)


now comes the fun part  

-click the eraser tool

-select your splatter brush from the brush menu
 (if you use mine, go by the settings in the screenshot)

-erase parts of the upper layer like shown in the screenshot

this, too, is a individual decision, all depends on the pattern and the size of the brush, as well as on the desired look, I erased diagonally between the flower rows, to let the bricks show through


this is the result after erasing parts of the upper layer: 


You could stop here and just save your work as background.

but to add some variety to it, you could also play with the settings in the 3 layers to make several different backgrounds from your psd file

This is the way I did it for the tutorial and the resulting background bundle 

-open the style (double click layer icon)
-check 'Color Overlay'

you can go by my choice of colors (color code on screenshot)
 or any other color you like


Dear friends, 
 Thanks for reading or trying this tutorial, it was my pleasure to write it and share what little I know,
don't be afraid of playing with the settings in the style, you will soon discover, how versatile this 
feature really is. 
I wouldn't write tutorials about it, if I wouldn't be absolutely exited about the possibilities and want every designer to discover this time saver and maybe include this design technique in the daily work flow.
Saving time on basics is staying on top of the market :)

I played with the file and rendered a set of CU backgrounds for you - get them free of charge at
 ART FOR DESIGN CATEGORY FREE THIS MONTH
You can find my psd file in the supplies - the psd file is for work reference only 

wishing you a productive time and great business - but most of all-
have fun, try new things and enjoy your creativity

yours creatively,
Angelica S


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