Layout Tutorial #2- Bird Layout
This tutorial is going to teach you how to make a corner layout that would look best using a background with a column that matches up to the layout.
1. I'm using a picture of this cute little birdy from sxc.hu. Open the image (or any image you choose) in Photoshop and go to Edit- Define Pattern. Then make a new file about size 500 by 400 unless your picture is a lot bigger/smaller.
2. Make a new layer. Use some grunge brushes to make an area in the upper left corner that will be for your picture. Double click the layer, click on Pattern Overlay, and click on your pattern when you find it. If your brushing was too big or small, add or erase as needed.
3. Make a new layer just above the background and merge the bird layer (or whatever your picture is) down to the new layer so that it eliminates the fuss of a layer style.
4. Go to Filter- Sharpen. Duplicate the bird layer and change the blending mode to Exclusion at 30% opacity. It will look better soon!
5. Click on the first bird layer, and go to Image- Adjustments- Curves- Preset- Lighter (RGB).
6. Make a new layer over the second bird layer, and use some brushes in white to add some flair around the main object of the picture (in this case, the bird's head). Here and Here.
7. Make a new layer and fill it with #33ff00 (lime green). Set the blending mode to Luminosity at 35% opacity.
8. Make a new layer in color #cc6699 (a subdued magenta). Change the blending mode to Darker Color and 15% opacity.
9. Make a new layer with a low-opacity white box, and use grunge brushes to erase the edges to soften it.
10. Add your site name (I used custom shapes to draw a rectangle, then I put text over it, and finally I merged the two layers and used the transform tool to angle it) or any other text.
You can also see how a layout like this would look as a blog:
Now all it needs is a background to continue down the column! (:
