Abstract Lines Graphic Tutorial
In this graphic tutorial I will show you how to create an appealing and abstract looking graphic using a few brushes, a PSD and some creativity. Start out with a 600x500 blank white document. We must first add the backdrop to our graphic. Gradients make interesting backdrops, so select your gradient tool. It doesn't really matter what colors you use for the backdrop, as long as there's a smooth 2 color transition, you should be good. I'm using a light purple (#f372d6) to a darker purple color (#d13db0). Make sure you select the Radial Gradient option.
I usually start out gradients on the lower left hand corner of the image. As you can see below the lighter shade starts out, and the darker shade surrounds the rest of the image.
With our background intact, we can now begin assembling our graphic - starting with the image. Using this psd, go to Image > Image Size and resize the image to 65 percent. We'll be using this as the outline of our image.
Transfer your newly resized image to the blank document. You can rename this layer to "outline" to keep track of it, but only if you'd like. Double click to pull up the photoshop FX window, and then proceed to Stroke. Select a 1px stroke, with the color black and with the layer option set to Overlay.
Go back to the outline layer and set the Fill to 0%. The fill controls the image itself, and not the effects added to it. We want to the outline to show, without the image. Lowering the fill should eliminate the image and leave the outline by itself.
We must now add the main image. Go back to your original Nicole PSD (undo the previous resizing if you haven't) and resize it again, but this time to 60%. In adding this image to your graphic, you should quickly see that it fits almost perfectly underneath the outline we just created (with the exception of a few 10 pixels or so). You can drag the outline and image slightly to the left. I'm naming the newest resized image "mainimage". Your image should look like this:
It's now time to create the abstract lines beneath our graphic. These are very simple to do! Remember to make a new raster layer for each line that we do. Select your pen tool and make sure your settings are matched to mine.
Begin making the first shape. I like to do long S curves. Once you've finished your shape, make sure you connect everything together.
Once you're done right click and select the option "make selection". Set the pixels to 0, have anti-alias checked and press okay. Your shape should now have turned into a selection.
Use your brush tool and select a default circular brush, around 500px in size with 0% hardness. Having a white color selected, gently use HALF of the brush to go over the selection.
Deselect and then set your layer to Overlay at 55%. You should also drag your layer underneath the picture, so it doesn't go over it. Continue to do a few more of these in the colors white and black using soft light, overlay or normal layer options. Make sure you use create long S shapes in different positions and lengths.
I created about 7 or so curves, most set to Soft Light around 50% using the color white. One of the curves was black, and I set that to Overlay at a low opacity. Your image should now have an abstract vibe to it.
After this, make a new raster layer and label it "bubble". Take out a default circle brush (about 500 px 0 roundness) and put it directly underneath the image. This will make it stand out a bit more.
Now we're going to add some brushwork under the image to bring it out some more. Here is where you are slightly on your own. I can only provide you with a resource page of where to find brushes like the ones I use. Most of them should be listed. I'm using some floral type brushes right underneath the image set to Overlay at 22% using the color white. Afterwards I use the same brush, slightly under the previous one but this time using the color black and set to Overlay at 42%. Remember to use new layers for your brushes. As you can tell I like to use the colors white/black in a repetitive manner. I do this so that if for any reason I want to change the color scheme, the main brush-work will never have to be re-done.
I added some very lenghtly floral brushes to the sides (a friend sent me these, but you can find some like them on deviantart). You might have to rotate them around (transform) to get the position that you want (ctrl + t). My image now looks like this:
Last but not least we want to change up the coloring a bit. The purple is starting to get to my head, heh. To fix this, go to Layers > New Adjustment Layers > Color Balance.
Now match your settings to mine. After you've finished, set this layer to Hue at 70%.
The image of Nicole is looking kinda dead here. Duplicate the image (layer "mainimage") and set it to Overlay at 80% opacity.
Overall, we've created a nice, simple looking image. Take a look at the final product!
Credits
Steph for the PSD.Aaskie for the brushes used.
