Cover Page for the Occult

Here is a cover page I put together with the supernatural kept in mind. I would like to think it would catch its targeted audience with its composition. Noise filters, invert mode and the type tool were the main tools used to put this together. Everything was taken off the web and put together as a collage (eye ball, mouth, head silhouette, bar code, skeleton, and blood splatter).

Type Tool Mask

The most fun part of this tutorial was experimenting with color under color balance. Changing the colors of the shadows, mid-tones, and highlights made this picture really interesting. First step in this tutorial is to clone your layer image and put a directional (horizontal or vertical) type mask tool on the copy. Change the color of the original image under image>adjustments>color balance and have fun mixing up colors. The picture of windows was taken from here.

Gradient Mask

Having some fun with the gradient tool to create a polka dot effect with my flying squirrel friend found on this site. Tutorial is straightforward. First step is to have a background color (in my case I used white), the layer image, and a cutout. Next determine the direction of the gradient on the layer image then go filters>filter gallery>sketch>halftone pattern and mess around with the size and contrast to get a customizable size of dots. End results will be similar to my squirrel image.

Calculation Tool

My absolute favorite tool of Photoshop has to be the calculation tool. It leaves specific parts of an image in its initial shape without any jagged cutouts or any background image remaining. I took this black bear from this website and added it to this background found here to create this image. The tool has its limitations since it can't distinguish similar colors of a background and foreground, but a little tinkering around can fix that. The image is converted into a black background and white foreground. The dodge and burn tool are perfect for whitening highlights (foreground) and darkening shadows (background).

Sign construction

Just a little messing around with the tools in photoshop to create my own street sign. Straightforward sign that says do not cross flammable area ahead with a red "X" to further the purpose.

Comic Book Tutorial

I did a tutorial to give a comic book effect to images from this website
My image came out like so:

I like the dot effect because it blended in so well with the shading without completely overpowering the skin tones as one solid color/

Surreal Lemon

Imagine if lemons could fight back. My advice is to hide your assault rifles.
Design Log
Images put together were mostly cut out by using the pen tool. The dream cloud, tear drops, and explosion clip art were all taken from the custom shape tool.