Abstract Splatter Graphic

1. First we will begin with our image. Take this picture and open it in Photoshop. Just press CTRL + N and enter, then paste the image in. Photoshop automatically does that because it understands we are feeble and lazy human beings.
2. Now that we have our image placed, we are going straight to work. The trick to achieving a good effect is to use independent raster layers for each splatter, that way we can be flexible. I usually use one splatter brush on each raster layer. The brushes I will be using are from Henri’s site, so go download brush sets 7, 12 and 14. Count down that many from the top.
3. Going back to our image, make a new raster layer (CTRL + SHIFT + N). Now we will begin adding splatters. Now to make this look as best as possible, we want to make sure our splatters are the same color (or close) to the image area we will be placing it on. I usually use the eye dropper and get the closest possible color and then use that color for the brush. If you are confused, no worries. I will demonstrate.
   
4. You will never have the perfect color, but a close enough color should do it. Now we will select a random splatter brush that we just downloaded and using that same color, we will place it on our new raster layer.
   
5. NOW using the ERASER tool, take a random splatter/ink brush (it really does not matter, anything with proper texture should work fine) and erase away bits of it so it meshes with the flower.
   
   
6. After erasing some bits and positioning the raster layer to my liking, I came up with this.
   
7. Now we can begin doing other parts of the picture like her hair. Make sure that for every splatter you use you make a new raster layer for each one. Begin the steps again. Use the color dropper to scan your selected area for the right color.
   
   Add a splatter brush.
   
   Then erase with a textured brush.
   
8. Re-do the steps with different parts of the hair.
   
   
9. Now that the hair looks pretty good, we can begin doing the arms and neck. This is a bit easier since we can take the highlight of the arm and neck and use that color.
   
   
   
10. I went back to add some more color in the flower. I used the highlights of the flower and added a splatter and then erased.
    
    
11. Now using the highlight color from the flower, make a new raster layer and set it to Screen. Add a splatter brush near the flower and the hair section we did earlier.
    
    Now erase with the textured brush.
    
    
    I went down to her arms and added some of the highlighted orange brush too. And of course I erased to make it look textured.
    
12. Using the color #32e4ff, make a new raster layer, set it to screen once again and then use a splatter brush around these areas.
    
    Now erase as usual!
    
13. The face was looking bare, so let’s add in some splatters there too.
    
    
14. We will now be adding another color in. Using the color #f009ac, make a new raster layer and add some brushes to it accordingly. I added some to the flower, face, hair and even on her arms.
    
    Now set the raster layer to Screen and erase to create texture.
    
    
    I ended up with this:
    
15. Now using your shape tool, make a bunch of circles. Make sure you select paths only for now. Hold shift and make your circles. Make a bunch in random places and varying sizes.
    
16. Go to your brush tool and make sure your brush is set at a 1 px 0% hardness round brush. This will be the setting for our shape. Also make sure your foreground color is #f009ac, because that will be the color of our circles.
    
17. Go back to the shape tool and right click > stroke path > select BRUSH and press okay.
    
    Right click > DELETE PATH once you’re finished.
18. Set this raster layer with your circles to SCREEN and once again – erase to create some texture.
    
19. If you desire go back and add more texture to the arms using the orange and blue colors with the screen raster layers.
    
20. Add some more circles like we did in the last few steps, but this time make your brush setting to 3px. Use the color #da980a, set the raster layer to screen and erase once your circles are done.
    
21. Now using your brush tool, select a 200px round 0% hardness brush, make a new raster layer and pick a neon color like pink (#f009ac). Go over your image.
    
    Switch up your color to #f6e62f.
    
22. Now we will begin the extensive coloring. Of course we could keep our image as it is, but I always like to experiment with coloring because I think it enhances an image when used correctly.
23. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Channel Mixer and match your settings to mine.
    
    
    Set this layer to Color at 100%.
    
24. Go back to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Channel Mixer and match your settings to mine.
    
    
    
    Set this layer to Hue at 65%. Your image should look like this:
    
25. Now go to Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast and match your settings to mine:
    
    Your image should now look like this:
    
26. Go to Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map. Make a gradient similar to the colors in mine. Then press okay.
    
    Set your layer to Hue at 8%. Your image should look like this:
    
27. Go to Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map once again. Make a gradient similar to the colors in mine. Then press okay.
    
    Set this layer to Color at 37%. Your image should look like this:
    
28. Go to Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation and match your settings to mine. We’re going to be de-saturating the image a bit.
    
    Set your layer to 50% opacity. It should look like this:
    
29. Now go to Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Levels and match your settings to mine:
    
    Your image should look like this now:
    
30. Last but not least, we are going to sharpen our image! You can save a PSD of your current file and simply CTRL + A then Copy Merged (edit > Copy Merged) and paste your final product into a new document. Duplicate the layer of your final product, then go to Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen. Then lower the opacity of the layer to about 50%.
    We’re all done now!
    
    Check out the final full sized graphic.

Originally published on 02/11/2010 - tutorials | 27 comments »