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This tutorial assumes you have a basic understanding of how to use Adobe PhotoShop. The examples used in this tutorial were produced on Adobe PhotoShop 7. To make a Corner Pic, download the template below:
PhotoShop Template |
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 Sample Eyes
Captivating huh? You gotta love those eyes!
Anyway, the "Sample Eyes" layer, shown here serves as an example of what we will try to create. You will notice that this layer has a translucent alpha blend on the right hand side, allowing us to see through to the BackGround layer. This is what you should aim for, to blend out the right edge.
The dimensions of this layer, and the entire image must be of the following:
Width: 300 pixels
Height: 70 pixels
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 Layers
As we won't be needing the "Sample Eyes" layer, we can hide it by clicking on the eye icon as shown in the example animation. You can delete it if you wish.
You will also find there is a layer called "BackGround" This is the background that is used on the site and MUST NOT be edited.
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 BackGround
Once you have turned off the Sample Eyes layer, you should see the BackGround layer as in the example. This will form your canvas.
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Now paste in an image of Sarah. In this example I have used, the initial picture was far too big, so I used the Free Transform tool from the Edit menu to resize and rotate the image.
Experiment with different sizes and angles to achieve an unusual and classy look. Also, try not to show the entire image or face as a cropped image can add a little mystery to your Corner Pic.
Note the image is aligned to the left hand side.
As you can see from the example above, the right hand side of the image does not fade out and blend seamlessly into the BackGround and you can see the sharp cut. Therefore, the remainder of the tutorial will explain how we will smooth off the right edge.
If you do not feel confident with the following, save the file at this point as a PhotoShop file and please remember: DO NOT FLATTEN THE IMAGE! Then zip and eMail the file to: ashman@mail.com
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Mask Mode
To soften off and create the seamless edge, we need to apply a Mask to the image we are working with. You can do this by pressing the Q key on your keyboard or by clicking on the Mask icon on the Tool Pallet as shown in the example.
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Gradient Mode
Because we want to apply a gradual fade effect, we need to select the Gradient Fill tool.
In version 7 of PhotoShop, the Gradient Fill tool is hidden behind the Paint Bucket tool so you will need to hold your mouse down on the Paint Bucket icon or press G on the keyboard to enable it.
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Select Gradient
Once you have entered the Gradient Mode, you will notice that the Options Panel at the top has changed to allow you to select a gradual fill style.
From the dropdown menu, select a single colour Foreground to Transparent fill style as shown in the example.
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 Apply Gradient Mask
Now you are ready to apply a Gradient Mask.
Using your mouse, click on the starting point you want the fadeout effect to start from. Then, without letting go of the mouse button, drag the mouse to where you want the fading to end. (It is recommended the fading ends a little outside of the edge of the image rather than on it) When your mouse is in the position you want the fade to end, release the mouse button. You will notice that a part of the image is now in red, this shows the level of opacity you have selected for that image.
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 Exit Mask Mode
To exit the Mask Mode, press the Q key on your keyboard again or on the icon illustrated in this example.
Exiting the Mask Mode returns you to the standard editing mode.
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After exiting the Mask Mode, you will discover that a part of your image has a Lasso selection around it. This is an 8-bit Alpha Channel Lasso.
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Now if you press the Delete key (NOT the BackSpace key) on your keyboard or select Clear from the Edit menu, you will find that the image fades in gradients.
Continue to press the Delete key or select Clear from the Edit menu, until you are happy with the fade effect. Remember, you can always undo using the History Pallet.
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And that's it! You should be done, with an image similar to the one in this example.
You may notice that I've added a little more to this image. The background behind Sarah's elbow seems to be fading out while the elbow remains opaque. This effect gives a 3D feel to the image and is done by the use of additional layers and graduating fadeouts. Experiment and see what you can come up with.
Unlike the final example that uses half the length of the canvas, try to use the full length of the canvas as it will look better when it's finally added to the site. Try to avoid making half length images where possible. If you scroll back to the top of this tutorial, you will see the "Sample Eyes" example that uses the full length. Try to aim for something like it. Corner Pics that use less than 80% of the canvas width may not be accepted.
Here is a good example of a Corner Pic, designed by Ĉmilius, that uses the full length of the canvas. This also has a 3D effect as the sand dunes behind Sarah seem to fade while Sarah remains opaque. |
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Guidelines for submitting your Corner Pics
Once you are happy with your Corner Pic, save the file as a PhotoShop file, please do not save them as JPEGs or in any other format. Also, please do not flatten your image as I would like to receive it as a layered image as further editing may be required.
If you can, ZIP your file before sending them via eMail to ashman@mail.com
When sending your Corner Pics, remember to state your Forum Alias/UserName so that you can be credited for your work.
OK, that's it, have fun and make lots of Corner Pics.
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