In this tutorial we will be creating a magic lighting effect, using transformation, gradients and layer styles. Although they are simple techniques but the result achieved is really wonderful!
Before we begin, let's take a look at the image we're creating
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Step 1: We will start from scratch and go straight to the point so no background is required, just fill it with black to get a simple background :)
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Step 2: Create a new layer and choose a hard brush (about 3 pixels), go to Window>Brushes and select Shape Dynamics. Set it as shown below:
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Step 3: Use the Pen tool to draw a curve like the image below
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Now right click on the document and choose Stroke Path and don't forget to tick on the Simulate Pressure checkbox
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We get a nice curve faded at the two ends
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Continue to draw a second curve with the technique above
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Step 4: We had two nice curves but they are still dim, so press Ctrl-J to duplicate this layer and then merge it down by press Ctrl-E
Double click on this layer to bring up the Layer Style box. Select Outer Glow and use these settings:
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Step 5: We will create a glossy circle from these curves by duplicating and rotating process. Simple, right? If not, let me make it clear: duplicate the current layer, use the Move tool with Show Transform Controls checkbox is on and rotate it a bit (you should hold down Shift when rotating to keep their distance equal). Here I made the first example
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Keep doing this step until it comes to layer 23, approximately. Here is the image we get after this step, nice circle, huh?
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Step 6: Create a new layer and fill it with black. Use Marquee tool or any tool you like to create five white horizontal lines
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Step 7: Go to Filter>Distort>Twirl and set a big angle
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Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur to make it dim
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Change its blending mode to Overlay and reduce its Opacity to 50%
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Step 8: Create a new layer and use the Gradient tool, select the rainbow gradient and choose Radial Gradient to paint a vivid circle like this:
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Finally, change it blending mode to Overlay, you will see a nice lighting effect on our circle
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And the tutorial is now finished, I hope you enjoy the techniques shown above and use them in your future works.
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