The creation of “A Life Of Aquatic Sounds”

In this tutorial I will show you how I created “A Life Of Aquatic Sounds”. We will realize it using a variety of blending mode tricks, photo filters and other useful Photoshop techniques. At the end of this process we will have a beautiful photo manipulation, realized in a short  time and a very easily way.

Preview:

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Step 1

In this step we will cover the beginning of our manipulation, simple document creation and placement of the base stock image as well as the hue change.
To start off the piece, we will need to create a new document and grab our base stock. So, firstly  create a new document at 1600×2400 pixels. Once created the document, we need to grab  the image of the bottle with the glass. Even though our first stock is from Flickr, we are able to use it since it falls under the Creative Commons license.
Once you have your stock, go ahead and place it into your document as I have done below. This way the border is no longer visible.

We will change the hue of the liquid from red to blue. To do this press CTRL+U on your keyboard and set your screen up as mine is in the screenshot below:

Our image now looks like the this one:

Step 2

In step two, we will drop our background in, and use a few simple blending modes and techniques to simplify the isolation process so it takes no time at all.
To start off we will need to grab our next stock, a mexican beach.

Once you have the stock, paste it into your document and free transform (CTRL+T) it. The main idea here is to cover the entire canvas with the image.
Then we need to apply the Gaussian blur filter (Filter>Blur>Gaussian blur). Enter a radius around 10px.

Our composition should now look like this one:

Next we need to move this layer below the bottle one. Once done that change, set the blending mode on the bottle layer to multiply and leave it at 100% opacity.

Now it looks much better! But, if you closely look at the bottom left hand corner, you can see that the floor is not 100% opaque! It’s showing pieces of the background, which is something we do not want.

To fix this we need to create a new layer. Place it between the blurred background and the bottle+glass layer. Grab the Brush tool and set it up as I have done in the screenshot below:

Set the foreground color to white and paint over the floor (on your new layer). You will see that where you paint, the bottle layer becomes opaque!
Go ahead and fill up the entire wooden floor.

We could leave the isolation as it is, or we can go ahead and create a new layer to clean up the insides of the glass and bottle.

I decided to clean up the isolation a step more. If you want to do the same, create another layer and set the opacity somewhere between 20-35%. Then use the brush tool as we made before and just fill up the bottle and glass.
Once done this (if you chose to) we can finish up this step by adding a little bit more contrast to the entire image. Duplicate your bottle layer (right click the layer and select “duplicate”) and then desaturate the image (CTRL+SHIFT+U on your keyboard).

Set the blending mode to overlay and reduce opacity to around 30% or contrast will be too strong.

Step 3

Now we can move on to coloring. In this step we will enrich our manipulation by creating a few color layers that will help to better blend the background and bottle layers.
So to start off this step we need to create a new layer, a photo filter layer to be exact. To create a photo filter layer select the Layer tab>Adjustment layer>Photo filter layer. Then set up your filter as mine:

Switch the layer blend mode to “soft light” and reduce the opacity to 25-30%, I chose 28% but it’s up to you.
Here is how my image looks now:

We can continue on by creating another layer. On this layer use whatever brush you like and just doodle all over the canvas. Any brush will work fine for this, we will blur the layer so it doesn’t really matter the way you doodle.

Next apply a Gaussian blur (Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur) with a radius of 200px. Once done this, simple change the blending mode to overlay and set the opacity to 50%.

Step 4

It’s time to start the real photo manipulation;-) Download this photo of a dune.

Once pasted your sand in, remove the background. You can use the technique you prefer. I used the pen tool.

Now we scale it down so it nicely fits the bottle. This layer – as all the layers to come – will be underneath the photo filter layer and above the bottle. If will be necessary, use the Smudge tool to modify the send dimensions so it will perfectly match the ones of the bottle. I had to do this because I sized the sand down to much, but looking back I think it helped the over all appeal. Finally duplicate the layer and set it to overlay.

Now select the sand (ctrl+click on the layer thumbnail). Next go back to your bottle (with the selection still active) and copy the selection of the bottle. Paste the selection into a new layer (ctrl+J), drag it above the sand layer and set it to overlay.

We can leave it as it is, but I think it’s not quite blue. So we will create a new photo filter layer just as before, but this time leave the opacity at 100% and set the blending mode to normal.

Just repeat this process on your glass using this second image of a desert dune

Step 5

We can start including other stocks images into the composition. To start off this step we will paste in a jumping man:

As with our previous stock, isolate the man using whatever method you prefer.

Now we can drop him into the bottle. Scale him down to a size you like, then you need to apply the same technique used with the sand in our previous step, so the man will look as if he’s inside the bottle.

Step 6

Let’s paste in a fish. To start off this step we need the image of a tropical fish. Isolate it from the background and paste it into the canvas. Re-apply the usual technique to put the fish inside the bottle.

Now we can put in a jelly fish!

We need to adjust the image: let’s start desaturating the jelly fish by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+U on your keyboard. Then press CTRL+L on your keyboard and set your level editor up as mine:

Once you have done this our image should look like the screenshot below, but if you still see floating particles, just increase levels values or erase these out with the Eraser Tool.

Press CTRL+U on your keyboard to open the hue/saturation window and use the following settings:

Here is the result of our efforts:

Now just set your layer on screen and place it wherever you prefer.

Now just continue adding more details! Simply paste in all the fishes and jellyfishes you like! You can find lots of free images surfing through sites like stock.xchng, DeviantArt or Morguefile.

Step 7

Step seven is an extension of the previous step. Take in mind that every element of the composition need to be modified in according with its colors and dimensions. If you use duplicated layers set on overlay to increase the contrast of fishes and other details, try experimenting with layers opacity until you obtain satisfactory results.
Here is my outcome after added several details:

Step 8

It’s time to add the last details. Download the image of a gondolier.

Isolate and place him on the wave of the glass. Since he’s not in the water, we do not need to apply the effects used with prior images.

Next we can plaste in a star fish.

Extract the star fish and place it on top of the glass. Again since there is no water in that area, no effects need to be applied.

Ok guys, there’s no need to continue. At this point you know how to include other marine elements and how to modify them so that they look inside the bottle/glass. I added in some seagulls, a ladybug, a treasure and other nice things.

Finished!

Well that’s all for my tutorial! To finish off my piece I sized the image down, sharpened it and applied some slight color adjustments.
I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and learned a thing or two! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask!

How to Make a Vector-Style Woman Composition

Vector graphics design is one of the leading styles for print magazines and in titling of movies right now. In this tutorial, we are going to cover the entire body of a woman with stock vector art by employing some of the basic tools and blending options in Adobe Photoshop. We will also need Adobe Illustrator to open the vector files and to provide a source for importing the vectors into Photoshop.

Preview

You may click the image below to see the full-scale version of what we will be creating in this tutorial.

Resources

Here is a list of graphics assets that we will use.

Model

• Female Stock 26 by Katanaz-Stock

Vectors

• new world vector by GWEB STOCK
• Vector Design 3 by Karen Bachini
• Swirls Vector Illustrations Set by Designious Studio
• butterfly Flowers vector by coolwing
• Colorful backgrounds by PinkMoustache
• Scroll Clouds by PinkMoustache
• WG Funny Swirls Vol1 by Sebastiano Guerriero
• 2 Fashion Music Vector
• Colorful cloud
• Ornament Eps

Texture

• Texture Set 38 by leilax

Step 1: Separate the model’s swimwear into a new layer

To begin, import the model into Photoshop (Female Stock 26 from the Resources listing).

Take out the Pen Tool (P) and draw a selection around the subject’s clothes (her swimwear). When you have finished the selection, right-click inside it and choose Make Selection to convert the path you just drew into a selection.

Now press Ctrl/Cmd + J to copy the subject’s swimwear (the selected area) as a new layer.

Step 2: Separate the model’s skin areas into a new layer

In the same way as Step 1, select around the skin of the model with the Pen Tool (P) and make it a new layer. Name this layer as "skin" to keep the work organized.

Step 3: Desaturate the skin layer

Now, having the skin layer selected, go to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + U) to desaturate the skin.
Then adjust the exposure levels (Image > Adjustments > Exposure) of the skin layer. You can utilize the following option values:

• Exposure: +0.19
• Offset: +0.0020
• Gamma Correction: 1.16

Step 4: Create the coat and hair layer

Still on the skin layer, choose the Magic Wand Tool (W) from the Tools Panel, and select around the skin of our subject (as shown below).

Once finished, right-click on the magic wand selection in the canvas and choose Save Selection so that Photoshop remembers this selection for later.
Now select the "main layer" and go to Select > Load Selection; choose the previously saved selection in the drop down list of the Channel option.
Once the selection is loaded, press Ctrl/Cmd + J to separate the hair, coat and swimwear into a new layer.
Erase the swimwear in the new layer by loading a selection around the swimwear layer (Ctrl/Cmd + click on its thumbnail in the Layers Panel), going back to the new layer, and pressing the Delete key. You might have to erase any remaining swimwear areas manually with the Eraser Tool (E). We’re removing this from the new layer since we already have it in another layer.

Step 5: Create the layer with the model’s hands

Go ahead and select the "skin" layer and make a selection around the fingers with the Pen Tool (P), covert it to a selection (right-click inside the pen’s path and choose Make Selection) and then create a new layer with only the subject’s hands on it (Ctrl/Cmd + J).

Put the "skin" and "layer 0" beneath all the layers.

Step 6: Importing vectors from illustrator to Photoshop

Open our first vector resource (new world vector in the Resources listing) in Adobe Illustrator and select a vector shape with the Move Tool (V). Tip: hold Shift to select multiple vector shapes in the artboard.

Once the vector is selected, just drag and drop into your work area in Photoshop.
After importing the vector into Photoshop, right-click the vector layer and select Rasterize Layer.                  
Afterwards, use the Move Tool (V) to position the vector on the subject’s right thigh (I named this layer "vector 1i").

Step 7: Cut out excess areas of the vector shape

Select the shape of the vector with the Magic Wand Tool (W).
Then use the same selection on the "skin" layer and press (Ctrl/Cmd + J) to cut the skin layer into the shape of vector. Name the layer "vector 1".

Step 8: Apply a Smart Blur on "vector 1" layer

With the "vector 1" layer selected, go to Filter > Blur > Smart Blur and adjust the Radius to 3.0 and Threshold to 25.0.

Step 9: Change the blending mode

Now select the "vector 1i" layer and change the blending mode to Overlay to let a little bit of its background show through.

After that, select both "vector 1" and "vector 1i" layers in the Layers Panel by holding down Ctrl/Cmd while clicking on them. Once selected, right-click on one of them and choose Merge Layers.
Erase unwanted parts manually with the Eraser Tool (E).

Step 10: Choose vectors to import into the scene

Vectors must be chosen very carefully because they are central to the aesthetics and concept of the design. In the following example, I have chosen a vector that resembles water (Vector Design 3 from the Resources listing).

Step 11: Placing the vector

When incorporating the vectors, first open them in Illustrator, select them with the Selection Tool (V) and then import to Photoshop via drag and drop, as indicated in previous steps—this will be the general process for importing all the vectors into the piece. I started my design from abdomen.

Step 12: Selecting the skin

Having the vector layer active, make a selection around it with Magic Wand Tool (W).
Afterwards, use the selection on the "skin" layer to cut the skin into the vector design shape. Press Ctrl/Cmd + J to make the selected skin a new layer, and name the layer "vector2".

Step13: Apply a Smart Blur on the vector layer

With the "vector2" layer selected, go to Filter > Blur > Smart Blur. Change the values of Radius to 3.0 and Threshold to about 25.

Step 14: Rasterizing imported vector layers

When the vector is imported into Photoshop, it appears as a Vector Smart Object automatically. As a Vector Smart Object, vectors cannot be edited or transformed, so right-click on this layer in the Layers Panel and pick Rasterize Layer. Name the layer "vector 2i".

Step 15: Change the blending mode to Overlay

Select the "vector 2i" layer and change the blending mode to Overlay. Then select both the "vector2" layers, right-click on one of them and then choose Merge Layers.

Step 16: Applying shadows on vectors

All the layers should be given a drop shadow to show that they are on top of one another.
I have imported a new vector (Swirls Vector Illustrations Set from the Resources listing) in the similar way as mentioned in the above steps and placed it under the "vector2" layer.
Right-click on the "vector2" layer and then select Blending Options to open up the Layer Styles dialog window. Apply a Drop Shadow layer style, setting the Distance to 6px and Size to about 8px.

Step 17: Sequence of Designing

Now it’s time to use your own creative license to arrange the rest of the vectors. Use suggested vectors from the Resources listing—or use your own vectors—to fill in the remaining spaces of our subject using the techniques we have covered in the preceding steps.

Step 18: Fill the gaps

Since there are gaps in between the vectors, the coat of the subject must be visible through them.
Select a part of the coat with the Lasso Tool (L) and press Ctrl/Cmd + J to create a new layer from the chosen area.

Utilize the Free Transform command (Ctrl/Cmd + T) to stretch the previously created layer to the right side of the model.

Step 19: Painting to fill the remaining gaps

Now make a new layer beneath the "coat" layer and select an area near left elbow with the Lasso Tool (L).

Get the Paint Bucket Tool (G) and fill the selected part with a dark grey colour (#403d3d).
Then use the Brush Tool (B) with a brush tip set to an airbrush and Flow to 50% to paint one end with a darker grey colour (#222121).

Step 20: Create the background

Though some artists like starting from the bottommost layer (the background of the composition), I prefer focusing on the subject and then designing the background of it as one of the final steps (which makes sense, since the subject is the central focus of the viewer).
Pick a background that matches the design theme. I found a colourful texture set (Texture Set 38 in the Resource listing) that adds a certain depth and texture to our vector woman.

Step 21: Final details

To finish off the composition, I selected a few more vectors like sunrays, clouds and circles and placed them above the texture background layer (see the Resources listing to find suggestions of what vectors to use). I changed the blending mode of the sunrays layer to Overlay and the other vectors to Soft Light to let a bit of the texture show through them.

Tutorial Summary

In this tutorial, I have displayed a method for using stock vectors to create an interesting and popular effect that can be seen in print magazines and advertisements. We used Photoshop to compose the scene. We isolated and separated different parts of our subject into several layers to make it easier for us to work with. We used various vector files, opening them in Illustrator and then importing them into Photoshop. We covered a technique or two for retouching the spots that have gaps in them. Finally, we finished the piece with a textured background and some more vectors for details.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Share your thoughts and ask your questions in the comments. Don’t be shy to show us your own version by including it in the Design Instruct Flickr group pool.

Download Tutorial Source Files

• vector_woman_composition (ZIP, 21.9 MB)