Objective

To learn advanced Photoshop layering, masking, and effects by example. To learn Photoshop production techniques by recreating the art below:

download starter files

Discussion

The ability to achieve an illusion of depth in a two-dimensional medium is a magic trick that has seduced artists over the centuries. One of the strongest cues to depth is achieved through the use of light and shadows. If done properly, we can't help but "see" the third dimension. In this example, we'll use a special technique called "displacement map" to shift some pixels in order to achieve a more "natural" looking carving.

Procedure

prepping the image

1. open "carve.jpg" in Photoshop
2. image > mode: grayscale; filter > blur > gaussian blur (4)
3. save as "displacement_map.psd"; close (this file will be used later as a "displacement map")
4. file > open recent "carve.jpg", save as "carve.psd"
5. file > place "icon.eps" (this is a smart object)
6. layer mode "overlay", scale and reposition, return to normal mode

silhouette climber

1. duplicate background layer, rename "climber", move to top, hide other layers
2. new adjustment layer (levels), make image lighter (for easier silhouetting)
3. magnetic lasso tool: silhouette figure (no need to retouch)
4. add layer mask; delete adjustment layer; reveal all layers

carve the rock

1. go to "icon" layer
2. add layer style "color overlay" (see PDF settings)
3. add layer style "bevel and emboss" (see PDF settings)
4. add layer style "inner shadow" (see PDF settings)

add displacement map

1. dupe "icon" layer; hide previous layer
2. layer > rasterize layer
3. filter > distort > displace (10, -10): "displacement_map.psd"
4. go to "background" layer
5. filter > sharpen > unsharp mask (radius=2, threshold=2, amount=?)

grading

1. print a proof with your name on it for grading
2. file your graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review