Final Image Preview

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Video Tutorial

Our video editor Gavin Steele has created this video tutorial to compliment this text + image tutorial.

Step 1

First of all, create a new document. Make the image size and resolution as you wish. Just keep in mind that if you want to print it, you will need to create it at 300dpi. Fill the background with the color #02101e.

Step 2

Next you need to search for the texture you are about to use for this background. The one I used is from StockXchng. Import the image into Photoshop. Resize it to fit the screen and set the layer style to Screen Mode and the Opacity to 25%.

Step 3

Over the previous layer create a black layer and set the Opacity to 60%.

Step 4

It is time to import another image. Again, I used StockXchng to find the image. Cut the bird out using the Pen Tool (P). Create a new folder and name it "Pigeons."

Place the pigeon layer in the folder and resize it. Change the angle of the pigeon, or change the horizontal direction to create a composition similar to the one shown below, or establish your own unique layout. After you have done this, select the Burn Tool (O), set the hardness to 5%, and start brushing away the edges of the pigeons so that they blend in with the background.

Step 5

1. Select one layer with a pigeon (I selected the one on the right). Next, make a quick selection of the upper part of the head and neck using the Polygonal Lasso Lasso Tool (L). Hold Alt and drag a copy of the image above. Set the Opacity of the layer to 65%.
2. Change the pigeon layer from part 1 with another one. I used the one above the big pigeon on the left side. Alt-click on the image, drag it up, and move the layer behind the first one. Set the Opacity to 40%. Repeat the same operation with this layer and change the Opacity of the new layer to 15%.
3. This effect is called Breaking Apart, and the one that I did on the image is not a very complicated one. Select the pigeon in the top left part of the document, then make a selection using the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) . Drag the selection above but not too much. Remember, you want it to look like it's breaking off. Repeat this with different size selections, and as you head towards the top of the document make them smaller.
4. Cut out another pigeon image from StockXchng using the Pen Tool (P) and place it between the two pigeons from the top as shown. Next, brush the image so it blends more with the composition using the same settings at the Burn Tool (O), just as you did with the first pigeon image. Also, place the pigeon head in the composition.
5. Return to the first pigeon image that you have placed in the document. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Next, by resizing, changing the angle, and the horizontal direction, spread them all around the document so you will obtain something similar to the image below.

Step 6

Create a new layer under the folder "Pigeons." Go to Brush Tool, select a light blue #2e82d8, and paint behind the pigeons. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, and set the Radius to 120.

Step 7

Next, apply to the layer from Step 6 the following settings: set the Layer Style to Color Dodge and the Opacity to 60%.

Step 8

Now draw a path that you want the tentacles to follow using the Pen Tool (P). Be sure to select a light blue #2e82d8. Grab the Brush Tool (B) and set it to a small brush. I used 2 pixels. Use the settings shown below to make the Brush. Also, set the Pen Pressure effect. Repeat this step with different sized paths.

Step 9

Use the same settings for the Brush Tool (B) from the previous step. Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M), draw a circle around the head of the pigeon in the top left, Right-click, and choose stroke. Set the Brush size to 2 pixels and the color to #2e82d8.

Step 10

After following the Step 8 and 9, you should get something like the image below.

Step 11

Use the settings below to make the tentacles look shiny.

Step 12

Import another image from StockXchng. Next,cut the feather from the top of the image using the Pen Tool (P). Right-click > Make Selection. Go to Select > Refine Edge and use the settings below.

Step 13

Go to Image > Adjustments > Photo Filter, set the color to a light blue #2f84d9, and set the Density to 100%. Change the Opacity of the layer, like I did. This will give you a nice effect of fading and will come in handy in our next steps.

Step 14

Resize the image and play with the opacity. Change the angle, repeat this a few times so it looks like feathers are falling from the birds.

Step 15

Using the first feather, and go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, then set the radius to 16%.

Step 16

Set the Opacity of the layer from Step 15 to 80% and the Fill to 55%. This will make it even more interesting.

Step 17

Repeat the operation from Step 15 and 16. Move the feathers, change the position, and orientation of it so you obtain something like below.

Step 18

Select the feather layer from Step 13, move it into the top left corner. Next, move it so it looks like it's going out from the document. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and set the Radius to 20 pixels. After this set the Opacity to 80%.

Conclusion

In the end you can add some color effects and give the piece your finishing touches. Hope you learned something new and had fun. You can view the final image below or view a larger version here.

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