Tutorial: Signature "Bloom" Effect

[Nezill]

Now, I've been asked several times how I achieve the "bloom" effect I use in my signatures.

Since It's not really a secret or a really hard method, I'm going to show you how to do it:

Step 1) Get a picture of course, I'm going to use this sexy picture of Darth Vader for this tutorial:


Step 2) Copy the layer and d-saturate the new layer. (Ctrl+shift+u)


Step 3) Now, use a gaussian blur. I usually go with 3 for smaller pictures, 5 for slightly larger and 10 for desktops or other large pictures, any more and the effect is not so effective. For this picture, I went with 8 since it was in between.


Step 4) Once you do that either auto level it or adjust the levels/brightness contrast yourself. If you want a more exagerated effect, up the contrast a lot. For this example I only used auto levels.


Step 5) Usually the last step, set the layer to Overlay instead of normal in the blending options and voila!

[Kalo]

Oh awesome! Thanks for posting this for me.

[sarcronis]

What program do you use?

[Kalo]

Judging by his look, Its either Photoshop Cs2 or Cs3.

[Kalo]

My Outcome for meh new Icon.



(the Gray effect was intentional as well.)

[GrndAdmrlPellaeon]

Ive always wanted to ask: What is that in your pic?

[Kalo]

Confusing, isn't it?

[Kratas]

well the thing in the sig represents infinity and the avatar is just some wierd guy with an arrow on his face reminds me of the avatar in a cartoon

[GrndAdmrlPellaeon]

Your right. I never noticed the arrow.

[Kalo]

FAILURE.

It's a guy in a Breathing Mask.

[lolzlolz]

lol, o well i like the sig and avatar,
thoughtful design, u make it in photoshop?

[Isamu]

I hate to say it but the pictures aren't coming up.

[Razgriz]

yes that would be helpfull especially for me