TECHNIQUES CREATE A DISPLACEMENT EFFECT
QUICK TIP
In PSDs with many layers, it’s imperative you organise things lest you
succumb under the sheer weight of a hundred or more nameless rogue
layers. Corral similar layers in groups. Add descriptive names. Colour-code a
group or layer by Cmd/right-clicking on its icon and choosing a colour.04
GROUP THE SHAPES
After creating a series of shapes, you can
start combining them to create new forms. You can
lower opacity and/or play with blend modes. Use Free
Transform (Cmd/Ctrl+T) to Scale, Rotate, and Distort
the shapes as needed. To help stay organised, put the
layers associated with these new forms in groups in
the Layers palette by selecting the layers and pressing
Cmd/Ctrl+G. Now you can move all the layers by
simply selecting the group. You can also Free
Transform the whole bunch at once.05
FREESTYLE IT
To create some sketchily dynamic forms
and streaks, grab the Freeform Pen tool and go
freestyle. Now, instead of plotting anchor points, just
click and drag to draw the shape. You can use your
digital tablet if you wish, or you can just stick with the
mouse. You’re bound to get some jagged and
unrefined areas in the shape. Don’t worry, these can
be a nice change of pace from the smooth and
regimented shapes you may already have in stock.06
PREPARE THE MODEL
Open the model photo then click the
Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer button at
the bottom of the Layers palette, choose Solid
Color. Pick #e47fea. Set to Overlay blend mode.
Click the mask, press invert with Cmd/Ctrl+I.07
MASK THE MODEL
Turn off visibility of all the layers below the merged layer. Select the Pen
tool, and set to Path in the Options bar. Plot anchor points to trace a path around
the model until you return to the origin. Next, refine the path. Wielding the Direct
Selection tool, zoom in around the path and smooth out any problem areas. When
complete, press Cmd/Ctrl+Return to convert the path to a selection, then press
the Add Layer Mask button at the bottom of the Layers palette. Now click Save.08
BUILD UP MODEL FORMS
Open Start.psd. Go to File>Place (Place Linked in CC), choose the
model. Drag in a shape you created and move it below the model. Create a
clipping mask by Alt/Opt+clicking between the two layers. Then Free
Transform the shape to fit. Make a duplicate of the model, drag another shape
below it, and create another clipping mask and repeat. You can move the
shapes independently. To move the model, first click one instance, Cmd/
Ctrl+click the other model layers, then press Link Layers at the bottom of the
Layers palette. You can now move all instances at once.Select the Brush tool. With a soft round brush at
medium opacity paint white to enhance the lips.
Repeat with two Color Fill layers (#2ecc2a,
#1476d1) and blend them for the eyes. Now,
select the topmost layer and merge with Cmd/
Ctrl+Opt/Alt+Shift+E.