# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Game-Changer! GRAIN SHADED GRADIENT MAPS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This little tool changes everything in Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Save & Export - Photoshop for Beginners | Lesson 10

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Master These 4 Art Brushes and you will Master Them All

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Clever Setup to Create this Collage Art Effect in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I Make Animated Movie Posters REALISTIC!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Water Dispersion Effect - Photoshop Tutorials

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Nucly • Photoshop and Creative Design Training

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Poster Design in Photoshop | Modeling Poster design step by step Tutorial

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Dispersion Effect Tutorial (Birds & Dress)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop: Create a Powerful, TRIPLE Exposure PHOTO Portrait!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A Clever Setup to Create this Collage Art Effect in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Clever Setup to Create this Collage Art Effect in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
How to create a Halftone Duotone Cutout Effect in Adobe Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to create a Halftone Duotone Cutout Effect in Adobe Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Making Your Own Textures From Scratch /// Creating Graphic Textures in Adobe Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Making Your Own Textures From Scratch /// Creating Graphic Textures in Adobe Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Create Highly Realistic SKIN TEXTURE In Photoshop! [FREE Download]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Create Highly Realistic SKIN TEXTURE In Photoshop! [FREE Download]

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Tutorial: How to add Texture to Designs in Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tutorial: How to add Texture to Designs in Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Texture & Grunge Essentials | Photoshop Tutorial with Free Textures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Texture & Grunge Essentials | Photoshop Tutorial with Free Textures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Full Course Tutorial (6+ Hours)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Check Out This Unusual Blending Mode That Photoshop Pros Are Loving

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Create The Magical Dr Strange Shield in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Can YOU do this TV Poster Redesign Challenge? (DESIGN CHEF #3)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Digital Painting for Beginners - Brushwork and Color

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Create a Watercolor Painting Effect in Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
My Subscribers Decide What I Make in Photoshop...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Digital Painting Basics - Simple Forms to Complex Paintings

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Paint - Digital Painting Tutorial for Beginners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To BLEND COLORS Like A Pro (For Beginners) | Photoshop Digital Painting Tutorial

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learn to Paint in 5 minutes | Digital Painting Photoshop Tutorial Beginner

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Get Started with Digital Painting in Photoshop CC | Adobe Creative Cloud

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
HOW TO SETUP PHOTOSHOP FOR DIGITAL PAINTING

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Best Brush for Digital Painting (Beginners)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Tutorial - Create 3D Water Cube Effects

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Beautiful, free images and photos that you can download and use for any project. Better than any royalty free or stock photos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Microworld Mountain Tutorial | Benny Production Inspired 'MICROWORLDS'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Create Microworld in photoshop like Benny Production- Dark City Photoshop Microworld

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This is NOT 3D SOFTWARE? | How I Create ''Microworlds''

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Microworld Tutorial | Benny productions inspired 'Microworlds'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Create a Simple Composite in Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 Easy Photoshop Tips To Make Your Composites More Realistic!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Tutorial for Beginners 2022 | Everything You NEED to KNOW!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 WAYS to get SMOOTH lines in PHOTOSHOP | TUTORIAL

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Draw on a Tablet - Ultimate DRAWING TABLET TUTORIAL

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Challenge: 1 Minute vs 10 Minutes vs 30 Minutes vs…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spray Painted Stencil Text Effect | Photoshop Tutorial with Free Textures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This is NOT 3D SOFTWARE? | How I Create ''Microworlds''

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pixelated 3d Blockhead Effect | Photoshop 2021 Tutorial

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I Turn Myself Into Whatever YOU Commented! (Photoshop) | Shapeshifted S1E2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I only had ONE HOUR to make this! (photoshop) | ep. 3

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I only had ONE HOUR to make this! (photoshop) | ep. 1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I only had ONE HOUR to make this! (photoshop) | ep. 4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Can I Photoshop Something EPIC In One Hour Only?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I only had ONE HOUR to make this! (photoshop) | ep. 2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I only had ONE HOUR to make this! (photoshop) | ep. 5

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
SPIDER-MAN VS DOC OCK! | Photoshop Speed Art • September Theme Intro

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
MEDIEVAL! | Photoshop Speed Art • July Theme Intro

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ALIENS! | Photoshop Speed Art • June Theme Intro

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Most RIDICULOUS Artwork I've EVER Made! (Photoshop) | Celebration Special

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I Photoshopped Something Interesting Again....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Photoshop Adjustment LAYERS, what you don't know | Ultimate Guide (2018)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unlock This Hidden BLEND MODE Feature in Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Look at Graphic Trends That Define the 70s | Retro Fonts, Text Effects, and More!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Create the 80s Style With Fonts, Text Effects, and More! | Retro Design Trend

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creating HOLOGRAPHIC RAIN in Photoshop - NFT Speed Art

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Create Super Rad 80's Chrome in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
It took me 25 years to figure this out in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This Magic Texture Creates an Engraved Money Effect in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Smudge Painting Effect  |  Morgan Freeman  |  Adobe Photoshop Tutorial

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Faster Way to get Precise Cutouts in Photoshop | Tutorial by PHLEARN

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What You'll Be Creating

Creating stars, galaxies, and nebulas requires a unique set of techniques, and in this tutorial, we are going to be taking a quick look at a slew of different effects, ultimately creating a being made of the stars themselves!

Like nebulas, we are going to be keeping everything very loose and freeform; it's all about going with the flow with this one! We are going to do a whole lot of playing with different layer modes and experimenting with the flow of shadows and light, seeing what shapes naturally form as we go.

Looking for a shortcut? Head on over to Envato Elements to try out one of the many Photoshop actions and photo effects, including this galaxy photo effect Photoshop action called Nebula:

Follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube Channel:

What You'll Need

To complete this project, we are using the following resources:

Find more resources on Envato Elements!

1. How to Create a Star Field (Optional)

First, we will start by preparing our space environment! For the base, I have supplied a pre-painted nebula-like texture that's free to use anytime, anywhere, but also want to walk you through how to create a star field, which is the first step to creating many space-themed images.

Step 1

Create a new portrait style canvas.

Create a Color Fill layer set to a dark blue #0e101f.

Create a New Layer filled with black, setting it to Screen.

Step 2

Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise.

Noise Settings

Step 3

Blur the noise with Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.

Gaussian Blur Settings

Step 4

Open up Image > Adjustments > Levels and slide the three toggles around until you get the desired result. There is no one set of settings, but here's mine:

Levels Settings

You can also further adjust the stars using Curves.

Step 5 (Optional)

If you want to create bigger stars, you can paint them in by hand using a hard round Brush, or you can Duplicate your current star layer and then enlarge the duplicate.

2. How to Turn a Texture Into a Background

Next, we will be adding our space texture! Unlike with the stars, I sadly do not have a set method on how to paint nebulas and space backgrounds to share with everyone, but I do have a pre-painted texture to share!

Step 1

Download and place the Space Texture onto the canvas.

Step 2

Create a New Layer above the space texture, setting it to Screen.

Using a large, soft, round Brush, lightly paint reds #563031 and purples #4e3159 all over the canvas, focusing on the lighter areas of the space background.

Create another New Layer set to Overlay, and repeat the last step but with white!

Step 3

On many different New Layers set to a mixture of Screen and Color Dodge, paint blobs of purples, oranges, and reds across the space background!

Use a large, soft, round Brush with a very low Flow Rate!

Adjust the Opacity of the different layers if needed.

I only ended up with three layers, but feel free to go crazy adding as much color as you want! Remember you can always come back and adjust these layers later.

Step 4

Finish up the background with Color Balance, Brightness/Contrast and Curves adjustment layers.

Color Balance Settings

Brightness/Contrast Settings

Double-click a layer to access the Blend If settings. Hold Alt to separate and move the toggles independently.

Curves Settings

Group everything, naming the group "Background."

3. How to Create a Vivid Color Grade

All of the layers coming up should be in a group marked "CC" or "Color Correction," and placed on top; all current and future layers will be placed below this group!

The layers are listed from bottom to top.

Step 1

Create a Curves adjustment layer. Increase the Red, Green, and Blue curves as well!

Curves Settings

Step 2

Create a Color Lookup adjustment layer.

Color Lookup Settings

Step 3

Create a second Color Lookup layer.

Color Lookup Settings

Step 4

Create a third Color Lookup layer.

Color Lookup Settings

Step 5

Create a Selective Color adjustment layer. While you can adjust multiple colors using the same Selective Color layer, I like to dedicate a new selective color layer for each color to give myself more control!

Selective Color Settings

Step 6

Create a second Selective Color adjustment layer.

Selective Color Settings

Step 7

Create a third Selective Color adjustment layer.

Selective Color Settings

Step 8

Create a fourth Selective Color adjustment layer.

Selective Color Settings

Group all layers together into a group marked "CC" or "Color Correction" and Lock the group.

4. How to Create a Living Galaxy Photo Effect

Now, on to our main event: the man made out of stars! For this, you will have to have a good handle on both layer masks and layer modes.

I highly recommend keeping your groups named and organized in this step as there are quite a few!

Step 1

Download, place and extract our model using your preferred method. Mine is the Pen Tool!

Step 2

Create and clip a Gradient Map, Brightness/Contrast and Hue/Saturation adjustment layer into our model.

Gradient Map Settings

Brightness/Contrast Settings

Hue/Saturation Settings

Step 3

Group the model and his layers, naming the group "face" as this will only be the face of our subject.
Hide the "Face" group for now.
Step 4

Duplicate the "Model" layer, bringing it outside of the "Face" group.

Right-Click > Apply Layer Mask if it has a layer mask.

Rename the layer "Shadow Body," setting it to 60% Opacity.

Fill the layer with black by going to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation

Hue/saturation settings

Step 5

Add a Layer Mask to the "Shadow Body" and mask out the feet and part of the midsection.

You can also come back and tweak this later!

Step 6

Turn the "Face" group back on.

Add a Layer Mask to the "Face" group, filling it with black.

Mask back in parts of the face and neck. I chose to do this on the left eye and the middle part of the neck, but feel free to experiment!

Remember, again you can come back and tweak this later!

Step 7

Duplicate the "Face" group, bringing the copy above the original.

Rename the copied group "Light" and add a Layer Mask.

Change the model inside the "Light" group to Screen.

Reverse the gradient map so that it is White to Black.

Use a soft round Brush to mask out the model's shorts, hair, hand, and the left part of the torso.

Step 8

Create a New Group above your previous groups, naming it "Textures."

Create a Selection in the shape of your model by going to the "Shadow Body" layer, holding Control and clicking on the layers icon.

Once you have a selection, go back to the "Textures" group and add a layer mask. The mask will take the shape of the model.

Now, every layer you place in this group will be masked as well!

Step 9

Take a copy of the Space Texture and place it in the group, setting it to Color Dodge.

Play with its size and shape until you are happy!

Step 10

Download the Nebula - 30 Abstract Design Pack and place texture "27" into the "Textures" group, above the previous texture.

Set the layer to Color Dodge.

Adjust the Brightness/Contrast and Hue/Saturation.

Brightness/Contrast Settings

Hue/Saturation

Also, mask out any area you think looks too bright or busy!

Step 11

Repeat the above step with the starlight glowing in the outer space texture, with the texture set to Screen.

Place, mask, and adjust it as you see fit. Below are my settings, but I encourage you to experiment!

Brightness/Contrast Settings

Hue/Saturation

Step 12

Place some stars using the M3 Star Cluster texture in the feet and hands of the model, again using the steps above.

I set my stars to Lighten, but again feel free to experiment.

The "Textures" group is now complete!

Step 13

Repeat step 8, creating a New Group, this time naming it "Body Atmosphere".

Create a New Layer inside "Body Atmosphere", setting it to Overlay.

Using a soft round Brush set to black, increase the shadows within our model.

Create a second New Layer inside of "Body Atmosphere", this time setting it to Color Dodge.

Paint a bright orange #ff5111 color onto the hands, feet, and left portion of the chest.

Step 14

Create a New Layer set to Screen, once again making sure it's in the "Body Atmosphere" group.

Using the same orange as above, paint flowing rivers of light using the Perlin Flow Fields Photoshop Brushes or a soft round brush.

The "Body Atmosphere" group is now complete!

Step 15

Repeat step 8 once last time, creating a new group named "Veins."

Create a New Layer inside the "Veins" group, setting it to Overlay.

Paint lines of light coming from the orange exception on the left side of the chest using a small, soft, round Brush set to white.

Build the light up slowly, and I encourage you to layer different layers on top of each other! I used three in total.

Step 16

Create a New Layer inside of the "Veins" group.

Using a very small, 1-2 px hard round Brush, paint white veins coming from the model's chest and spreading throughout the rest of his body.

I used a pen tablet for this, so I was able to use Pen Pressure and taper my lines. It also makes it easier to get the jagged line effect.

If you don't have a tablet, use a large, soft, round Easer Brush to achieve a similar effect. Paint your line, and then gently erase portions of it.

You can also try doing long, smooth lines, as I did on the left arm.

Just experiment and do your best-practice makes perfect! You can also try searching for pre-made vein brushes to help you out.

Once you are happy with your living galaxy, group all of his layers (and groups) together into one big group, naming it "Subject."

I also took this time to remove the subject's left foot by adding a Layer Mask to the group and using the Pen Tool to select and mask it out.

5. How to Create Glowing Eyes in Photoshop

Step 1

Create a New Layer set to Soft Light, placing it below the "Subject" group.

Using black and white, form the base of the model's hair. Use and build upon the existing shadows to figure out a good shape. Work with the current lighting, not against it!

Step 2

Create a New Layer set to Soft Light and repeat step 1 as many times as you need to, refining the shape more and more.

Remember, keep your brush to a low Flow Rate to slowly build up shadows, and use as many layers as you need!

Group your layers, naming the group "Hair."

Step 3

Create a New Layer, keeping it set to Normal and placing it above the subject.

Use a hard, round brush to paint three eyes onto the subject's face-one on each eye and one on his forehead.

Increase the brightness of the eyes with an Overlay layer if needed.

Step 4

Below the eyes and their light, create a New Layer set to Screen.

Paint bright orange #ff7441 smoke coming from the eyes.

Paint some orange glow as well! Again, use as many layers as you need to get the perfect glow.

Group all of the eye layers, naming the group "Eyes."

6. How to Add Depth and Detail in Photoshop

Step 1

Drag and drop another M3 Star Cluster texture above the "Eyes" group, setting it to Screen.

Hit it twice with two Brightness/Contrast image adjustments, using the same settings.

Brightness/Contrast Settings

Add a Layer Mask and mask out any hard edges or unwanted stars.

Step 2

Take a copy of the Space Texture, setting it to Screen.

Place the lightest part of the texture over the midsection of the subject.

Adjust the size and shape as needed, and Mask Out any hard edges and excess texture!

Step 3

Duplicate the above Space Texture and set it to Lighten.

Enlarge it significantly and place it in the lower right corner of the canvas.

Add a Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur to the texture. The settings will depend on the size of our canvas, so just blur it to your liking!

7. How to Add Light, Shadows and Glow in Photoshop

To finish everything up and pull it all together, we are going to add some final touches of light and color, as well as shadows!

Step 1

Using a mixture of Multiply, Overlay, and Soft Light layers, increase the shadows and highlights.

Use a soft, round brush with a low Flow rate as always when building up light and shadows!

Use as many layers as you see fit, and don't forget about experimenting with Blend If!

Step 2

Finally, using a mixture of Screen and Overlay layers, paint areas of bright colored light as well as enhancing the colors that are already present.

Color pick existing colors such as oranges, blues, and greens! Adjust the Opacity of the layeras needed, and don't be afraid to go in with very large brushes and eraser brushes.

We've Done It!

And there you have it! Some quick space-inspired techniques you can apply to your future works, and remember these are just the jumping-off point! Space is limitless, after all!

So, as always, keep experimenting with different techniques and practicing, and don't forget to post your version below, along with any questions, comments, or critiques!

Looking to learn more? Why not check out the following photo manipulation tutorials:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Create a Living Galaxy Photo Effect in Adobe Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Creating stars, galaxies, and nebulas requires a unique set of techniques, and in this tutorial, we are going to be taking a quick look at a slew of different effects, ultimately creating a being made of the stars themselves!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Turn a Landscape Photograph Into an Isometric Icon in Adobe Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this tutorial we are going to create a 3D isometric map made from combinations of a few landscape photos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I'm a huge fan of James White's work. I love the way he plays with geometric elements and colors. It gives a retro feeling to the design, but at the same time he uses a modern approach. In an interview, he mentioned that he uses a Flash script to generate the vector shapes. Then he does the rest of the job in Illustrator and Photoshop.

Well, inspired by James's designs, I decided to figure out my own way of creating that type of effect in Photoshop. In this tutorial, I show you how to mix cool retro geometric shapes into your photos.

Step 1

Download the image at http://www.sxc.hu/photo/876777. Then place it in a new document in Photoshop. I used 1440px by 900px document size.

Step 2

Go to Layer>Layer Style>Color Overlay. Use Soft Light for the Blend Mode. Apply a Brown color (#8b5c01).

Step 3

Next, we'll create a brush that will be used to make the shapes. Select the Rectangle Tool(U) and create a black rectangle. Then go to Edit>Transform Path>Skew. After that, go to Layer>Rasterize. Use the image below for reference.

Step 4

Right-click on the thumbnail of the layer and choose Select Pixels. Then go to Edit>Define Brush Preset, and create a brush. Rename it to Psdtuts+. After that go to the Brushes Engine (Window>Brushes) and edit the Psdtuts+ brush we've just created. Use the settings below.

Step 5

Create a new layer and go to Layer>Layer Style. Let's apply some styles to the layer. We will use Gradient Overlay, Drop Shadow, and Inner Shadow. After that, with the Brush Tool(B), click a couple of times to create some shapes.

Step 6

Right-click the layer on the Layers Palette. Choose Copy Layer Style. Then create a new layer. Right-click the new layer again. Now select Paste Layer Style. After that, with the Brush Tool, click a couple more times to create additional shapes.

Step 7

Repeat Step 6 again two more times.

Step 8

Select all layers we used to create the geometric shapes and go to Layer>Merge Layers. Then go to Edit>Transform>Rotate. After that resize the layer as shown below.

Step 9

Now go to Edit>Transform>Warp. Start moving the mesh in order to create a wave form. The idea is to make the lines pass in front and behind the legs. This adds to the dimensionality of the effect.

Step 10

With the Polygonal Lasso Tool(L), create a marquee selection of the leg you want to stay in front of the shapes. Then select the shapes layer, and go to Layer>Layer Mask>Hide Selection.

Step 11

Create a new layer above the shapes layer and right-click on it. Then select Create a Clipping Mask. After that, select the Brush Tool (B) and a basic brush with 0% hardness. We will create a highlight on the shapes layer. Click once where you want to start the line. Then while holding Shift, click where you want to finish the line. This will create a straight line with the Brush Tool. The Blend mode will be Normal with 60% Opacity.

Step 12

Repeat Step 11, but this time use black, and from another position. Change the Opacity to 40%.

Step 13

Create a new layer in front of all layers. Fill it with white. Then go to Filter>Noise>Add Noise. Use 4% for the amount. After that, change the Blend Mode of the layer to Multiply.

Step 14

Place another image in front of the other layers but behind the Noise layer. You can find the image I used at http://www.sxc.hu/photo/982364. Then resize the image and change the Blend Mode to Multiply.

Conclusion

One of the best features in Photoshop is the Brush Engine. We can create lots of effects using it. In this tutorial we used it to create rectangular shapes similar to those seen in James White's work. You can even use rounded corners or different shapes. Play with the effect and have fun.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mix Cool Retro Curves Into Your Photographs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I'm a huge fan of James White's work. I love the way he plays with geometric elements and colors. It gives a retro feeling to the design, but at the same time he uses a modern approach. In an interview, he mentioned that he uses a Flash script to generate the vector shapes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This time we’ll create a simple vexel image from a picture. Also, we’ll use some pattern effects to give the image some interesting texture. This is a basic way to create a vexel image using...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Minimal Flat Vector Art | A Photoshop Tutorial By Nadz

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Smudge Painting | Digital Painting Effect (EASY TRICK) - Photoshop Tutorial

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Smudge Painting Photoshop Tutorial for Beginners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dream - Speed art (#Photoshop) | CreativeStation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Astronaut - Speed art (#Photoshop) | CreativeStation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Add Graphics to Complex Perspectives in Photoshop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2 Powerful Ways To SHARPEN Photos! Photoshop Tutorial

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Make Seamless Turing Pattern | Photoshop & Illustrator

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Make Turing (Reaction Diffusion) Patterns in Photoshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How League Of Legends Champions Are Illustrated | Modern Icons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Add Texture to your Designs in Photoshop