Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn

Writer's Block: Reading corner

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:59:19 GMT

Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Explain why.

I prefer fiction. I get enough of reality as is. When I read a book, I read to escape that reality.

tutorial -20- the tainted

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:38:27 GMT

From to

x do not hotlink
x credit where necessary

For your referrence, this tutorial was made using PSP 8.

I found this really cool photo of Natalie, and I shrunk it down to 100x100. I noticed it became a bit blurry, so I sharpened the image twice (Adjust > Sharpness >Sharpen), then using the SMUDGE tool (Opacity 40, Hardness 40) I smoothed out the skin (and ONLY the skin).
> >

I took this gradient and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%.
>

I took this gradient and I set it to SCREEN 80%.
>

I took this texture, which is a variation of the original made by inxsomniax, and I set it to SCREEN 84%. As you can see now, some of the texture is covering her face. Using the Move Tool, I moved the topmost texture a bit to the left. Then using the ERASER tool (Opacity 11, Hardness 2), I erased some of the areas, so that the transition between the texture and the image looks smooth.
> > >

I took this texture, created by anon_chan, and I set it to SCREEN 100%.
>

I merged all the layers. I duplicated the base and I set the topmost layer to BURN 40%.

I added in some text.

I took this gradient and I set it to HUE (Legacy) 100%. Using the ERASER tool (Opacity 11, Hardness 2), I erased all the areas except those covering her face. And voila…
> >

tutorial -19- inspiration

Sun, 08 Oct 2006 22:56:43 GMT

From to

I found a nice picture of Christina Aguilera and I shrunk it down to 100x100

I created a new raster layer on top, filled it with #0B3751, and set it to LIGHTEN 100%.

I took this gradient, pasted it on top of all the other layers, and set it to OVERLAY 56%.
>

I took this texture, made by arisubox, and I set it to SATURATION (LEGACY) 100%. I duplicated the texture, but instead of leaving this second layer to Saturation (Legacy), I set it to LIGHTEN 100%.
> >

Using the Eraser tool (opacity 11, hardness 8), I very lightly erased some of the areas of the texture that covered the face.

Using the Selection tool (shape: rectangle) I selected a very narrow rectangular portion of her face. I copy merged this selection (Edit > Copy Merged), and I pasted it on top and moved it to the far right. I set this layer to DARKEN 70%.

I took this texture, which is a portion of a texture made by sir, and I set it to LIGHTEN 100%.
>

I added in some text.

tutorial -18- gilmore

Mon, 22 May 2006 22:05:51 GMT

From to

Remember guys, all of the tutorials featured on my LJ are made using PSP 8.

First off, I sharpened the image twice. Using the Smudge tool (hardness 40, opacity 40), I smoothed out the skin.
-> ->

I duplicated the base twice. I set the topmost layer to HARD LIGHT 28%, and the middle layer to SCREEN 58%.

I created a new raster layer (Layers > New Raster Layer), and using the Paint Brush Tool (colour #159FFF, opacity 71, hardness 31) I coloured in the eye. I set this layer to OVERLAY 38%.
->

I merged all the layers. Then I took this texture, made by domeofstars, and I set it to LIGHTEN 100%.
->

I then took this texture, made by dearest, and I set it to DARKEN 100%.
->

I merged the layers again. Using the Selection tool, I selected a rectangular portion of the face, and then I copy & pasted it as a new layer. I moved this new layer to the side, and then I desaturated it. (Adjust > Hue & Saturation > Hue/Saturation/Lightness > Saturation -100).
-> ->

I then noticed that this new layer still doesn’t pop out much, so I decided to give it a Drop Shadow effect. (Effects > 3-D Effects > Drop Shadow > Opacity 100, Blur 10.14)

I merged the layers once again. Then I took this texture, made using a portion of a texture created by dearest, and I set it to OVERLAY 100%. Using the Smudge tool (hardness 40, opacity 40), I smoothed out some of the areas of the texture that covered the face.
-> ->

I merged all the layers, and then I added some text.

Check out my Icon community _elite_icons_. New members are always welcome. I'm looking for one or two people to help me promote the community, as well as come up with new ideas to draw in more members and make the site active. If you're interested, please leave a message to this LJ tutorial and let me know. :)

tutorial -17- rosy

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 20:16:04 GMT

From to

Editted to add: remember, all my icon tutorials are made using Paint Shop Pro 8.

First off, I sharpened the image once. Using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40) I smoothed out her skin.
->

I duplicated the image twice. I set the topmost layer to HARD LIGHT 58%, and I set the middle layer to SCREEN 62%.

I created a new Raster Layer (Layers > New Raster Layer), and I filled it with #200809 (using the Flood Fill tool). I set this layer to Color (Legacy). Using the Eraser tool (opacity 9, hardness 4, size 115) I lightly erased some of the areas on the right of the image.
->

I took this gradient, and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 64%.
->

I took this texture, made by ohfreckle, and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Using the Erase tool, I erased some of the areas covering her face.
-> ->

I merged all the layers. I duplicated the image. I desaturated the top layer and I set it to HARD LIGHT 50%.

I took this texture, made by colorfilter, and I pasted it on top. Using the Selection tool (shape: rectangle) I cut out some of the left area (the area covering her face). Using the Preset Shape tool (shape: rectangle), I drew in two vertical white rectangles.
-> ->

I selected the base layer, and using the Selection tool (shape: rectangle) I selected a vertical portion of her face. I copied this selection and pasted it on top of all the other layers. I desaturated it, and it moved it to the very right of the icon. Once again, I went back to my base image, and I selected the eye (once again, using the rectangle Selection tool). I pasted this selection on top of all the other layers, and I set it to HARD LIGHT 100%.
->

I took this texture, made by domeofstars, and I set it to LIGHTEN 100%. I erased the small bit covering her forehead. I added in some tiny, tiny text… and voila!
-> -> ->

To anyone who's interested, I'm currently working on getting my own icon community out there. If you want to help me out, check this out... _elite_icons_.

tutorial -16- miss watson

Sun, 05 Feb 2006 19:29:13 GMT

From to

First off, I noticed that the image was somewhat blurry, so I sharpened it twice. Using the SMUDGE tool (opacity 40, hardness 40), I smoothed out the skin – as well as some jagged areas of her hair.
-> ->

I duplicated the image twice. I set the topmost layer to HARD LIGHT 50%, and the middle layer to SCREEN 50%. I merged all the layers.

I duplicated the base once. I gave the topmost layer a SEPIA TONING effect. (Effects > Artistic Effects > Sepia Toning> amount to age: 10), and then I set it to LIGHTEN 100%.
->

I took this texture (made by lookslikerain ->

I went to Edit > Copy Merged, and I pasted it as a new layer on top of every other layer. I moved the top layer over to the left, and using the SELECTION tool, I cut out some of the extra areas. Then I desturated it, and I set it to SCREEN 100%.

I took this texture (made by ewanism) and I set it to LIGTEN 100%.
->

I added in some tiny text… and voila!

For anyone who's interested, I've just started an icon community. I'm looking for new, dedicated members - as well as anyone who knows a little about communities... I need all the help I can get. _elite_icons_

tutorial -15- flawless alexis

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 20:38:42 GMT

From to

First off, like always, I noticed that the image was a bit blurry, so I sharpened the image twice. Using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40) I smoothed out the skin, and ONLY the skin. (I left the lips and the eyes alone).
-> ->

I duplicated the image once. I set the new layer to SCREEN 100%, and then I desaturated it. I merged all the layers.

I took this texture (made by colortone) and I set it to OVERLAY 60%. I merged all the layers.
->

I created a new Raster Layer (Layers > New Raster Layer), and I set it to MULTIPLY 60%. With the pain brush tool (opacity 65, hardness 54) I chose the colour #65160B (which is a deep red) and I painted over the lips. Using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40), I smoothed out the edge of the lips, so it doesn’t look so rigid. I created another new Raster Layer, and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Once again, with the PAINT BRUSH tool, and with the colour #1BACFF, I filled in the eyes.
->

I merged all the layers. I duplicated the base and I desaturated it. I moved it to the side. Once again, I created a new raster layer, set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%, and filled in the eyes of the black&white layer with #1BACFF.
->

I took this texture (made by _hakanaidreams). Using the SELECTION tool, (shape: rectangle), I cut out a vertical portion of the white area of the texture.
-> ->

I added some text…

tutorial -14- dear avril

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 21:25:56 GMT

From to

First off, I noticed that the image was a bit blurry, so I sharpened the image twice. Using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40) I smoothed out the skin, and ONLY the skin. (I left the lips and the eyes alone).
-> ->

I duplicated the image once. I set the new layer to SCREEN 100%, and then I desaturated it. I merged all the layers.
->

I took this texture (made by myself) and I set it to SCREEN 86%.
->

I took this texture (made by scarsonchest) and I set it to DARKEN 100%. Using the PUSH tool (hardness 10, opacity 100) I pushed away some of the rough areas of the texture that covered the face. I merged all the layers.
-> ->

I duplicated the image once. I set the new layer to SCREEN 62%, and then I desaturated it.

I added some text (made by aronia).
->

By the way, for anyone who's interested, I just started a graphics community, and I'm looking to get it started. If anyone's interested in becoming a member/maintainer of the community, then please join it (_elite_icons_. :)

tutorial -13- pink girl

Tue, 13 Dec 2005 21:33:38 GMT

From to

Please note that this tutorial works best when using Paint Shop Pro 8. Some of the steps might not be possible in photosphop or other creative programs.

x credit to _scarlet_icons in keywords if using
x if you have made an icon using this tutorial, please post it up, I'd really like to see it

Resources:
bases by final__desire
textures by ashke_icons and _hakanaidreams
text by firithel_icons

I started with two bases,
and

1. First of all, I sharpened the image twice, and using the SMUDGE tool (opacity 40, hardness 40), I smoothed out the skin.
-> ->

2. I took this gradient and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. I took the same gradient, flipped it once horizontally and once vertically, and set it to MULTIPLY 100%
->
->

3. I took this texture, made by ashke_icons, and I set it to HARD LIGHT 100%. Using the ERASER tool (opacity 7, hardness 6) I erased some of the parts covering the body.
-> ->

4. I took this texture, made by _hakanaidreams, and I set it to SCREEN 100%. Using the ERASER tool (opacity 100, hardness 67) I erased all the parts of the texture except the white column.
-> ->

5. I went to my second image of Emma, and using the SELECTION tool (shape: rectangle) I selected a narrow, vertical stripe of the icon. I copied this selection. I returned to my first image and I pasted the selection on top of all the other layers. If the pasted selection is too big, you can always use the SELECTION tool to cut off the excess. If it’s too small, go back to the other image and make another selection. I desaturated the stripe.
-> ->

7. I added some text. (this text was made by firithel_icons).
->

8. I merged all the layers. I duplicated the base. For the top layer, I went to Effects > Artistic Effects > Sepia Toning (amount to age: 10), and I set it to COLOR (Legacy) 100%.
->

tutorial -12- scrapbook

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 22:31:51 GMT

From to

First off, I sharpened the image twice. Using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40) I smoothed out certain areas of the face (as well as the edges of the hat). I duplicated the base twice. I desaturated the topmost layer and set it to HARD LIGHT 32%. I set the middle layer to SCREEN 34%. I merged all the layers.
-> -> ->

Using the PAINT BRUSH tool, color: white, I took out the background. It was a bit difficult because her hair blended in with her surroundings, so when I got to separating her hair, I lowered the opacity and the hardness of my brush. Afterwards, I duplicated the base once. I gave the topmost layer a motion blur (adjust > blur > motion blur), with a strength of 43 and an angle of 90 degrees. Then I set this layer to SOFT LIGHT 100%.
->

I merged all the layers.

I duplicated the base once. I gave the topmost layer a GAUSSIAN BLUR (adjust > blur > Gaussian blur) and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Using the SHARPEN tool (size 3, hardness 17, opacity, 15) I went over the corner of her left eye. I duplicated the base once again. I set the top layer to SOFT LIGHT 100% and I desaturated it. I merged all the layers.
-> ->

I took this gradient and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. I merged all the layers.
->

I took this texture, made by colortone, and I set it to HARD LIGHT 100%. Using the ERASER tool, I erased some of the areas covering her face.
-> ->

I took this box, made by ? (if someone knows who made this, please tell me), but then I noticed it was someone vague, so I duplicated it once. I went back to my base and I selected an area of the face using the SELECTION tool (shape: square). I copied this section and I pasted it on top of the box. I duplicated it once and I set the new layer to SOFT LIGHT 100%. I merged all the layers.
-> ->

Using the SHAPE tool, I drew in a black rectangle. I went to my base, and using the SELECTION tool, I selected a narrow, rectangular portion of the face. I copied this section and pasted it on top of the black rectangle, and then I desaturated it. I merged all the layers.
-> ->

Resources:
texture by colortone
base by final__desire

...off topic - random babble

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 03:38:15 GMT

I made this livejournal some time ago, and decided to dedicate it to only icon-related updates (hence the title 'scarlett icons' - Scarlett being my name). As readers of this message are well aware, I usually post my updates on several icon communities (mostly harry potter related) directing visitors back to this space, and I don't force in irrelevant little anecdotes for my own personal ranting exposure. Today, however, I decided to take one small break from icon updates. I won't be posting this mini update on any communities, and I am not looking for feedback on anything (but if you want to share your thoughts on my situation, you're very free to :)).

Basically, I wish to grow up.

I am currently majoring in Advertising at Centennial College near downtown Toronto. I am 21 years old and this is the second time I've started college. The first time didn't go too well (I hated the courses), so I took a little break, decided to work for a while to save up for my own tuition for future education, and then enrolled in Centennial for Fall of 2005. So far, it's going great. I'm receiving decent grades for all my courses, I've managed to not get on the bad side of any of the professors, and I have more friends than I can possibly count... but the one thing I wish would go away is insignificant drama.

At the beginning of the school year, two girls (we'll call them Mary and Sarah) and I became friends instantly. We would spend most of our time in the building together - and we'd also go shopping in downtown Toronto sometimes. Now, I had just met them, so I didn't want to get so close that I would fail to see their flaws... and boy did they have many. When you're friends with someone, the little things can sometimes be ignored. For instance, whenever we'd be walking down the hallways together, they would just leave me without bothering to inform me. Obviously, this isn't a big deal. It's rather miniature and I didn't think much on it. But it started to occur on a daily basis. We'd all be in the washroom, and they'd walk off without telling me... then when I finally managed to find them, they'd insist that it wasn't done on purpose. I figured, okay, that's just how they are, no big deal. Like I said, the first month of a new school can't possibly dictate to you the personality of every single student you interact with. I assumed that they were indeed nice people, despite their constant lack of communication. However, things began to take a different toll when they dared to accuse ME of leaving them without saying so. They would get upset with me for ditching them, or not including them in my washroom breaks. Hmmm...

Sometimes I can't help it. I treat people with the philosophy... "an eye for an eye"... Maybe that's a bit hypocritical, and even judgemental and insensitive, but it's a characteristic flaw that I've had to struggle with for some time. I told them that I assumed it was how they were - that they wouldn't care. This was the truth, and I really didn't think they'd mind at all. But they did.

That, however, wasn't really what drove me away from them. Another flaw I found while being friends with them was that they ENJOYED excluding people. Our classroom desks are comprised of long tables, fit to sit about 4-5 people - so we'd always sit beside each other. I was usually at one end - only because I don't like sitting in the middle. Now get this, whenever a conversation arose during class, the girl sitting in the middle would turn her back to me, completely, and chat it up with the other. I thought maybe it was just a bit of paranoia in me, so I decided to test it out. During one computer class, I sat in the middle... and guess what happened? They would bend over me and talk to each other.

Now, at this point I had concluded that they didn't want me around. I was perfectly all right with that. I hadn't known them for more than a month, and I was set to branch out and talk to other new people in the class. So, I told Mary that because of the way they treated me, I would seek friendship in other people... Mary (one of the girls, over MSN) kept insisting that they never ignored me on purpose, that I had to make an effort as well. What she failed to see was that if she really wasn't doing it on purpose, than she shouldn't have been doing it at all - because I had talked to her about it quite a few times before reaching this decision. No effort was made on their part. I tried to let it slide. I attempted to put aside the little things... But often, if the little things are ignored, they build up so high that in the end... it's all you see...

I also told Mary that I still consider both her and Sarah great girls, and that I would also consider them friends. I didn't want any drama, especially considering the fact that we were all in college. It was just a fallout - and maybe we weren't meant to be close. I told her it didn't matter because we didn't know each other well anyway, and that perhaps we'll all be better off this way, and that there really are no hard feelings - that I just feel this is what should be done. Apparently, she told Sarah about this, and both of the girls decided to ignore me for the next month.

Honestly, I don't have time for situations like this at this point in my life. Thankfully, the friends I made afterwards are a group of amazing people - who know what a friend really is. They're all so great and I am thankful for being given the chance to hang out with them. I guess I should thank Sarah and Mary...

If, however, you are in no mood to read about a certain situation that occured in the last couple of months at my college, then perhaps these MIGHT make up for it. (click the icons for a larger view of the image. The first is one of Jessica Alba. It was originally a black & white photograph of her. I gave it colour. The second is a request for a Harry Potter blend. You may take either one if you wish, however, please remember to abide by the rules of this livejournal.

And last, I will leave you with a word of advice - treat others how you want to be treated.

36 Emma Icons

Sat, 26 Nov 2005 23:36:37 GMT

x do not hotlink
x do not alterate
x credit if taking
x it's not necessary, but if you are taking any, could you leave a message?

Teaser:

3 or 4 of these are repeats, but I thought I should include them in this batch, since this is an Emma/Hermione theme.

01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28
29 30 31 32
33 34 35 36

Resources:
Tutorials

Tutorial -11- bella emma

Fri, 25 Nov 2005 21:14:01 GMT

From to

When I cropped my image to a square, and then resized it, I noticed that it became a bit blurry. So, I sharpened the image twice, and using the SMUDGE tool (opacity 40, hardness 40) I smoothed out the skin.
-> ->

I duplicated the image twice. I set the topmost layer to SCREEN 44%, and the middle layer to HARD LIGHT 46%.

I merged all the layers. Once again, I duplicated the image once. I desaturated the duplicated layer, and I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. I created a new Raster Layer with #F4E1B2 and I set it to DARKEN 100%.
->

I merged all the layers. I took this texture, made by jadedicons, and I set it to HARD LIGHT 100%.
->

I went back to my base image and I duplicated it once. I brought the duplicated layer on top, and using the DEFORM tool, I shrunk the image down a bit and I cropped the sides a bit – I made it fit inside the square area of the texture.

I noticed that the smaller image didn’t really pop, so I adjusted its contrast.
Adjust > Brightness and Contract > Automatic Contrast Enhancement (bias: neutral, strength: mild, appearance: bold)

Using the SHAPE tool, I drew in a black rectangular box on the right side of the image. I duplicated the base image, brought the duplicated layer on top of all the other layers, and then using the SELECTION tool, I cut out some of the areas of the layer until I was left with an image just a pixel smaller than the black rectangle I made earlier. I flipped the image horizontally. I duplicated the topmost layer and set it to SCREEN 100%.
-> ->

I created a new layer with #F5898B, and I set it to COLOR 28%.

I created another new layer with #0B163F, and I set it to EXCLUSION 100%. And finally, using the SHAPE tool, I drew in another black rectangle, covering just a bit of the right side of the image.
->

Tutorial -10- Fairytale Kiera

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 00:14:32 GMT

From to

As always, I started off with a regular image. I cropped it down to a square and then resize it to 100 x 100 pixels. I flattened the image and then sharpened it 3 times. Using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40), I smoothed out the skin, and ONLY the skin – as well as the background area. Then I duplicated the image and set the top layer to SCREEN 72%.
-> -> ->

Create a new layer with #F5E4BB and set it to DARKEN 100%.

Take this texture, made my dearest, and set it to HARD LIGHT 100%
->

Copy Merge the image now. (edit > copy merge). Then paste it as a new layer on top of all the other layers. Using the DEFORM tool, resize the topmost layer so it’s a smaller square. Place it in the bottom right-hand corner. Sharpen it once. Flip it horizontally.

Take this texture, also made by dearest, and set it to LIGHTEN 100%. Take this layer and move it below the layer with the smaller square. On this same texture layer, draw a black rectangle using the SHAPE tool. Add some text.
-> -> -> ->

Take this texture, made by ashke_icons, and set it to HARD LIGHT 100%. Using the SELECTION tool (shape: rectangle), select the areas covering the faces and cut them out.
-> ->

Tutorial -9- Sweet Jessica

Sun, 23 Oct 2005 23:44:35 GMT

From to

As always, I started off with a regular image. I cropped it down to a square and then resize it to 100 x 100 pixels. I flattened the image and then sharpened it 4 times. Using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40), I smoothed out the skin, and ONLY the skin. Then I duplicated the image and set the top layer to SCREEN 100% and then desaturated it to –100.
-> -> -> ->

I created a new raster layer. Using the PAINT BRUSH tool, I drew over her mouth with the colour #f5a3b8. I set the layer to OVERLAY 100%. I created another new raster layer with #0b193d and set it to EXCLUSION 60%.
-> ->

I took this gradient and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. I then noticed that her eyes were looking a bit strange. So I created a new raster layer, and using the PAINT BRUSH tool (size 1, opacity 24, hardness 10, color #5b1551) I lightly covered some white areas of her eyes.
-> ->

I took this texture, by julia_thorne13, and I set it to SCREEN 100%.
->

I took this texture, by incripacu, and I set it to OVERLAY 100%. Using the ERASER tool (hardness 6, opacity 5), I carefully erased some of the areas that cover her face and her hair.
-> ->

I took this texture, by lostluck_icons, and I set it to OVERLAY 100%. Once again, using the ERASER tool (hardness 6, opacity 5), I carefully erased some of the areas that cover her face and her hair.
-> ->

Using the SELECTION tool (shape: rectangle), I selected a rectangular portion of her face – I copy merged this selection. (Edit > Copy Merged). I pasted this selection as a new layer and I moved it to the left. I set this layer to LUMINACE (legacy) 34%. Using the ERASER tool, (hardness 6, opacity 5), I erased some of the areas that cover her face and her hair.
-> ->

I added some text.

After merging all the layers, I noticed that the final product was a bit ridged, so using the SMUDGE tool (hardness 40, opacity 40) I smoothed out her hair and her skin just a bit.

20 HP icons

Fri, 21 Oct 2005 21:48:55 GMT

Teaser:

x credit in keyworks to _scarlett_icons if using
x comment if taking
x do not hotlink
x do not manipulate
x enjoy!

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Tutorial -8- Beautiful Fleur

Sat, 15 Oct 2005 20:58:35 GMT

From to

I started off with a poster of Fleur Delacour. I selected a square portion of the poster using the Selection Tool (Selection Type: Square). As I shrunk it down to 100 x 100 pixels, I noticed that the face became somewhat out of focus, so when I got to 100 x 100, I sharpened the image four times. Then using the SMUDGE tool (opacity 40, hardness 40), I smoothed out the skin, and ONLY the skin. I merged all the layers together to avoid any confusion, then I duplicated the base layer and set the top layer to SCREEN 78%.
-> -> ->

I created a new layer with #0B1D3B and I set it to EXCLUSION 100%

I create another new layer. Using the PAINT BRUSH tool (white, hardness 38, opacity 100), I carefully went over the eyes and the lips. I set this new layer to OVERLAY 64%
->

I took this gradient and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%
->

I took this gradient and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Then using the ERASER tool, I carefully erased the areas covering the eyes, eyelashes, eyebrows and the lips.
-> ->

I took this texture (I believe dearest created it, but I’m not sure. If someone else did, please tell me so) and I set it to DARKEN 100%. Once again, I took the ERASER tool and erased all the areas that cover the face and the hat.
-> ->

Then I added some white text and set it to OVERLAY 64%, and voila!

Tutorial -7- Naomi, Naomi

Sun, 02 Oct 2005 19:43:51 GMT

From to

As always, pick an image, crop it to a square, and then resize it to 100 x 100 pixels. Sharpen the image twice, then using the SMUDGE tool (opacity 40, hardness 42) smooth out the skin (and ONLY the skin). Duplicate the base. Set the topmost layer to SCREEN 100% and desaturate it completely. Duplicate this top layer.
-> - > - > ->

Duplicate the topmost layer once and set it to HARD LIGHT 100%.

Using the SELECTION TOOL, select a rectangular portion of the image (vertical), then go to Edit > Copy Merged (ctrl+shift+C). Paste it as a layer.

Take this texture, created by ohfreckle, and set it to SCREEN 100%. Move this layer so that it’s the second from the top (right below the rectangular vertical image you pasted before). If you see that your top layer is too big to fit into the whiter areas of the texture, take the SELECTION TOOL again and cut off the sides so it fits. If it’s too small, make it larger using the DEFORM TOOL.
-> ->

Add some random text and you’re done. :)

12 POA & GOF Icons

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 16:58:52 GMT

Teaser:

01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12

Tutorial -6- Ron

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 16:47:39 GMT

How to go from to

As always, pick an image, crop it to a square, and then resize it to 100 x 100 pixels. Sharpen the image twice, then using the SMUDGE tool (opacity 40, hardness 42) smooth out the skin. Duplicate the base. Set the topmost layer to SCREEN 100% and desaturate it. Create a new layer with #0A2134 and set it to EXCLUSION 100%.
- > - > - >

Take this gradient and set it to OVERLAY 100%.
- >

Take this gradient and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%.
- >

Take this texture, made by and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Using the ERASER tool (opacity 9, hardness 6) erase some of the areas the cover the face.
- > - >

Take this texture, made by dearest and set it to MULTIPLY 100%.
- >

Take this texture, made by pocket_icons and set it to LIGHTEN 100%.
- >

Take this texture, also made by pocket_icons and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Using the ERASER tool, erase the parts that cover the face as well as the clothing and the hair.
- >

Take this texture, (I don’t know who it was made by, so if someone knows, please tell me) and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Using the ERASER tool, erase some of the parts that cover his face as well as the clothing and the hair.
- >

Merge all the layers. Duplicate the base and set the topmost layer to OVERLAY 100%.

Add some text. I took this from iconisms. Create a new layer with #F6E2BC and set it to DARKEN 100%. And voila!
- > - >

Tutorial -5- Cho Chang

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 19:16:56 GMT

How to go from to

1. As always, pick an image that you like, crop it, and then resize it to 100x100. Duplicate the base twice. Sharpen the image twice. Using the SMUDGE tool (opacity 44, hardness 54) smooth out the skin (and ONLY the skin). Desaturate the image to –44 (adjust > hue and saturation > saturation)
-> ->

2. Take this gradient and set it to HARD LIGHT 100%. Duplicate the base layer, bring it on top, and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%.
-> ->

3. Take this texture, made by bombay, and set it to SCREEN 100%. Using the ERASER tool (opacity 9, hardness 2) erase some of the areas that are on the face.
->

4. Take this texture, made by ohfreckle, colorize it to give it a reddish tint, set it to LIGHTEN 100%. Using the ERASER tool (opacity 9, hardness 2) erase some of the areas that are on the face, clothes, and hair. And voila, you’re finished. J
-> -> ->

Tutorial -4- Hermione

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 02:45:49 GMT

How to go from to

1. As always, pick an image that you like, crop it, and then resize it to 100x100. Duplicate the base twice. Set the both of the two new layers to SCREEN 100%. Merge all layers.
->

2. Sharpen the image twice. Using the Smudge tool, (opacity 40, hardness 50) go along only the skin, giving it a smooth appearance. Desaturate the image to –70. Duplicate the image twice. Set the topmost layer to SCREEN 100% and the middle layer to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Merge all layers.
->

3. Take this gradient and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%.
->

4. Merge all layers. Duplicate the base layer. Blur the top layer using Gaussian Blur (Radius 2.00), and set it to HARD LIGHT 100%. Using the Eraser tool, (opacity 7, hardness 4) erase some of the areas on the face, so it’s more distinguishable.

5. Take this gradient and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%,
->

6. Take this texture, which can be found at icon_topia, and set it to LIGHTEN 100%.
->

7. Merge all the layers. Using the Selection tool, select a small square area, preferably of an eye. Go to Edit > Copy Merged (ctrl+shift+c), and then hit ctrl+L. Make sure the layer with the new eye is placed directly over its match. Take this texture, made by _joni, and place right below the topmost layer, so the image of the eye is over it.
-> ->

8. Create a new layer with #F6EAD2, and set it to SATURATION 100%. Take the layer and move it directly above the base layer.

9. Take this texture, made by inxsomniax, and set it to SCREEN 100%. Using the Selection tool, cut out some of the areas covering the face, as well as some other random parts. Move this layer and place it just under the layer with the box texture.
->

10. Add some text. I used this text made by desiderio.
->

Tutorial -3- Amore

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 01:30:16 GMT

How to go from to

1. As always, pick an image that you like, crop it, and then resize it to 100x100. Sharpen the image twice. Using the Smudge tool (hardness 44%, opacity 36%) smooth out any skin. Desaturate to –60. (adjust > hue and saturation > saturation). Duplicate the base layer, and set the top layer to SOFT LIGHT 64%.
-> ->

2. Take this texture, made by nine_am, and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%.
->

3. Take this gradient and set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%.
->

4. Take this texture, made by regen, and set it to LIGHTEN 90%
->

5. Add some text. I took my text from desiderio. Voila!
-> <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/TheSapphire/Avatars/EIGHT.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Tutorial -2- Starry Night

Fri, 19 Aug 2005 01:07:50 GMT

This tutorial works best with Paint Shop Pro 8.

How to go from to

1. First I decided which part of the image to use for the icon. I cropped it down to a square, and then resized it to 100x100. Then I duplicated the base layer. I desaturated the new layer to -100.
->

2. Using the Smudge tool (Brush Size 9pts, Opacity 61%, Hardness 54%), I smudged out all the gray areas of the image, using only vertical strokes of the brush.

3. I duplicated this layer 4 times, and set the tabs to look like this...

4. Then I went back to my base layer, duplicated it, and moved it on top of all the other layers. Then I set it to SOFT LIGHT 100%.

5. I hid the base layer from view (just X out the visibility toggle, and I merged together all the other layers.

6. I created a new gradient using #F26C4F and #070303 (one colour at each end, so it's an even transition). I set the opacity to 100% and the angle to 156. I set this gradient as a new raster layer to LIGHTEN 100%. I duplicated this layer once.

7. Then I took this texture, by bombayicons, and set it to SCREEN 42%. I desaturated it to –100, and then I erased some of the stars in the lower left-hand area.

8. I created a new raster layer with this gradient, and set it to OVERLAY 42%.

9. We’re almost done. Now just create a simple, thick white border, and then afterwards add some text. Merge all the layers.

10. Duplicate the base layer once and set the duplicated layer to SOFT LIGHT 100%. Then create a new raster layer, fill it with #F3EEDD, and set it to DARKEN 100%. Merge all the layers again, and you’re done.

Tutorial -1- Watercolours

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 22:04:08 GMT

How to go from to

1. First things first. Find an image you like, select an interesting area of the image, crop it down to a square, and then resize it 100x100. Sharpen the icon twice, and then using the SMUDGE tool (Hardness 54, Opacity 61%), smooth out the skin, as well as the clothes. Desaturate the image to about –50.
---> --->

2. Duplicate the image once. Blur the new layer using Gaussian Blur, with a radius set to about 1.90. Set this layer to DARKEN 100%. Merge the two layers, and then sharpen the image once.
--->

3. Create a new raster layer with the colour #E8B722 (it’s a nice golden colour. you can choose a different colour if you wish, but keep it rich). Set this layer to OVERLAY 100%.

4. Then I took this texture, by inxsomniax, and I set it to HARD LIGHT 100%. I used the eraser tool (Opacity 7, Hardness 2) to erase the areas covering his face and parts of his hair.
--->

5. I grabbed this texture, which I took from nardasarmy, and I set it to BURN 100%. Then I put in some random text.
---> --->

6. I took this texture (I can’t remember who created it. If someone knows, please tell me, so I can credit them), and I changed it to Negative Image. I flipped it and placed it between the text and set it to SCREEN 100%… and voila.
--->