Neat Smudge Effect
Ok, I did my best to help explain the method I used and kept it as simple as I could. I’m sure though after you run the first mouse movement you’ll be thinking “ah yes, I see”
Step 1: Preparing your Document
Create a new layer @ 1024x768. (Change the background to a layer)
Fill in layer black.
Now for this to work you need to slow your mouse right down to a crawl. If it’s too fast it won’t work to well at all.
Step 2: Creating the basis
On the first layer that’s black go to: Filter > Render > Lens Flare and apply the filter with these settings:
Lens type - 50-300mm Zoom.
Brightness 60%
Step 3: Beginning the Smudge
Use the smudge tool now.
Brush type Hard Mechanical 12 pixels.
Strength 85%
Mode Normal
Master Diameter 70px
Hardness 100%
Take your time with this part. Starting from just off centre of the lens flare effect slowly move the mouse back and force in a zigzag motion while at the same time slowly dragging it out wards. You will see instantly the effect and how it was done .
Keep doing this until it tapers out keeping it as straight as you can but not overly so thus to avoid the effect looking mechanical.
Step 4: Radial Repeat
Repeat this technique until you have about 8 arms in all directions. Once you have your 8 arms.
Select the pen tool and draw a rough circle ( you don’t want anything too perfect ) in the centre of the piece and then draw a few lines going up each arm about 1/3rd the way up.
Pen tool Size.
Diameter about 18%
Hardness 100%
Opacity 100%
Type Hard mechanical.
Step 5: Repeat the Lens Flare
When you have drawn you black circle and lines (don’t smudge yet ) Use the lens flare effect again but this time select the 105 prime FX. Brightness 60%.
Now select the smudge tool and repeat the zigzag method again.
When done, add once more the lens Flare prime using zigzag method to enhance the lighting.
Step 6: Playing with Color
Ok, you now want to Select the Image/adjustments Color Balance and adjust the 3 sliders to create the desired effect, or the colors you think look the best.
Then use the Brightness/contrast sliders to give it a nice hit. Not too much but just enough to really enhance things.
Once done, create a new layer and repeat the methods over again. Note you will have to start with the pen tool and draw a circle and lines as the Lens Flare can’t be used on an empty layer.
Because you guys are a creative bunch I’m sure you have worked out by now that you can mix and match the methods to get different effects and also adjusting the tools size and so on to get some funky looking smudges. Bare in mind I’ve only done this work in a circular motion so using the same method you could do anything but using the Trade marked Zigzag smudge method.
Just kidding, its not trade marked but I do hope to see some mind blowing smudges.
Have fun.
If you find its not working out to good, slow the mouse right down and adjust the sensitivity so it almost at zero.
Here is another one I created with the same effect:
Step 1: Preparing your Document
Create a new layer @ 1024x768. (Change the background to a layer)
Fill in layer black.
Now for this to work you need to slow your mouse right down to a crawl. If it’s too fast it won’t work to well at all.
Step 2: Creating the basis
On the first layer that’s black go to: Filter > Render > Lens Flare and apply the filter with these settings:
Lens type - 50-300mm Zoom.
Brightness 60%
Step 3: Beginning the Smudge
Use the smudge tool now.
Brush type Hard Mechanical 12 pixels.
Strength 85%
Mode Normal
Master Diameter 70px
Hardness 100%
Take your time with this part. Starting from just off centre of the lens flare effect slowly move the mouse back and force in a zigzag motion while at the same time slowly dragging it out wards. You will see instantly the effect and how it was done .
Keep doing this until it tapers out keeping it as straight as you can but not overly so thus to avoid the effect looking mechanical.
Step 4: Radial Repeat
Repeat this technique until you have about 8 arms in all directions. Once you have your 8 arms.
Select the pen tool and draw a rough circle ( you don’t want anything too perfect ) in the centre of the piece and then draw a few lines going up each arm about 1/3rd the way up.
Pen tool Size.
Diameter about 18%
Hardness 100%
Opacity 100%
Type Hard mechanical.
Step 5: Repeat the Lens Flare
When you have drawn you black circle and lines (don’t smudge yet ) Use the lens flare effect again but this time select the 105 prime FX. Brightness 60%.
Now select the smudge tool and repeat the zigzag method again.
When done, add once more the lens Flare prime using zigzag method to enhance the lighting.
Step 6: Playing with Color
Ok, you now want to Select the Image/adjustments Color Balance and adjust the 3 sliders to create the desired effect, or the colors you think look the best.
Then use the Brightness/contrast sliders to give it a nice hit. Not too much but just enough to really enhance things.
Once done, create a new layer and repeat the methods over again. Note you will have to start with the pen tool and draw a circle and lines as the Lens Flare can’t be used on an empty layer.
Because you guys are a creative bunch I’m sure you have worked out by now that you can mix and match the methods to get different effects and also adjusting the tools size and so on to get some funky looking smudges. Bare in mind I’ve only done this work in a circular motion so using the same method you could do anything but using the Trade marked Zigzag smudge method.
Just kidding, its not trade marked but I do hope to see some mind blowing smudges.
Have fun.
If you find its not working out to good, slow the mouse right down and adjust the sensitivity so it almost at zero.
Here is another one I created with the same effect:
