Getting Started
Open a new PS document with canvas size 1920 x 1080px.
Start by adding a Solid Color adjustment layer … set it to any light color for now. Delete the Background layer.
Photos
First Photo
Paste in the first photo. Rename the layer.
Make sure your colors are set to default and switch so white is the foreground.
Add a layer mask.
Select the Brush tool and go to the Brushes panel on the top/right… go into the Blob Shapes folder. Choose a brush. Then hover over the photo:
- adjust the size of the brush using the square brackets [ and ]
- adjust the angle of the brush using left and right arrows
Fill the mask with black using CTRL+BACKSPACE. Then click on the photo. If you don’t like where it’s placed, CTRL+Z and try again.
More Photos
For each photo:
- Rename the photo layer.
- Add a layer mask
- Choose a Brush, resize/rotate it (keep the mouse/brush in place where you want)
- Fill the mask with black (CTRL+BACKSPACE)
- Click on the photo to show the blob shape of the photo.
- CTRL+T to move/reposition pictures so they’re overlapping and filling the canvas
Drop Shadow
Select all the photo layers (SHIFT-click) and group them (CTRL+G). Rename the folder to “photos”.
Add layer style Drop Shadow.
Blob Shapes
Add a new layer. Move it below the folder.
CTRL+G to put the layer into a group. Rename the folder “blobs”.
Select the Brush tool. Choose any color.
Choose any blob shape… resize/rotate it and click to add it near the edge of a photo – using brackets [ and ] and arrows.
Add 5-6 more blobs, each in it’s own new layer.
Select the folder and add the Drop Shadow style to it.
Then collapse the folder.
Finishing Touches
Art Deco Brush
Select the bottom Color Fill layer, then add a new layer, rename it “art deco”.
Select the Brush tool and reset/switch colors to white/black.
Choose one of the Art Deco brushes. Click on the canvas. If you don’t like it, CTRL+Z and try another one.
When you’re happy with your choice, Reset the Brush tool.
Pattern
Select the photos folder and add an adjustment layer …
Select Pattern … use the drop-down menu to choose the first one in the Canvas section.
Change the layer blend mode to Multiply.
Desktop Background
Make sure your file is saved, then go to File > Save a Copy …
Change the file type to JPEG.
Go to your COMP 8 > Photoshop folder and right-click on the image … Set as Desktop Background. Keep your PS document open and get it checked.
