HOW TO CREATE TEXTURES - with only using your Photoshop tools.

You have to remember, that there are 'unlimited' steps in creating textures. You can stop after a few steps, or you can always go on until whatever or whenever you feel satisfied with the result effects of the texture. In this tutorial, I'm only explaining how roughly and basically to create a nice, cool texture on your own, only using the default tools in Photoshop. PSP users can also try this, of course.

1. Create a new file with a white background. Pick your base colors for both Foreground/Background. Mostly I would start with earthy colors.

2. FILTER >> RENDER >> DIFFERENCE CLOUDS (repeat this step +/- 4 times) | view image

3. DUPLICATE that layer and change the layer mode to OVERLAY and apply FILTER >> BRUSH STROKES >> ACCENTED EDGES then SHARPEN it | view image

4. Go back to your first layer, and apply BLUR >> MOTION BLUR to add movement, then DESATURATE it.

5. Still with your first layer, go to IMAGE >> ADJUSTMENTS >> INVERT | view image

6. Add a new layer after your top layer. Pick a large, soft round brush (default) with a low flow (35%) brush around your new layer with your own desired colors. I usually just use the same colors as the previous ones.

7. Add FILTER >> ADD NOISE with any settings you like.

8. You can sharpen it if you want to add roughness. Or lower the opacity of the layer if you like it just 'faintly'. Don't forget to play with the layer modes. I used VIVID LIGHT with (77%) opacity here | view image

9. DUPLICATE your noise layer and apply FILTER >> SKETCH >> RETICULATION (Density=2 Forground level=40 Background level=5). Then apply FILTER >> STYLIZE >> WIND (default settings) Change the layer mode to anything you prefer. Always check how it looks using the different modes. But in thsi one I used VIVID LIGHT (100%) | view image

10. As you can see already, you have a texture that you can definitely save and use. It has a nice looking effect that you can add to your artwork. But you never stop playing when it comes to creating textures. I will end up with 10+ layers just to create ONE texture.

11. With that last top layer, try INVERTING the layer by going to IMAGE >> ADJUSTMENTS >> INVERT this will give you a nice different effect altogether | view image

12. Now you can add the more realistic touches to your texture, such as brush strokes, scratches, splatters, burnt spots, etc.

13. Pick a small, soft round brush, or any default brush you like to use. then create a new layer. With a color of light beige, or darker brown/grey, you scribble around the blank layer. Then apply FILTER >> DISTORT >> RIPPLE (repeat FILTER step) then you can SHARPEN it twice, depends on how 'sharp/edgy' you like the ripple effect.

14. Change the layer modes to SOFT LIGHT | view image

15. If it doesn't look right to you, then again, try INVERT that layer then change the mode to COLOR BURN in LOW opacity (30%) | view image

16. Now use the LINE TOOL or brushes to create black/white lines in there.. Change the modes to either OVERLAY or SOFTLIGHT | view image

17. Then I would go back to the base texture which here was layer 2. I COPY/PASTE it on to a new layer. Move the layer around, it shouldn't be right on top of the original layer 2. In this one, I put it on top of the rippled layer with mode OVERLAY. | view image

18. Now as you can see.. you have a lovely texture to use. My advice to you, whenever you see a nice different effect, SAVE it as a texture. This way, you can always go back to it and play with it again to create something different all over again, or just leave it as is.

19. The next steps are basically playing with colors. I would go to IMAGE >> ADJUSTMENTS >> HUE/SATURATION setting and play with the settings there on one of the textured layer. Change it around and find the colors that you like.

20. Use the BURN tool to create burnt/darker spots or use the DODGE tool to highlight some spots.

21. Use your shape tools to add shapes all over your texture, and remember to play with layer modes and opacity. You can even Duplicate a layer and ROTATE/SKEW/DISTORT it and you'll get a nice different effect again.. Change the colors and modes again, etc.

I hope these basic steps would give you more ideas to create your own textures. It's not hard to do if you know how your tools/filters work. Always remember, that there are no FIXED ways to create effects. Photoshop is HUGE. You just have to PLAY and EXPERIMENT to get the cool stuff. It takes time, though. Please don't ever get frustrated with your work, because everything will always start 'ugly and plain' but the more you play and experiment with it, you'll be amazed with what you'd get. ;-) HAVE FUN!!!