Sketch with Blend IF

A sketch can be made easily in Photoshop. If you look at the list of tutorials on the left side of my blog, you will be sure to find it. It is, as I said, easily achieved.But  have you heard of Blend If? I have posted at least one tutorial with Blend If. We will be using Blend If, a couple of layers and a Layer Mask. You need not be an expert to be able to do this. This can also be done in any version of Photoshop. It works with all images and you will be surprised at the effects you can achieve in just a few steps.

This is the Sketch with Blend If which I will show can be done.

Step 1 : I have opened this free stock image. You will find it here
It belongs to xn3ctz

Step 2 : Click the New Layer icon. A new Layer 1 forms.

Step 3 : The Foreground/Background colors are set to the default Black/White.

Step 4 : Press CTRL+BACKSPACE. Layer 1 fills with the Background Color White.

Layer1  is filled with White.

Step 5 : Double click Layer 1 where the hand points.

Step 6 : The Layer Styles dialogue box opens. we are not going to change any of the settings. We are only interested in Blend If at the bottom.

Step 7 : I have moved the Blend If Underlying Layer left slider just a trifle.

This is how the image begins to look.

Step 8 : I have dragged the slider a bit more keeping an eye on the image.

The image looks like this.

Step 9 : Click on the Layer Mask button. A Layer Mask forms next to the layer thumbnail on Layer 1.

Step 10 : The Foreground/Background colors are set to the default Black/White.

Step 11 : Click to open the Presets in the Gradient Editor. I have clicked on Foreground to Background.

Step 12 : Press SHIFT and drag straight up with the Gradient Tool. But not quite to the top.

The image looks like this.

I have pressed CTRL+Z to undo the effect. I have dragged from top to a little above midway for another effect.

And here is the effect.

I have dragged diagonally for another effect.

And here is the effect.

Drawing diagonally from the other way

Produces this result. So you can see how the effect can be given in different ways. I think I'm satisfied with this. That's all.
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3D Text with Styles and Glass Texture

If you are using Photoshop 7 or an early version of Photoshop CS you can still make 3D Text. All that you need for this tutorial will be found in your version of Photoshop. And, those having CS5 and CS5 Extended with its 3D features can also do this. All that you need extra is a Glass Texture.

This is the 3D Text I will make.

This is the glass texture. You will find it here

It belongs to EverythingIsInStock

Step 1 : Open a new White Document and click the Horizontal Type Tool.

 Step 2 : Select a Font and set the Size at the top.

Step 3 : I have typed out my Text.

Step 4 : Click the Tick Mark in the top panel.

Step 5 : Click on Styles. These are the default Styles in Photoshop.

Step 6 : Click on the small black arrow at the top right and you can find more Styles tucked away in Photoshop. I will be using the default Styles.

Step 7 : I have clicked on Chrome Satin.

The image looks like this.

The Layers palette looks like this.

Step 7 : Press CTRL+J. The Text ;layer duplicates.

Step 8 : Click on the bottom Text layer.

Step 9 : Drag the Effects to the Trash Can.

Step 10 : I am now clicking on the Nebula Style.

Step 11 : Click off the eye icon to be able to see the application of the new Style.

This is how the underlying Text looks like after the application of the Style. Click back the eye icon of the top Text layer.

Step 12 : Press CTRL+T. A selection forms.

Step 13 : Press SHIFT and drag sideways till the underlying Text layer is visible and you have a 3D effect.
Press ENTER.

Step 14 : Press SHIFT and click on the top Text layer. Both the Text layers are highlighted.

Step 15 : Press CTRL+E to merge both the layers.

Step 16 : Click on the Background layer.

Step 17 : Click the New layer icon, A new Layer 1 forms over the Background layer.

Step 18 : The Foreground Color should be set to Black.

Step 19 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill Layer 1 with Black.

Step 20 : Click on the Text Layer. Press CTRL+J. The Text layer duplicates.

Step 21 : Click on the bottom Text Layer.

Step 22 : Press CTRL+T. A selection forms.

Step 23 : Right click inside the selection and click on Flip Vertical from the menu.

Step 24 : Drag the flipped Text down for making a reflection. Use the Down and Up arrow keys to align the flipped Text with the one above. Press ENTER.

Step 25 : Click the Rectangular Marquee Tool.

Step 26 : Draw out a selection around the flipped Text.

Step 27 : Click the Layer Mask button. A Layer Mask forms on the bottom Text layer.

Step 28 : Click the Gradient Tool.

Step 29 : Click in the top panel to reveal the Gradient Presets. Click on the first one.

Step 30 : Click the Linear Gradient icon. It is selected by default.

Step 31 : Press SHIFT and you will be able to drag up straight up with the Gradient Tool. Do not drag to the top.

The Text looks like this.

Step 32 : Click on Layer 1.

Step 33 : Open the Glass Texture. Press CTRL+A (Select All), then CTRL+C (Copy).

Step 34 : Go to the other document and press CTRL+V (Paste).

The Glass Texture has been pasted above Layer 1 which is filled with Black.

Step 35 : Zoom out. Press CTRL+T. A selection forms. Clearly the Texture is much larger than the image.

Step 36 : Press SHIFT+ALT and drag the corner handles to resize the Texture proportionately. Press ENTER.

Step 37 : Change the Blend Mode to Screen.

Step 38 : Lower the Fill to 70%.

The image looks like this.

Step 39 : CTRL+CLICK the New Layer icon. A new Layer 3 forms under Layer 2.

Step 40 : Click the Gradient Tool. Click on the Chrome Gradient from the Presets.

Step 41 : Drag diagonally from top to bottom with the Gradient Tool.

The image looks like this.

Step 42 : Decrease the Opacity of Layer 3 to 40%.

The image looks like this.

Step 43 : Click on the top Text layer.

Step 44 : Click on the Type Tool.

Step 45 : Click in the top panel to change the Text color.

Step 46 : In the Select text color type in ffffff. It stands for White. Click OK.

The Text Color has changed to White.

Step 47 : I have selected a different Font and typed in my Text.

Step 48 : Press v for the Move Tool and move the Text to the right. That's all.
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