Icon Tutorial

So today, I'll be teaching you how to make an icon relying on levels with a few adjustment and fill layers thrown in. These types of icons are quick, easy and simple and you can whip up entire batches using this method in almost no time at all. If you'd like to try this tutorial, make sure you know what the heck you're doing with Photoshop first. It'll be loads easier if you're familiar with Photoshop's controls. For this icon, I'm using Photoshop Elements 8 but this should work with virtually all versions.
Okay, so let's get this party started! Take the icon you're using and duplicate it so there are two different layers. Set the top layer as your working layer and play around with the blend modes until you get something satisfactory. I've found that Overlay and Color Burn work exteremely well, and if you want something really dramatic try Linear Burn. However, this all depends on the image you're using.

If you'd like to see the improvement, click the eye icon on the layer palette to toggle the visibility of the top layer.
Now we're really going to get serious! It's time to bring in Levels! Go to Layer < New Adjustment Layerand from the flyout menu click Levels. Play around with the sliders until you get something that you like.

For something like this, I just messed with the sliders and slid the black/grey ones towards the far right. I also slid the white slider barely towards the left. If you'd like numerical settings, here's what I used (the first one is black, the last one is white): 63, 0.79, 246
Now, create a new Gradient Map layer and put it above the Levels layer. Choose a gradient that goes well with your image, and don't forget that you don't always have to use the presets! I used a Noise gradient with random hues of blues and purples I downloaded.

If you'd like, you can add a Color Fill adjustment and pick a hue that suits your image. Try playing with the blend modes—some of them could produce effects you never would expect! I used #600d97 with Soft Light.

You're finished! Of course, you can add brushes, textures/c4d's and the like. It's all up to that crazy mind of yours! I added a little scripting; I like my icons simple but that's just based on my personal prefrence.

Questions or Comments? Drop me a line at silver@dolloff.net.