Icon Tutorial #2
Welcome to my second icon tutorial! This uses the method I use the most when doing my icons, relying on fill layers, blending modes, and a few adjustment layers. Let's begin!Alright, so first we need our base. I'll using this one, but you can use anything you'd like.
Now we'll start opening the floodgates, and we'll start by making a new layer and filling it with #0d4274. Set the blending mode to exclusion, and you'll get....
Yes, I admit that it looks hideous, but we'll fix that later. Now fill a new layer with ##2db36c and set it to Screen with 32% opacity (You can adjust the opacity as needed, I chose 32% because it didn't look overkill but it wasn't invisible either)
Still as hideous as ever. But wait! There's more! Fill another new layer with ##8c102e and Overlay it with 26% opacity. Again, you can change that depending on your image.
Your icon should tint a bit red like mine. Make a new Gradient map layer, and set the gradient to #808080 to #FFFFFF. Put the blend mode on Hard Light.
Yay, it's not as hideous anymore! Now make a duplicate of your base, drag it to the top, desaturate it, and set the blend mode to Hard Light. Duplicate that layer (the desaturated one) as many more times as you'd like (or don't duplicate at all!). I did it 2 more times.
We're almost done! Now make a new levels adjustment layer (this isn't necessary if you like the outcome; if you skip, you're done!) and tweak them so your icon looks better. Mine turned out to be 22, 1.34, 247. My outcome looks like this:
You're finally done! Now you can step back and admire your shiny new icon, and show it off to your friends.
Questions? Comments? You can do all that by contacting me!