[Mike]

Introduction
Well, since my thread is being pretty "popular" now I have decided to write a quick tutorial on how to do a basic chalk smudge signature. So let's get started.


Before we begin
Make sure you have Photoshop CS3 - CS6, it will work for any of these photoshop versions.



The Starting

Step 1:
So.. you've opened up Photoshop GREAT! Now let's get started.
The first thing you have to do is open up a new document by pressing Ctrl + N or simply going to File -> New.

Make a document like this, 500x150px As shown in the picture below




So now that you have a blank transparent box with the dimensions I listed great time to move onto step 2:




Step 2:
So, now is the time we want to find a render of a character or something you like (Preferably a game character as they are the best for this type of signature). There are many ways to find renders but the simplest way of finding one is simply "Googling" your character or even 'render' if you are unsure what you want.

For this example we will use a Link render that I have found HERE

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Step 3:

Once you have saved that image onto your computer, drag that into photoshop. You will notice that the Image is way to big for your document. Press Ctrl + T to put it into Free transform mode. While holding shift resize it to your liking on the document.

For this example I have resized the Link render like this:



Duplicate this layer multiple times by pressing Ctrl + J.
Make sure you hide all of the duplicated Layers by delesecting the eye




Step 4:

Create a new layer by clicking this button and drag that to the very bottom of your layer Pallete.

Before we start smudging we have to make the background which you will be smudging on.

Click and hold the paint bucket on the side till you can select "Gradient Tool" an make sure at the top of the screen your settings are like followed:

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Step 5:

So you are on you empty background layer with your Render already resized overtop of it. Now it's time to select the main focus on the color (It can change in the next few steps)

Clicking on the white box located at the bottom left ():
It opens up a color picker, now you can move your mouse over the render and select a color you would like (make sure it matches and is not some random color you pick.)

For this example we will use this:




Step 6:

Now that you have your you colors selected we use the gradient tool.

Go to the center of your Image on your background layer Click and drag the line to the bottom left of your Canvas and release as shown:



Now you should of ended up with a background similar to this:





The Smudging:
So you've accomplished the basic steps, now we get onto the so called "Tougher Stage"

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Step 1 of Smudging:
Locate the Smudge tool If you cannot find it, under the gradient tool, one box lower click and hold till you see it.





Step two:
We are going to focus on chalk brush technique.
For your basic setting, make sure this is what it looks like as shown below. Make sure that you select the 36 block like looking brush.



Now we get into the more difficult settings of the brush.
So first off we have to Toggle the Brush panel It is located beside where you select what type of brush you would like as shown in the the first picture in step two.

After you have done that make sure you have these settings:




Step three:

Now we get into the real smudging.
Go back to you layer with your render (The visible one) and start smudging in one Direction. I usually go on an angle from the left side to the right.

Smudge till you find a result you like, this is what I turned out with.

.

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Step four:

Now you unhide another Render Layer and select it. Now you softly start smudging the edges of it, and anywhere you feel it will be nice.

Mine turned out like this



Before you jump to conclusions I skipped a step, yes I know shocking right? But it is nothing big.

If you would like yours to look more sharpened like mine go to,
Filter - >> Sharpen and Click okay. Do this as many time to every layer that is visible as you like.


Now you should of turnd out with something that looks similar to this:






Step five:

We are going to be messing around with Gradient Maps now. To create a gradient map, look in your layer Pallete till you find

Click that and select Grandient Map, now we go back to the layer pallete and on look for where it says . Click on that and keep selecting modes untill you find one that looks reasonable, if you think it will look good try changing the opacity of it.

For our example I will be using: Subtract at 100% Opacity:


You can repeat this step 2-3 times depending on what you would like, don't be afraid of changing the gradient color.

For our example I will not be doing more then 1.

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Step six:
Add a new layer again, and make sure it is at the top. We are doing lighting. Go back to your color picker and make sure it is white.

Now go to your brush tool and make sure the settings at the top look like this:



Select the layer you created go to a place and make sure only part of the circle is on your Canvas and click one.
You should get a result similar to this:

That is your focal point and lighting for the signature.


Step 8:
Use the text tool with the font you would like and put it on the signature.





Step 9: Border (Optional)

If you would like a border follow these steps

On a new layer make using a rectangular tool

Do something like this then

Now when you press "V" Right click that box and fill it with black.

Duplicate the layer and drag it to the bottom...





10: You are done. Save the Image File >> Save >>
Make sure you save it as a PSD and PNG.



This should be your result (Without the grey bbackground)

[Spartan]

I love smudging great tut.

[Blur]

This is a very nice photoshop tutorial. I have one to post, but the maximum images per thread is ten and mine includes sixteen.

[Mike]

This is a very nice photoshop tutorial. I have one to post, but the maximum images per thread is ten and mine includes sixteen.

Take the first 10, post the thread. Thn reply with the rest and it'll merge.

[Blur]

That's a good idea! I'll do it tomorrow when I'm on my computer. Thanks for the idea!

[Sly]

Great thread. I've always been really bad at smudging, this should help me out though