http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Tutorials:
Dreamy effect [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1843747#post1843747)]
Picture inside text [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1845255#post1845255)]
Scanlines [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1845768#post1845768)]
Motion blur [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1845852#post1845852)]
How to make your own brushes [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1845940#post1845940)]
Icon outline/rush [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1846679#post1846679)]
Blending [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1868274#post1868274)]
NEW! Advanced coloring #1 [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2023215#post2023215)]
NEW! Advanced coloring #2 [click here (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2024140#post2024140)]



More coming soon.

nice :D :D :D :D :D

Cool! I could use this if I ever get Photoshop. Thanks Cakee!

These are awwesome =]
I loove the pictures you used for the Motion Blur one, Joe Jonas is amazing.
<33

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Dreamy effect

Ever wanted to create your own dreamy picture? Where the skin of a person glows oh-so pretty? Create yours in just five steps!

Step one.
Start off by preparing the picture you want to use. I will be using this picture (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/noai352.png).

Step two.
Press CTRL+J to duplicate the layer.
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/noai1.png

Step three.
On the duplicated layer, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Set your radius to 3 pixels.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/noai2.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/noai3798.png)
^ click ^

Step four.
On the blurred layer, go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options. Change the Blend Mode to ‘Overlay’.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/noai4.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/noai5316.png).
^ click ^

Step five.
Add anything you want and you’re done!

Result:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/noai5316.png => http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/noai6359.png

I'm going to get Photoshop Elements very soon for a student set price (much cheaper than it normally is), and I will most definately use your tutorials.(:

What about a tutorial on animated signatures and stuff like icons? With the words scrolling.. like that stuff.
I am going to re-install Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended if you have any tutorials on those animated things?

Wow thanks, I was thinking about maybe buying photoshop (if my parents let me) and wasn't sure if it was worth it but now I really want to buy it ;)

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Picture inside text

You know those awesome text effects where there’s a picture inside of the text? I always thought you had to use the Erase Tool. Well, luckily you don’t. So, forget about the Erase Tool and follow these steps to create your own ‘picture in text’!

Step one.
Start off by typing the text that you want to use. This is the text that I am going to use.
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/pic1.png

Remember, you should type it, I don’t know if it will work with some random picture. Let’s just keep it simple and type the text.

Step two.
Copy the picture of what you want inside the text. It can be any picture, but they should always be G-rated.
I will use this picture;
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/pic2.png

Step three.
Paste the picture. It should be on top of the text (Layer 1).
Your layers should now look like this;
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/pic3.png

Step four.
Press CTRL+G (if you have Adobe Photoshop CS, press Alt+CTRL+G) while you’re on the picture.
You now see an arrow pointing down at the first layer.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/pic5.png

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/pic4.png

Step five.
To make it look a bit nicer, we will now add a stroke.
Click on your text and go to Layer > Layer Style > Stroke. The structure of the stroke is 3 pixels and is red. I’m going to change it to 1 pixel and to the color black.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/pic6.png

This is your result!
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/pic7.png

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Scanlines

Sometimes people like to use patterns for their pictures. Some of them can look very cool. This is a tutorial on how to make scanlines.
Scanlines are the horizontal lines that you often see in edited pictures.

Step one.
Make a new file. I used 4 pixels for the width and 4 pixels for the height, so my file is 4 by 4 pixels. Holy moly that’s tiny! Full zoom it by clicking on the Magnify Glass Tool and on the top bar, it should say ‘Fit Screen’. Click on that.

Step two.
Click on the Magic Eraser Tool and then on the background/working area to make it transparent.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/s3.png http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/s4.png

Step three.
Use the Rectangular Marquee Tool to select half of the working area. Then fill it by using the Paint Bucket Tool.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/s5.png

Step four.
Go to Edit > Define Pattern.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/s6.png

Step five.
Name the pattern anything you want. I am going to call it Scanline.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/s7.png

Step six.
You just made a pattern. Open any picture to test it out.
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/s8.png

After that, go to Layers > Layer Style > Pattern Overlay.
Choose your pattern and change the opacity if it’s on 100%. I changed mine to 20%.
And you’re done!

http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/s9.png

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Motion blur.

Are you the center of attention? Doesn’t matter if you aren’t, now you can make yourself the center of attention. Just follow these steps and you’ll do fine.

Step one.
Open a picture. I am going to use this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/m1330.png) picture of Joseph Jonas.

Step two.
Press CTRL+J to duplicate the layer.
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/m3.png

Step three.
On the duplicated layer, go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur.
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/m5.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/m4250.png)
^ click ^

Step four.
Click on the Rectangular Marquee Tool on the toolbar and then select Elliptical Tool.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/m6.png

Step five.
Once you’ve click on the tool, you will see a window would show up on top. Then type in 20 px for the Feather. This is going to reduce the sharpened look.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/m7.png

Step six.
Use the Elliptical Tool to select the object or the center of your image.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/m9.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/m8209.png)
^ click ^

Step seven.
Press DELETE on the keyboard.
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/m11.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/m10571.png)
^ click ^

Result:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/m1330.png => http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/m10571.png

And you’re done! But, that wasn’t a good example. I made one again and this is how it turned out:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/m14652.png => http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/m12.png

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
How to make your own brushes.

Here you can read how to make your own brushes. These are extremely easy to make.

Step one.
Prepare the object, image or text that you want to be a brush. I am going to make this into a brush:
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/b1.png

But, it’s better to make it black and white/greyscale, then you can use all kinds of colors later. To make something black and white/greyscale, go to Image > Mode > Greyscale. So, this is my new image:
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/b2.png

Step two.
Select the object by using the Rectangular Marquee Tool.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/b3.png

Step three.
Go to Edit > Define Brush Preset.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/b4.png

Step four.
Name your brush and click OK.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/b5.png

Step five.
Select your brush and test it out.
http://xs321.******/xs321/07485/b6.png

Step six.
Save your brush as a .abr file and you’re done!

http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/b7698.png

Awesome job! :) 5 Star work there, simple and easy. I haven't tried it out yet, because I have Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0. Will it still work?

Awesome job! :) 5 Star work there, simple and easy. I haven't tried it out yet, because I have Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0. Will it still work?
I'm not sure, I don't have Photoshop Elements, so I can't really tell.
I use CS2.

The scanlines aren't working for me though. But otherwise, great work.
Hmm, that's odd. What's wrong?

Hmm, okay. Hold on, I'll try again.
Okay, I see your point, open a 4x4 px document instead. I'll edit the tutorial, thanks. =]

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Icon outline/rush

Ah, you’re still here, perfect. In this tutorial, you are going to learn how to make something like this:
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/kjonasgif.gif

I used a picture of Paul Kevin Jonas II from their Baby Bottle Pop photoshoot/video. Remember, this is a very long tutorial!
Here’s the picture that I used. Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/0597.png)


Step one.
Start by picking a picture and then open it in a 100x100 file.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke1.png
Your picture is probably a bit fuzzy right now. Go to Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen.

Step two.
Duplicate the base by pressing CTRL+J and turn off the visibility of your base (Layer 1).
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke2.png

Step three.
We’re now going to make the outline. Use your lasso tool and select the area that you want to delete (the background).
Be sure to zoom in when you do that. Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke3291.png)

Step four.
After you’ve selected the area, press DELETE on your keyboard. You will now see a white background. Do the same with the other areas.
Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke5369.png) => Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke7431.png) => Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke9313.png)

When you zoom out to 100%, you will now see something like this.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke10.png

Step five.
Turn your base layer back on and go back to your copy. Use the Magic Wand Tool to select the areas that you have deleted. Go to Select > Inverse and then Select > Modify > Contract. Enter 1 pixel. Press CTRL+J to duplicate your copied layer and change your foreground color to anything you want. I used the color #0E073E, it’s a nice navy color. Navy is my favorite color. Enough about me, let’s move on. Go to Edit > Stroke > Outside and change the thickness to anything you want. I changed mine to 3 pixels. Let’s name that layer ‘border’ and move it between the copied layer (Layer 2) and your base layer.
Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke11263.png) => Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke13a685.png)

http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke15.png

http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke17.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke16244.png) => http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke19.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke18361.png) => http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke21.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke20739.png)
^ click ^

Your icon should now look like this.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke22.png => http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke23.png

Step six.
Let’s colorize the icon. Create a new layer and fill it with the same color I used before, #0E073E. Set it to Exclusion at 100%.
Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke24998.png) => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke25.png

Step seven.
Apply this picture (copy + paste; it will automatically create a new layer) and set it to Overlay at 5%. Experiment with the opacity. I used 5%, because if it were higher, it wouldn’t look good.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke26.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke27.png

Step eight.
I made a gradient from Violet to Orange. Use this gradient and set it to Soft Light at 50%.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke28.png => http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke29.png

Step nine.
This is a very tricky step, read carefully. Click on the Channel tab, between the Layer and Paths tab, then click on the little arrow and select ‘New Channel’. You will now get a black layer named ‘Alpha 1’. Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Change the amount to 100%, Distribution should be ‘Gaussian’ and check Monochromatic if not done already.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke30.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke31.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke32.png
Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke33788.png) => Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke35259.png)

Step ten.
Go to Filter > Blur > Motion blur. Set it to 45 degrees with a distance of 30 pixels.

Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke37534.png) => Click me. (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke39189.png)
^ click ^

Your icon should now look like this.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke41.png

Step eleven.
Click the Layer tab and make a new layer. Then go to Select > Load Selection and select ‘Alpha 1’ from the drop-down menu. Use the Paint Bucket Tool to fill the layer with the color # F4EBC6. Set it to Soft Light at 100%.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke42.png http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke43a.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke43768.png) => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke45.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke44586.png)
^ click ^

http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke46.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke47.png

http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke49.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke48433.png) => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke50.png
^ click ^

Step twelve.
Apply this frame brush in the color #0E073E. (Copy and paste) Set it to Multiply at 100%.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke51.png http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke52.png

Your icon should look like this.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke53.png

Step twelve.
Okay, this is very confusing, I must say. Read carefully and you’ll do great.
Click on your base and make a new layer. Pick your first picture and paste it. I will be using this picture (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ksm851.png). Scale it down by using Edit > Transform > Scale.
Sharpen (Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen) if necessary. Let’s name this picture ‘Picture 1’.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke55.png => http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke54.png

Pick your second picture, scale it down and sharpen if needed. I will be using this picture (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ksm2139.png). I’m naming this picture ‘Picture 2’.

http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke56.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke57.png

Duplicate (CTRL+J) Picture 1 and go to Filter > Blur > Motion blur. Set it to 45 degrees with a distance of 30 pixels. Then, duplicate the blurred layer (Picture 1 copy).

http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke58.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke59.png

Duplicate Picture 2 and drag it under Picture 2, but above the blurred layers. Go to Filter > Blur > Motion blur and change the setting to -45 degrees (negative 45), 30 pixel distance. Duplicate the blurred layer (Picture 2 copy). You should now have two blurred Picture 1 layers and two blurred Picture 2 layers.

http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke60.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke61.png

Select the second blurred Picture 2 layer (Picture 2 copy 2) and set it to Normal at 50%. Right click on the layer and select ‘Merge down’. Repeat this step with Picture 1. You can do this with more pictures if you want, just repeat this step.

http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke62.png => http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke63.png

Step thirteen.
When you’re left with your last picture, duplicate Picture 1 and drag it up, above Picture 2. Repeat step twelve for that layer (motion blur, duplicate, set to Normal 50%, merge down) and delete Picture 1 copy.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke64.png

Step fourteen.
Add some text on it, it’ll be so empty and boring if you don’t. Unless you want it to be that way.

This is your layer palette.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke71.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke70728.png)
^ click ^


Step fifteen.
Click on this little button here to go to Adobe Imageready.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke66.png

Okay, so, we’re in Imageready right now. Your layers should be on the right and there should be an animation window there. If not, go to Window > Animation.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke67.png

Click on the little arrow on the right of the window and select ‘Make Frames From Layers’.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07491/ke69.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke68189.png)
^ click ^

Step sixteen.
While on your animation window, scroll through the frames and delete all the frames that aren’t part of the side animation (ex. base, text, outlines etc.)
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke72.png

Step seventeen.
Set your timing by clicking on ‘0 sec’ on each frame. I set each normal picture to ‘2 sec’ and each transition to ‘0.1 sec’ except for the middle one. I set that one to ‘No Delay’.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke74.png

Step eighteen.
The last step of this long tutorial; saving your GIF. Click the Optimize tab on the top right corner and set it to these settings.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/ke76.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/ke75637.png)
^ click ^

And you’re done!
http://xs322.******/xs322/07491/kjonasgif.gif





A/N: It's a bit confusing, I know.
It's pretty difficult to explain. It took me 2 1/2 hours to write this! GASP.
I hope it's good. Lot's of "click me's" because I exceeded the image limit, there are 70+ images and the limit is 50. Sorry guys.

Yes, it's quite difficult..

Can the next tutorial be that camp rock wallpaper?

And thanks for the tutorial on animation!

I tried explaining it the best I could. It's just too difficult, it takes a while, too.
Oii. I don't really remember how I made the Camp Rock wallpaper, it has been a while since I've made it.

Oh, thanks for making the tutorial on animation, I've been trying to teach myself how to use that lately and it's a little complicated. Great tutorials, I'll be sure to try them out. :)

Yeah, sadly it is a bit complicated. Thanks =].
I'll add more soon.

Sorry for ignoring this thread, I'm so busy with school. I don't know when I can make some new ones. Hopefully I can soon.

Bump.

Aww, I dont think this will work on mine, I use Photoshop 7.0 =(

Yes, it will work on there. You'll have to run Image Ready though. But, you can basically do the same thing there. The animation pane will already be open :)

Yes, I recently found that out. Haha.
I always work with ImageReady and I had no idea you could do animations in Photoshop XD.

Aww, I dont think this will work on mine, I use Photoshop 7.0 =(

I have Photoshop 7 also. It works just the same, except some things are labeled a little differently, that's all.

Yes, I recently found that out. Haha.
I always work with ImageReady and I had no idea you could do animations in Photoshop XD.
I used to do that, then my friend, Jackalope, taught me that you could do the animation directly in Photoshop.

I used to do that, then my friend, Jackalope, taught me that you could do the animation directly in Photoshop.
Really? I never knew that...

Hmm, I have photoshop cs and when i press control alt g, it doesnt do anything, maybe bc i use a mac? ( I'm doing the text tutorial thing )

Did you select the layer and then press Ctrl+Alt+G?
I don't have a Mac, so I don't know if it works or not. Can anyone with a Mac try it out and let me know?
Thanks! =]

ya, i selected the layer, idk whats wrong...

Ah, I don't know what's wrong either. I'll try to think of a solution.
I hope I can get back to you soon. I have to go now.

Wow Cakee, very helpful tutorial!

Thanks! I was working on my Blending tutorial when all my programs died on me.
I lost everything, so I have to start all over again. =[

Bump. Merry Christmas, you guys =].

This is a great guide, I don't have photoshop but my friend does and he will want to see this thread.

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Blending

I’ve had some people asking me in the past if I could do a blending tutorial and I’m proud to present to you.. a blending tutorial.
Haha. It’s not too hard, this is for Photoshop 7+.

Step one.
Pick the pictures you’re going to use. I will be using these:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/hq01860.jpg
http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/hq02249.jpg
http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/hq28200.jpg
In case you don’t know who that is, that’s Aly Michalka =].

Step two.
Open up a new document, mine will be 450x200 px. Copy the pictures and place them above each other. Your image should look like this:
http://xs322.******/xs322/07523/aly1.png

Step three.
We’re going to do things differently than usual. I have three pictures of Aly and I want to blend them all in. I think it would be best if I fade out the edges of Layer 3, the one in the middle. If you’re using two pictures (or more), you should do what you think is the best way to make the pictures blend perfectly. I like using three pictures.

Select Layer 3.

Step four.
Click on the icon with the little circle in it. That’s the Layer Mask icon.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07523/aly5.png => http://xs122.******/xs122/07523/aly6.png

Step five.
Select your Gradient Tool and make sure your background color is black and your foreground color is white.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07505/para4.png

Step six.
Place the little crosshair in the middle, somewhere in her hair. You can do this anywhere you want, I’m just using this as an example. Drag the crosshair to the edge of the image. This will give the image a ‘fade-out’ effect.
http://xs122.******/xs122/07523/aly7.png

Step seven.
So you now faded out one edge of the image, we now want to fade out the other. Go to Layers > Layer Mask > Apply. The little rectangle on your layer on the Layer’s Palette is now gone. We can now do the same, but with the other edge. Repeat step 4-6.
http://xs322.******/xs322/07523/aly8.png

Step eight.
Technically, you’re done. But it looks so empty and boring, so we’re gonna spice things up a bit. Add some brushes, experiment with colors etc.
Do whatever your little heart desires.

Here’s my result.
('Together we're one in a million' is from the song 'Like It or Leave It' by Aly & AJ.)
http://xs122.******/xs122/07523/aly9.png

It did? Awh, I always had trouble with blending when I first started, two years ago.
I seriously disliked it, because it never turned out right.
But, when you practice a lot, it will get better, I hope mine looks good. =].
I don't remember how long it took me to get it right, probably longer than an hour XD.

Bumpo the clown.

Great tutorial!
I wonder..
Do you know how to use a drawing tablet? xD

I was wondering how you make your avatar..

I REALLY want to learn that.

I'll see what I can do =].

Great tutorial!
I wonder..
Do you know how to use a drawing tablet? xD

Thanks =]. I have absolutely no idea how to use a drawing tablet. Haha.
I usually use my mouse. I have a drawing tablet, but I don't get it, haha. XD

Lol now to find someone that does xD
Btw great tutorial now I know,How to use photoshop!

I only know that you have to put it into the USB drive and then you can use it as a mouse and just draw. But, I'm terrible at that. I never use it.

Bump.
Nothing new yet, soon, though. Hope you had a wonderful New Year's.

If you ever need help with any tutorials, I could assist you. I know a few things about Photoshop. Whether its animation or a cool effect, I could definitely help.

Hmm, I have photoshop (btw, the tutorals help A LOT) and I was wondering, can you animate on photoshop? I've never really known how, but I'm dying to know. Could you make a tutoral on that? thanks!
By the way, joe jonas <333333

fairy- i have a drawing tablet; you could pm me any questions :)

Great tutorials... these were very helpful ^____^
Thanks for sharing!

Happy new year everyone :D

These are AWESOME Cakee. Thanks SO much! I've always wondered how to do some of these things.

Hmm, I have photoshop (btw, the tutorals help A LOT) and I was wondering, can you animate on photoshop? I've never really known how, but I'm dying to know. Could you make a tutoral on that? thanks!
By the way, joe jonas <333333

fairy- i have a drawing tablet; you could pm me any questions :)
You can animate on photoshop. Sure, I'll do my best and make a tutorial about that.

Great tutorials... these were very helpful ^____^
Thanks for sharing!

Happy new year everyone :D
Thanks! =]

These are AWESOME Cakee. Thanks SO much! I've always wondered how to do some of these things.
Thank you! =] I will be adding more soon, I can't right now, school started today and I'm already uber busy.
Soon. XD.

hey cakee! omg awesome tutorials! I am gonna get photoshop cs3 for my bday (well, today lol) so will this only work with cs2 or will it work with cs3 also? oh and I so love your avatar. u rock girl!

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Advanced coloring #1

Don't you ever feel like spicing up a dull picture? I found a way to turn those horrible dull pictures into something great.
It's definitely not hard, so let's get up and go. Method #1. Suitable for Paintshop Pro, Photoshop 7+.

Step one.
Prepare the image on the workspace. I will be using this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut1263.png) picture. In case you're not familiar with them, that's Paramore.
The first thing that you do is duplicate the image by pressing CTRL+J.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut2451.png
You now have two of the same images.
Set the duplicated image to Hard Light at 100%.

Step two.
Make a new raster layer by pressing CTRL+Shift+N and fill the layer with the color #74B1AF. You can also copy and paste this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut5875.png).
Set that to Soft Light at 100%.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut3677.png => http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut4666.png

Step three.
Make another raster layer and select your Gradient Tool. I'm going to make a black/pink gradient. It's definitely not hard to make this gradient. You can use any color you like.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut6693.png

Use the Gradient Tool and set the layer to Lighten at 100%.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut7771.png => http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut8348.png

Your image should now look something like this:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut10388.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut9579.png)
^click me^
A/N: This doesn't always come out looking like that. Your picture can be slightly different than mine.
It's no big deal, remember.. if you don't like the use of colors, you can always use your own colors.

Step four.
Now we're gonna make another raster layer and fill that one with the color #F8F77A. Or simply copy this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut11678.png).
Set the layer to Color Burn at 20% opacity.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut12343.png

Step five.
Select all the layers and then merge visible.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut13372.png

After you merged the picture, duplicate your picture again (CTRL+J). Let's sharpen up your picture a bit.
Go to Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen.
Your picture is now more clearer and sharpened better.

Step six.
Voilà! You're done. Now you can add anything you want. I'm going to spice things up a bit.
The rest is up to you, you can decorate your picture in any way that you want.

Result:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut14706.png => http://xs127.******/xs127/08222/paratut15185.png

More of these coming soon.

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Advanced coloring #2

Spice up a dull picture; Method #2.

Step one.
As usual, prepare your image on the workspace. I will be using this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub1715.png) picture. Guys, that's the sweetest person ever, Chelsea Staub.
Some of you may recognize her from movies such as Minutemen and Bratz! The Movie.

Now, first off, let's duplicate the layer by pressing CTRL+J.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub2630.png

Step two.
Perfect. Our next step is desaturating the image. Never done that before? That's okay. Just press CTRL+Shift+U.
http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub2630.png => http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub3163.png
Set your desaturated image to Soft Light at 100%.

Your image should now look something like this:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub5711.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub4684.png).
^click me^

Step three.
Make a new raster layer by pressing CTRL+Shift+N. Select your Paint Bucket Tool and fill it with the color #C7FF05.
Or, simply copy and paste this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub6884.png).
Set that to Multiply at 20% opacity.

Step four.
Make another raster layer and fill it with the color #05B0FF, or just copy and paste this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub7237.png) picture.
Set that to Soft Light at 50% opacity.

Step five.
How's it goin'? Great. We're gonna use our Gradient Tool now, but I'll make it a bit easier for you.
Copy and paste this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub8878.png) picture. You might need to resize it, make sure it covers your entire image.
Set that to Lighten at 44% opacity.

Step six.
Duplicate (CTRL+J) your base and drag it to the top. Then you set it to Soft Light at 30% opacity.

Step seven.
Once again, duplicate the base and drag it to the top. Now you set it to Luminosity at 100% opacity.

Your image should now look like this:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub10756.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub9385.png)
^click me^

Step eight.
Make a new raster layer and fill it with the color #FF0540, or just copy and paste this (http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub11581.png).
Then set it to Soft Light at 30% opacity.

Step nine.
You're done! What do you think? It still looks a bit empty, no?
Go wild, spice up your new picture in any way that you want. I know I will.

Result:
http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub12237.png => http://xs127.******/xs127/08223/chelsstaub13355.png


More of these coming soon.

Update: Edited the front page, it now looks organized, haha.
I fixed the "Click Me" links, if you clicked on them, ****** would say that they couldn't find the requested file. That's now fixed.
I'll be adding more tutorials soon. Let me know if you have any problems!

These tutorials look good... I hope to TRY and follow these tutorials someday! Good job!

http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Picture inside text

Step four.
Press CTRL+G (if you have Adobe Photoshop CS, press Alt+CTRL+G) while you’re on the picture.
You now see an arrow pointing down at the first layer.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/pic5.png

Thanks for teaching me how to group on CS and above! I got CS3 and then I never figured out how to group.

These tutorials look good... I hope to TRY and follow these tutorials someday! Good job!
Thank you so much. If you need help, just ask, okay? =].

Thanks for teaching me how to group on CS and above! I got CS3 and then I never figured out how to group.

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help.
I'm adding new ones later, might not be today, but soon. =]

[CENTER]http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/sushi.gif
Dreamy effect




Step four.
On the blurred layer, go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options. Change the Blend Mode to ‘Overlay’.
http://xs121.******/xs121/07485/noai4.png (http://xs127.******/xs127/08224/noai5316.png).
^ click ^




I have Photoshop Elements and that option is not available.... any other option?

I have Photoshop Elements and that option is not available.... any other option?

Of course.
Select the blurred layer and then go to your layer palette.
Set it from 'Normal' to 'Overlay'
http://xs228.******/xs228/08220/change1296.png => http://xs228.******/xs228/08220/change2486.png

Can you make a tutorial on clouds? Like this:

http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs8/i/2005/332/e/2/Disneyland_by_MADness323.jpg



Can you do a kind of Pixie Dust Effect too?

I've never seen that before. I'll try to figure out how to do that and I'll get back to you =].
Pixie Dust effect? Could be be a bit more specific? =]

Can you make a tutorial on clouds? Like this:



Sorry Cakee, but I think the clouds are done through the cloud filter in PS (Render-Clouds). Then erased using a 0% hard brush..

Cakee - good work on the tutorials..

(forgive me for stealing that one post)

Thanks for helping me! I thought it was that, but I wasn't sure.

Thank you =]