MagnusFx

Final Image

Step 1: The Background.

Create a new image, in this case an 800px by 600px canvas. Create a new layer and fill it with the color of your choice. Today I picked #2B474A.

Step 1b:

Now create another new layer but this time fill it with black and apply a layer mask as shown.

New Layer Mask

As you can see I also set the blending options to soft light. The next step is to select a very large black brush, about 400-500px with a soft edge and “paint” the center of the layer mask to bring out the color below.

Step 2: The Screen Shot

Today we’re using a screen shot taken from the front page of MagnusFx! Place your screen shot in the center of your canvas and apply a new layer mask. With your gradient tool selected and holding the shift key draw a straight vertical line.

Screen Shot with Gradiant Mask

Step 3: The Magic

Now on a new layer create a path. Select the pen tool and make sure to use create path and not shape. Create a path similar to this:

The Magic Path

Select your brush tool and set your brush as shown here:

Stroke Brush

Now reselect the pen tool, right click and choose stroke path. In the option dialog that pops up make sure to have simulate pressure checked. You should end up with this:

The Stroke

Create a new layer and reselect the brush tool and set the brush settings as shown here:

The Brush Settings

Select the pen tool and right click and select stroke path, simulate pressure should still be selected. The result should be as shown here:

Now Its Starting To Look Like Magic

Apply the FX to both layers as shown:

The FX

The Final Steps:

By now it should look pretty sharp. We could add a few things, though. Apply more layer masks. Add a layer mask to both layers and using a black brush with the layer mask paint away anything that flows behind the screen shot. It’s best to use a larger brush with fairly hard edge to do this. You can continue to add more paths and sparkles as you wish and with just a little more work you can end up with this:

Final Image

About the Author

Dustin is a web designer who currently writes about his experiences over at his website, DesignWeapon.