Grunge Texture from BittBox
Business Man Illustration by Viorel Sima
Skull Stock Collection by Natalie Paquette
Fire Effect 1 by Alvimann
Fire Effect 2 by Lisa Solonynko
Fire Effect 3 by patita_rds
Smoke Brushes from PhotoshopTutorials
Bill Hicks Font designed by Jason Ramirez
The image below illustrates the final outcome of this project. Click to view the full-scale version.
The creative process is inherently subjective; therefore, I must clarify that I am not advocating for a strict adherence to my composition method.
Nonetheless, this teaching methodology is the most effective way to grasp the components of a digital artwork. After a year in the graphic design sector, I am convinced of one thing: technique is the conduit for conveying a message.
The essence of any artwork lies in its meaning—the narrative it conveys—and the paramount skill of a visual communicator is the ability to articulate this message throughout their work.
This is the core concept I aim to share in this tutorial.
My approach to a new project is not formulaic.
Given my extensive web browsing, I have a habit of bookmarking and taking screenshots of visually appealing images. Should I lack a specific vision, I refer to my LittleSnapper gallery or photo library until something catches my eye.
In this instance, I was inspired by Boss Logic’s “Sin Sisters” piece:
Specifically, I was drawn to the concept of a skull integrated into a human form.
Let us ponder what we wish to create. Assuming the skull symbolizes death, what concept is associated with death?
Business.
This idea prompted the idea of placing a skull on the body of a businessman.
At this juncture, I have a clear idea of where to start.
Death + business. Nicely executed!
Despite not yet knowing the direction of the composition, I commence by searching for suitable images. Here are my findings:
I typically initiate with the background.
Considering the inclusion of a skull, a grunge background is the optimal choice. I wish to focus attention on the canvas’s center, where the protagonist will be positioned. Consequently, a subtle grunge background is preferable to a detailed photo to avoid overshadowing the subject.
Begin by creating a new document in Photoshop.
We will work with a vertical canvas that is taller than it is wide (I used 1672px by 1908px).
Apply a radial gradient from white to black.
Paste in a grunge texture (from BittBox), desaturate it (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift +U), and set the layer’s blending mode to Multiply.
Starting with a black and white, desaturated background texture allows for complete color control. All that remains is to apply various layer adjustments until the desired outcome is achieved.
Let us introduce color using a Gradient Map adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map) that transitions from a desaturated blue (#798bb0) to a dark blue (#030722).
At this stage, I decided to desaturate the background (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift +U). The rationale is that upon completing a composition, I usually apply final touches that enhance color saturation.
Let’s apply a new adjustment layer; this time, select Hue/Saturation and set Saturation to -70.
Given that we want the image to be darker, let’s apply a third adjustment layer.
This time, opt for a Levels adjustment layer and slightly move the black arrow to the right.
The background is now ready, so select all the layers in the Layers Panel, group them together (Ctrl/Cmd + G), and name the group “background” —order and organization are crucial when dealing with numerous layers.
Paste the businessman image into our composition. I selected this image due to the appealing pose and the subject’s smoking and drinking, which ties back to the death concept.
Utilize the Pen Tool (P) to extract the subject from its background by tracing around his body, ensuring to omit his head as we will replace it with the skull.
Each element introduced into a composition must complement the others. In this case, we must establish harmony between the body and the grunge background.
I wanted to emphasize an element of the image: the hand with the cigarette.
The intention was to放大 the subject’s hand and shoulders. The Liquify filter will assist us in achieving this. Thus, choose Filter > Liquify and use the Bloat Tool on both hands and over the shoulders.
This step may seem unusual, but bear in mind that our character is surreal.
You should notice the light edges around the body. The best method I’ve found to remove the edge is to use the Dodge Tool (O) from the Tools Panel. You can apply the same tool to the bottom of the body image to blend it into the dark background.
When working with the human body, I prefer to increase the contrast and enhance image details.
For this composition, I aim to achieve a soft HDR effect. Let’s accomplish this by first duplicating the subject’s layer (Ctrl/Cmd + J).
Then apply the Smart Sharpen filter (Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen) and set the layer’s blending mode to Overlay and the opacity to 30%.
Duplicate the subject’s layer again (Ctrl/Cmd + J).
This time, apply the High Pass filter (Filter > Other > High Pass) with a radius of 8px.
Once completed, set the layer’s blending mode to Overlay.
Select all the subject’s layers and press Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + E to merge them into a new layer.
At this point, let’s apply the Sharpen Edges filter (Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen Edges) to the new merged layer.
Once satisfied with the details and contrast, you can select all the body layers and group them together to maintain an organized Layers Panel.
See the image below, which compares the original image with our processed image:
Paste the image of the skull into our canvas.
Since we increased the contrast of the body, we must do the same with the skull. The rationale, once again, is to achieve harmony between the different elements of our composition.
Start by extracting the skull from its background using the Pen Tool (P) as done in the previous step.
Duplicate the skull’s layer, apply the High Pass filter, and then set the layer’s blending mode to Overlay.
Merge the two layers into a new one (select the layers and press Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + E) and then apply the Smart Sharpen filter.
Zoom in on the skull with the Zoom Tool (Z) to prepare for the next process.
To make the image more realistic, we’ll give our skull a shadow. Begin by creating a new layer below the original skull.
On the new layer, use the Brush Tool (B) with a soft, black brush tip, with its Hardness set at 0%, to paint the shadow. If the shadow is too dark, reduce the Opacity option of the brush as necessary.
Group all of the skull layers together into a group called “skull” to keep our work organized.
Our initial objective was to create a compelling photo manipulation by blending a skull onto a human body. Now, let’s unleash our creativity.
Observe your work for a moment and jot down the thoughts and ideas that come to mind; everyone will perceive something different—a story behind this figure.
However, let me share how my mind works and the thoughts that emerged when I examined the composition.
The skull’s eyes are directed towards the glass. With a cigarette and a drink, it suggests relaxation—a moment of reflection.
I pondered, “Well, he’s in the business world: maybe he’s stressed—perhaps he hasn’t spent time with his family because he’s always working. His thoughts are killing him.”
Thoughts. This is the magic word.
Sometimes we spend too much time thinking, while we should be spending more time living.
This is the message I want this work to embody.
To infuse the concept of “harmful, toxic thinking” into our work, I decided to encircle the skull with flames.
So much thinking has caused our subject’s head (literally) to burst into flames!
First, download the BBQ Fire (1) stock photo and open it in Photoshop.
To extract the flames from the photo, open the Channels Panel (Window > Channels), hold down Ctrl/Cmd, and then click on the Green channel. This action will automatically create a marquee selection around the flames.
Now, copy the selection (Ctrl/Cmd +
