This week I want to show you a very cool technique
for creating some pretty wild effects. We will be focusing on
manipulating gradients again, but this time I want you to take
a look at a specific blending option, namely Difference Mode.
Create a new image:
9 in wide
5 in high
Black Background
RGB
72 dpi
The reason I've chosen black is simply to demonstrate
how incredible the changes are when we apply multiple gradients
to the same layer when in difference mode.
Ok, in a new layer, enter some text using the type
mask tool. Use a large thick font set to about 120+ points on
size. Do you have your selection? Great!
Select the gradient tool. Here are my settings as seen in the
options bar:
Apply the gradient from the upper left to the lower
right of the type. On a single pass you should have something
that looks like this:
Now if we draw our gradient thru the type one more
time, this time from upper right to lower left, we get something
totally unexpected:
Now try drawing the same gradient thru the layer
a few more times. You may even want to change to a radial gradient
starting at different points thru the type. I've used this gradient
quite a few times now, finally generating an inner fire effect.
Though nice looking, it doesn't accurately demonstrate
the color variations possible using this technique. What would
happen if we used 2 opposites, such as blue and yellow?
Delete the color from the type, and select the
Blue+Yellow gradient. Walk thru the steps above one more time.
Now take a look at this:
Now that gives some variation! We can also create
some pretty far out backgrounds using this technique. Create a
new image with no text in it, again with a black background. In
a new layer fill with the copper gradient, but only draw it across
a small portion of the image in the center, top to bottom. Re
apply the gradient, this time left to right but again with a short
stroke, sort of like you were creating an x-y axis.
Watch as our copper changes from this:
to this:
If we invert this layer we see that our copper
is still there. This effect looks great on type, interfaces, frames
and I've even seen it used as backgrounds for obnoxious websites.
Play around with it, get to know it, and I'm sure you will come
to love it as I have.