In this tutorial, we will be working to create an interesting Poster-size illustration with floral elements. This tutorial is inspired by a suggestion from Zach on our Tutorials Suggestions/Request page. He wanted to know how one would create a design like the floral element in the Version App header. I've taken a look at that, added a few of my own ideas, and run with it to create a cool poster design.
In this tutorial, we will be working to create an interesting Poster-size illustration with floral elements. This tutorial is inspired by a suggestion from Zach on our Tutorials Suggestions/Request page. He wanted to know how one would create a design like the floral element in the Version App header. I've taken a look at that, added a few of my own ideas, and run with it to create a cool poster design.
Final Image Preview
Before we get started, let's take a look at the image we'll be creating.
Before we get started, let's take a look at the image we'll be creating.
Step 1
Open up a new white document Ctrl + N at the size of 600 pixels by 1129 pixels. We'll start by making the center of the flower and the pollen. Then we will make the petals. Make a circle and fill it with #fcee10. To make the circle use the Rectangle Tool (U).
Open up a new white document Ctrl + N at the size of 600 pixels by 1129 pixels. We'll start by making the center of the flower and the pollen. Then we will make the petals. Make a circle and fill it with #fcee10. To make the circle use the Rectangle Tool (U).
Step 2
Next make a new layer over the yellow circle. Then using the Gradient Tool (G) set to Radial, make a spot in the center of the circle, as I did using this color #f27d00. Finally ,set the gradient to Multiply.
Next make a new layer over the yellow circle. Then using the Gradient Tool (G) set to Radial, make a spot in the center of the circle, as I did using this color #f27d00. Finally ,set the gradient to Multiply.
Step 3
Create a new layer, make a selection of the yellow circle and fill it with white. Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Then set the layer to Multiply and the Opacity to 15%.
Create a new layer, make a selection of the yellow circle and fill it with white. Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Then set the layer to Multiply and the Opacity to 15%.
Step 4
Next thing you need to do is to add a Mask to this "noise" layer. Then using a black brush you need to erase the noise from the edges of the circle.
Next thing you need to do is to add a Mask to this "noise" layer. Then using a black brush you need to erase the noise from the edges of the circle.
Step 5
Next duplicate this "noise" layer and set it to 5% Opacity.
Next duplicate this "noise" layer and set it to 5% Opacity.
Step 6
Create a new layer over all the other layers and call it light. Make a selection and fill it with white.
Create a new layer over all the other layers and call it light. Make a selection and fill it with white.
Step 7
Set the layer to Hard Light. Then using the Eraser Tool (E) you'll need to erase some of this light.
Set the layer to Hard Light. Then using the Eraser Tool (E) you'll need to erase some of this light.
Step 8
Next step is to make another new layer and place it under the "light" layer. Call it "pollen." For this step you'll need to use the Brush Tool (B). Use the settings shown below and the same color as you used for the circle. Start drawing around the circle. Move all these layers to a new folder and name it "1."
Next step is to make another new layer and place it under the "light" layer. Call it "pollen." For this step you'll need to use the Brush Tool (B). Use the settings shown below and the same color as you used for the circle. Start drawing around the circle. Move all these layers to a new folder and name it "1."
Step 9
Next we will start to make the petals. First, create a new layer and select the Pen Tool (P) for this. Make a shape as I did. It doesn't matter the color for now.
Next we will start to make the petals. First, create a new layer and select the Pen Tool (P) for this. Make a shape as I did. It doesn't matter the color for now.
Step 10
Next you'll need to create the shapes of each petal as we did in Step 10. Be sure to keep everything organized and move each petal into different folders. The total number of the petals that we will create is twelve.
Next you'll need to create the shapes of each petal as we did in Step 10. Be sure to keep everything organized and move each petal into different folders. The total number of the petals that we will create is twelve.
Step 11
Next I will ask you to order the petals as I did. Move each layer to have them surrounding the yellow circle. I have changed the colors for each petal to help you order them.
Next I will ask you to order the petals as I did. Move each layer to have them surrounding the yellow circle. I have changed the colors for each petal to help you order them.
Step 12
Start with petal number "2." Fill the petal with #ce7e00.
Start with petal number "2." Fill the petal with #ce7e00.
Step 13
Make a selection as I did by Command-clicking on the petals thumbnail. Then deselect the left half with the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M).
Make a selection as I did by Command-clicking on the petals thumbnail. Then deselect the left half with the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M).
Step 14
Make a new layer and using a white gradient set to Linear, click and drag as I did. Then set the layer to Soft Light and Opacity 45%.
Make a new layer and using a white gradient set to Linear, click and drag as I did. Then set the layer to Soft Light and Opacity 45%.
Step 15
Next you need to mask the layer. Then using a black brush, erase some of this light.
Next you need to mask the layer. Then using a black brush, erase some of this light.
Step 16
Next create a new layer and make a selection around the petal. Using a black gradient click and drag from up to down.
Next create a new layer and make a selection around the petal. Using a black gradient click and drag from up to down.
Step 17
Set the layer to Overlay and Opacity to 50%.
Set the layer to Overlay and Opacity to 50%.
Step 18
Create a new layer and using the Pen Tool set to Path, make a path around the right side of the petal.
Create a new layer and using the Pen Tool set to Path, make a path around the right side of the petal.
Step 19
Set your brush to 1px Diameter and also use white for this. Next back to the Pen Tool (P), right-click on the document and select Stroke Path. Select Brush from the menu and make sure Simulate Pressure is not selected. Then simply delete the path and Right-click and select Delete path.
Set your brush to 1px Diameter and also use white for this. Next back to the Pen Tool (P), right-click on the document and select Stroke Path. Select Brush from the menu and make sure Simulate Pressure is not selected. Then simply delete the path and Right-click and select Delete path.
Step 20
Set the Opacity to 50%.
Set the Opacity to 50%.
Step 21
Duplicate the layer you created in Step 14 and 15. Move it on top of all the layers from that specific folder and set it to Normal and Opacity 40%. Lastly, you need to mask away a bit of the layer.
Duplicate the layer you created in Step 14 and 15. Move it on top of all the layers from that specific folder and set it to Normal and Opacity 40%. Lastly, you need to mask away a bit of the layer.
Step 22
Make a white straight line using the Line Tool. Then rasterize it and erase the bottom and upper parts. Then set the Opacity of the layer to 20%.
Make a white straight line using the Line Tool. Then rasterize it and erase the bottom and upper parts. Then set the Opacity of the layer to 20%.
Step 23
Make a last layer. Make a selection of the petal and deselect the right side, as we will work only on the left side this time. Use the Gradient Tool (G) set to black and make a black shade, as shown below. Then simply erase some of it and lower the Opacity.
Make a last layer. Make a selection of the petal and deselect the right side, as we will work only on the left side this time. Use the Gradient Tool (G) set to black and make a black shade, as shown below. Then simply erase some of it and lower the Opacity.
Step 24
You are done with that petal. Next we'll continue with petal number "3." Go ahead and fill this petal with #ce7400.
You are done with that petal. Next we'll continue with petal number "3." Go ahead and fill this petal with #ce7400.
Step 25
Create a new layer. Then using the Pen Tool (P) set to Path, make a path, and stroke it with white.
Create a new layer. Then using the Pen Tool (P) set to Path, make a path, and stroke it with white.
Step 26
Using the same path make a new layer, and this time stroke it with black.
Using the same path make a new layer, and this time stroke it with black.
Step 27
Set the white path to Soft Light and Opacity to 86%. Also, set the black path to Soft Light and 55%.
Set the white path to Soft Light and Opacity to 86%. Also, set the black path to Soft Light and 55%.
Step 28
Make a new layer. Then using a black brush draw some shadow.
Make a new layer. Then using a black brush draw some shadow.
Step 29
Next, make a new layer and in this layer create some light on this petal. Fill it with white using the Gradient Tool (G). Don't worry if you fill outside the area shown below, as you'll erase that after. Then set it to Soft Light and Opacity 50%.
Next, make a new layer and in this layer create some light on this petal. Fill it with white using the Gradient Tool (G). Don't worry if you fill outside the area shown below, as you'll erase that after. Then set it to Soft Light and Opacity 50%.
Step 30
Create another new layer and make a selection around the petal. Delete some of the light you just applied on the petal. Then set the layer to Overlay and Opacity to 48%.
Create another new layer and make a selection around the petal. Delete some of the light you just applied on the petal. Then set the layer to Overlay and Opacity to 48%.
Step 31
Repeat step 25 and 26, but this time place those two strokes as shown below. Set both strokes to Soft Light and 50% Opacity and erase the edges.
Repeat step 25 and 26, but this time place those two strokes as shown below. Set both strokes to Soft Light and 50% Opacity and erase the edges.
Step 32
Make another layer and make a selection around the petal. Use the Brush tool and draw over the petal as I did. Set the layer to Overlay and Opacity 30%.
Make another layer and make a selection around the petal. Use the Brush tool and draw over the petal as I did. Set the layer to Overlay and Opacity 30%.
Step 33
Next we'll work on petal number "4." Use the same technique we have used for petal number "3."
Next we'll work on petal number "4." Use the same technique we have used for petal number "3."
Step 34
Next we will work on petal number "5." Use the same techniques we used for the previous petals.
Next we will work on petal number "5." Use the same techniques we used for the previous petals.
Step 35
Petal number "6" now.
Petal number "6" now.
Step 36
Now will work on petal number "7."
Now will work on petal number "7."
Step 37
Time for petal number "8."
Time for petal number "8."
Step 38
And petal number "9."
And petal number "9."
Step 39
Now we have to create four more petals. Start with petal number "10."
Now we have to create four more petals. Start with petal number "10."
Step 40
Next is petal number "11."
Next is petal number "11."
Step 41
And last we'll create both petal number "12" and "13."
And last we'll create both petal number "12" and "13."
Step 42
The flower is complete. Now we need to create a nice background for this flower. Move all the petals and the flower elements into a folder and name it "Flower." Make a new folder under the "Flower" folder and name it "Sky."
Hide the flower and create a new layer in the "Sky" folder. Use the Gradient Tool (G) set to Linear with the colors #9fc1c2 and #283333 to make a nice gradient, as shown below.
The flower is complete. Now we need to create a nice background for this flower. Move all the petals and the flower elements into a folder and name it "Flower." Make a new folder under the "Flower" folder and name it "Sky."
Hide the flower and create a new layer in the "Sky" folder. Use the Gradient Tool (G) set to Linear with the colors #9fc1c2 and #283333 to make a nice gradient, as shown below.
Step 43
Next we need to make some clouds. You need to subscribe to Plus to get the Clouds Brush that I have provided with the tutorial source file, or you could certainly search for one on the web. Then Make a new layer over the sky layer and start applying some clouds to the workspace.
Next we need to make some clouds. You need to subscribe to Plus to get the Clouds Brush that I have provided with the tutorial source file, or you could certainly search for one on the web. Then Make a new layer over the sky layer and start applying some clouds to the workspace.
Step 44
Next you need to open a new document (Ctrl + N) that is 100 pixels by 100 pixels. Also, make sure it is Transparent. Then using the Rectangle Tool (U), create a plus sign. The color you will use can be black or white
Next you need to open a new document (Ctrl + N) that is 100 pixels by 100 pixels. Also, make sure it is Transparent. Then using the Rectangle Tool (U), create a plus sign. The color you will use can be black or white
Step 45
Next go to Edit > Define Brush Preset. Set a name for the Brush and save it.
Next go to Edit > Define Brush Preset. Set a name for the Brush and save it.
Step 46
Close the plus document and get back to the "sky." Make a new layer, go to the brush settings, and use the settings below.
Close the plus document and get back to the "sky." Make a new layer, go to the brush settings, and use the settings below.
Step 47
Next you need to make the flower visible again and duplicate it a few times. Also, the duplicated flowers need to be resized.
Next you need to make the flower visible again and duplicate it a few times. Also, the duplicated flowers need to be resized.
Step 48
Again, you'll need to duplicate each flower, turn them upside down and place them beneath the original flower. This is because we'll be adding a reflection effect to them. You might already know this effect from the internet, but I'll show it to you again because I find it really great.
Again, you'll need to duplicate each flower, turn them upside down and place them beneath the original flower. This is because we'll be adding a reflection effect to them. You might already know this effect from the internet, but I'll show it to you again because I find it really great.
Step 49
Now that we have the scene ready we need to make another new folder 1000 pixels by 2000 pixels.
Now that we have the scene ready we need to make another new folder 1000 pixels by 2000 pixels.
Step 50
Fill the layer with white and go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise and use the settings listed below.
Fill the layer with white and go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise and use the settings listed below.
Step 51
Then go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, set a Radius of 2, and press OK.
Then go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, set a Radius of 2, and press OK.
Step 52
Select Channel 1 in the Channels Palette and go to Filter > Stylize > Emboss. Enter the settings shown in the image below.
Select Channel 1 in the Channels Palette and go to Filter > Stylize > Emboss. Enter the settings shown in the image below.
Step 53
Select Channel 2 and apply the Emboss Filter again, but this time use the settings shown below.
Select Channel 2 and apply the Emboss Filter again, but this time use the settings shown below.
Step 54
Press Command + T to transform the image. Then drag the lower corners as far as you think is enough and press Enter.
Press Command + T to transform the image. Then drag the lower corners as far as you think is enough and press Enter.
Step 55
Press Ctrl + A to select the entire image than press Ctrl + Shift + T to apply the same transformation again.
Press Ctrl + A to select the entire image than press Ctrl + Shift + T to apply the same transformation again.
Step 56
Press Ctrl + T again and transform the whole image into a square, as shown below.
Press Ctrl + T again and transform the whole image into a square, as shown below.
Step 57
Go to Channel 1 again and press Q to switch to Quick Mode. Using the Linear Gradient Tool (G), draw a white to black gradient from the top to the bottom.
Go to Channel 1 again and press Q to switch to Quick Mode. Using the Linear Gradient Tool (G), draw a white to black gradient from the top to the bottom.
Step 58
Press Q again to exit the Quick Mask mode and you'll see a selection over your image. Fill the selection with #7f7f7f.
Press Q again to exit the Quick Mask mode and you'll see a selection over your image. Fill the selection with #7f7f7f.
Step 59
Next select Channel 2 and again press Q to enter Quick Mask mode. Then draw another linear gradient, as shown below. Then press Q to exit the Quick Mask mode and fill the selection with the same gray.
Next select Channel 2 and again press Q to enter Quick Mask mode. Then draw another linear gradient, as shown below. Then press Q to exit the Quick Mask mode and fill the selection with the same gray.
Step 60
The image should look like the one below. Save it as a PSD named "water." Then go back to the "flower" document.
The image should look like the one below. Save it as a PSD named "water." Then go back to the "flower" document.
Step 61
Merge the "Sky" group. Then copy a piece of the sky and turn it upside down. Also, place it to look like a reflection.
Merge the "Sky" group. Then copy a piece of the sky and turn it upside down. Also, place it to look like a reflection.
Step 62
Next you need to merge the sky with the flower reflections.
Next you need to merge the sky with the flower reflections.
Step 63
Create another layer below the reflection and link it to the "reflection" layer. Then Command-click on the reflection and fill the new layer with the color #003d72.
Create another layer below the reflection and link it to the "reflection" layer. Then Command-click on the reflection and fill the new layer with the color #003d72.
Step 64
Create a mask for the "reflection" layer. Then using the Linear Gradient Tool (G), draw from white to black, as shown below.
Create a mask for the "reflection" layer. Then using the Linear Gradient Tool (G), draw from white to black, as shown below.
Step 65
Ctrl-click on the reflection to make a selection and go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur and use the settings below.
Ctrl-click on the reflection to make a selection and go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur and use the settings below.
Step 66
Press Ctrl + F to repeat the effect.
Press Ctrl + F to repeat the effect.
Step 67
Go to the layer below the reflection and erase some blue that is visible in the horizon using the Eraser Tool (E).
Go to the layer below the reflection and erase some blue that is visible in the horizon using the Eraser Tool (E).
Step 68
It is time to make the water now. Ctrl-click on the "reflection" layer to make a selection.
It is time to make the water now. Ctrl-click on the "reflection" layer to make a selection.
Step 69
Go to Filter > Distort > Displace and use the settings shown below. When it asks you to chose the displacement map Open the "water" PSD you just saved in Step 60.
Go to Filter > Distort > Displace and use the settings shown below. When it asks you to chose the displacement map Open the "water" PSD you just saved in Step 60.
Step 70
Again, go to Filter > Distort > Displace and this time use different settings and the same Displacement Map.
Again, go to Filter > Distort > Displace and this time use different settings and the same Displacement Map.
Step 71
Next, I want you to lower the Opacity of the "blue" layer below the "reflection" layer to 70%.
Next, I want you to lower the Opacity of the "blue" layer below the "reflection" layer to 70%.
Step 72
Create a new layer above the "reflection" layer. Then Command-click on the reflection to make a selection. Then using a black to transparent Linear Gradient (G), draw as I did below.
Step 73
Create a new layer above the "reflection" layer. Then Command-click on the reflection to make a selection. Then using a black to transparent Linear Gradient (G), draw as I did below.
Step 73
Set the layer to Soft Light. That is all!
Set the layer to Soft Light. That is all!
Conclusion
In the end you can go back to the flowers and maybe change each one a little to make them all look different. Get in with some color effects or whatever you like using. I hope you guys have learned some great things in this tutorial and I am looking forward to see what others do with the techniques shown here.
In the end you can go back to the flowers and maybe change each one a little to make them all look different. Get in with some color effects or whatever you like using. I hope you guys have learned some great things in this tutorial and I am looking forward to see what others do with the techniques shown here.