[PSCS2] Making a realistic lightning bolt [**]

NOTE: The title says PSCS2 but It should work with all versions which have Difference Clouds... Think that started with CS.

A big introduction is not necessary so let's get going. ^^ Just to say that this assumes that you know how to use simple tools like Gradient fill.

1. Open up a new image with any size you want, for example 500x500 is nice for practice purpose.

2. Add a black 'n' white gradient in a random direction but with more or less evenly divided black and white area.



3. Now add Difference Clouds effect. (Filter -> Render -> Difference Clouds)



Note that the actual lightning will be positioned around the darkest area of the image as it is now so if the result isn't suitable for your needs just experiment with the gradient. For this practice it isn't really that important so I'll leave it as it is now.



4. Invert the image. (Image -> Adjustments -> Invert or just press Ctrl + I)



5. Go to Image -> Adjustment -> Levels



Now move the middle slider to the right until you're satisfied with the look. You can also move the left slider to the right too if you want. Just experiment a bit until you like it.



Now for the finishing touches...

6. Go to Image -> Adjustments -> Hue / Saturation



Make sure the "Colorize" checkbox is checked. Then just experiment with the 3 sliders until it looks good for you. I usually don't do anything with the 3rd slider but you're free t experiment and see if it fits you.



And that's it!

But, I'm sure that many of you ask now "How to use this in a banner!?"
Well it sure wouldn't be acceptable to render it out because it would look totally crappy. So...

First you got 2 options to choose from: Either use the lightning you made during the practice or make a new layer on your banner and do all the stuff you saw above to that layer to make a bolt on that layer.
I suggest the later one since you can experiment with the gradient, move and rotate it until it fits on the layer.

Once you're done with that you want to get rid of the black background.

All you have to do is right click the layer with your lightning bolt and choose "Blending Options"



Now look at the first drop down box which says "Normal" (Blend Mode).
Change that to "Screen" and click Ok.

Voila! That's it. Note that the black background is still there but it's behind everything else so if you got transparent places on your banner make sure to remove the black background from there if it sticks out. Now all you have to do is adjust the transparency from the blending options but that of course depends on your own taste / style and the banner you're making.

Example result:

That's pretty cool but it looks kinda tacky and slapped on when it goes onto a sig. Maybe try changing the blending options to something that's not screen because screen/lighten usually brightens white.

Well screen is the most efficient way to get rid of the black background. And after you "screen" it you can modify color / blending etc to adjust it and make it look ok...

What is the program that you are using?

Photoshop CS2. It's written in the title... :S

That tut aint working for me, every time I click on invert my whole thing goes white. And even if I manage to get it to look like the one in the tut when I fiddel with the levels I see no bolt. :S

That tut aint working for me, every time I click on invert my whole thing goes white. And even if I manage to get it to look like the one in the tut when I fiddel with the levels I see no bolt. :S

Are you sure you use difference clouds and not clouds? And are you sure your gradient is black and white?

Personally, I think just downloading brushes is better and easier.

Well somebody had to make those brushes somehow, no? And personally I think knowing a few tricks is better then just relying on brushes.

Originally Posted by the_Predator

Are you sure you use difference clouds and not clouds? And are you sure your gradient is black and white?

well now i cant remember but ill give it another try

EDIT: I done the tut again and still no bolt, i have only used whats listed in the tut and all I see is a bunch of smokey cloud type things... odd is it not?

Well it works fine every time I do it so you must be doing something wrong. :S
Let me check if I wrote something wrong but I doubt it.

A short explanation would be:

Make black and white gradient.
Apply difference clouds.
Invert the colors.
Move the middle arrow in the level adjustment window to the far right.
Colorize it using hue / saturation.

yeah im doing all that but i get to the level bit and no bolt there

Could you please post your progression images? And what you are doing exactly. Because I can't really say whats wrong until I see it...

okidokee ill get them as soon as I can. (probably in a few hours)