Tutorial – Rupert Grint Header

Click for larger

Want to be able to make a header in the same style as the one above? It is actually quite easy. Read on! Remember to click each thumbnail for a larger preview.

Step One
This step is very very easy, we just crop our main base onto our canvass (I chose a 700X500 canvass). The image I chose is this one. Remember that this tutorial will most likely look the best if you choose one with a darker background.

Step Two
Here we add lighting effects. In photoshop, go Filter > Render > Lighting Effects…, keeping the style as “default”, and changing “spotlight” (light type) to “omni“. Change the intensity to around 21. You can also move the circle on the preview to change where the spotlight is on (suggested on your subject). If you’re lost, this is what the menu should look like. Press “ok” and you’re set. If this is your first time playing with the technique, I’d suggest duplicating your base and play around for a bit.

Step Three
Now that your base is properly set, duplicate it, setting it to lighten. Then transform (ctrl + t) it so the layer is smaller, and move it to the side of the subject in your base. Once you’re happy with the sides, erase the edges of the second layer, or remove anything that looks out of place. You can merge these layers if you wish, there is no need to keep them separate.

Step Four
This step is basically colouring. I used this tutorial, modifying it slightly. You can choose whatever colouring best suits your image, or whatever colouring you personally like.

Step Five
Now we add a texture. Take this texture, setting it above your base, transforming it and set to screen, 100% opacity. You may change the opacity depending on your base.

Step Six
The image still looks a little bare, so we can add another texture. Take this texture, and transform it to cover the whole image. It probably looks very pixilated, so what we’ll do it go Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, and set the radius to 4.6. Select “ok” and set the layer to screen, 100% opacity.

Step Seven
This step is basically finishing off the banner. I’ve added some text (his name & some tiny text underneath it), and then sharpened the base. Again, you can do whatever suits your image best.

Variation – Click for larger

Remember that these steps are only a guideline and you can change them however you wish. And if you want, e-mail me what you’ve made with this tutorial, I’d love to see your results!