Originally posted by Synotic:
First you simply double click on the styles and it will automatically add it to Photoshop's style palette.
Well see... that's something I didn't know... but it makes sense. =)
DT: Thanks for the layer styles! I enjoyed looking over them and learning a few things as well. If you don't mind I have a few things that piqued my curiosity...
What exactly does the "satin" effect do? When do you decide to use it, what does it add to an effect?
All of these effects are very size dependent. In other words, changing the scale of the image can have a dramatic effect on the way styles work, unless flattened or merged first.
Merging a copy of the style layer into a lower blank transparent layer can be useful at times.
Tip 1 subtle is best.
Tip 2 Life is not perfect... to make something appear real, it needs subtle textures or imperfections.
Satin is an odd one... it sort of recreates the ripple effect of satin. (I think that is the aim)
It does this by, dropping a 'shadow' like effect in along the line of the angle from both the positive and negative direction. (this angle is not related to light angle)
Distance increases how far from the edge the shadow travels
Size effects how fuzzy/sharp the edge of this 'shadow' is.
However, it must be noted that this is
NOT a real shadow. It is an effect designed to add variety. The 'shadow' cancels out when it touches itself, sometimes creating an odd rippled effect.
It can also be inverted... making a negative shadow... or glow.
Do you have any tips for using/making your own gloss contours with the bevel effect? It's another ting I can't make sense of; it seems like it could be useful though for better controlling the bevel.
Contours: You need to treat the bevel contour and the gloss contour quite separately.
Think of the
Bevel Contour as the shape of the bevel. (cross section)
Think of the
Gloss Contour as a bit like reflected light.
eg. Chrome has crazy ripples of light, so create a multi rippled gloss contour.
Lots of trial and error. Tweak it till you like it. =)
Lastly, are there any major differences between the inner glow and inner shadow other than that the shadow can have its distance from an edge changed?
Yes they are quit different.
Inner Shadow only comes in from the direction of the light angle. (like a real shadow) For most realistic effects, use the Global light source.
- Inner Glow comes in from all directions.
- Distance moves the centre of the shadow blur, from the object casting shadow.
- Choke sharpens the blur towards the furthest inner edge of the blur.
- Size expands the size of the shadow blur.
- Quality adjusts the smooth/noise level of the shadow.
- jitter I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine. (probably better)
Excuse all the questions.. don't feel obligated to answer them, they were just things I was thinking about 
no problem =)
.
Top
