New Photoshop Tutorial!

[EraserX]

Here's a tutorial I made about displacement mapping in Photoshop. This is based on a t-shirt, but it could be done with scaled creatures, patterns, reflections in water, etc. The possibilities are endless. Anyway, let's get started. Here's the shirt image I'll be using.

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace1.jpg

The first step would be to paste in the pattern, logo, texture, or whatever you want displaced to the file and keep it in it's own layer.

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace2.jpg

After you've done that, make a duplicate file of the exact same dimensions and shade it with a soft airbrush like it's being lit by a head on flash bulb. Make sure any dead area is filled with 50% Black. Save the file as a greyscale .PSD

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace3.jpg

Back on your original file with the layer you plan to displace activated, choose "Displace" from the "Distort" menu under "Filter". Now you need to make an approximate guess of the angle your object is facing so Photoshop knows which direction to distort your image. Here is an example of how Photoshop's grid system works:

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/axis.jpg

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace4.jpg

After you click ok, Photoshop will ask which file you want to displace from. Choose the Grayscale .PSD you just saved and click ok.

Now your layer should be displaced.

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace5.jpg

The next step is to render it with proper lighting in a separate layer. Here's the finished product.

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace6.jpg

[madster]

Something didn't work with your tut...

There's absolutely no displacement of that t-shirt whatsoever. It just looks like you painted some hightlights and shadows on it...a displacement map will distort the subject somewhat. Your before and after show no distortion to simulate "wrapping" of the shape.

Check out these working Displacement tutorials to see Displacement REALLY in action:

http://www.grafx-design.com/14photo.html
http://www.polykarbon.com/tutorials/displacement/displacement.htm


Sometimes, you don't need to reinvent the wheel...

[EraserX]

Maybe you should take a closer look next time.

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace2.jpg
http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace5.jpg

[madster]

I did, that's why I posted.
Dude, take both images and paste 'em into a NEW document as two separate layers. Reduce the opacity of the top one, and you will see NO difference in the design on the shirt, just some painted highlights and shadows. Reverse the layer order and do it again, STILL, NO displacement. just some fading and darker areas.

How close is the viewer supposed to look???

[EraserX]

Is that so? :rolleyes:

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace.gif

[madster]

Too bad you couldn't get that much movement achieved with your tut. That Pen&Pixels design don't move. Period. Put the layers together, click the eye on and off. No difference in the design...no shifting, no displacement. Nice lil' amimation, tho'. Maybe you should write a tut on that, at least it works...

Like I said, your tut does not do anything new or better than what is already successful out there, and doesn't really demonstrate the Displacement filter very well, since it doesn't really work at all. http://scorpius.150m.com/master/smilie/jpshakehead.gif


I'm not blind, nor stupid. I'll stick to the tuts that work, thank you.

Wait a minute. I bet you're kinda new to Photoshop, aren't you? That's why you're reinventing wheels...

[EraserX]

What is your problem? The animation IS of those two layers. The logo IS displaced. Can anyone else give me a hand here? This has to be a joke. I just try to help out a little bit and I get nothing but harrassment from you because you won't look at the two images and see the difference for yourself.

[cartoonfox]

dont worry, i can see that they're two images. :D but they do look similar. maybe you should use a more obvious logo and crease in the t-shirt.

at least you tried, keep it up.

[Blind]

EraserX... for what's it's worth, I can see exactly what you did and it makes sense to me. I admit though, that I did have to compare the first and last image to see the difference at first, but that's only because the example you used in your tutorial isn't a very drastic once. Nonetheless, it's still a good tutorial, and I think it's cool that you took the time to put it together and post it here. That's what the heart of this place is really all about, so don't be discouraged by negative comments. Thanks...

[EraserX]

Thanks guys. I'm glad someone here gets it. The funny thing is, I've posted this at several other forums and this is the first comment I've gotten that nothing changed. I mean, it was intended to be somewheat subtle since most people who use the tutorial will be doing it for the first time. I didn't want to do anything too extreme that would increase the difficulty level.

Anyways, I'm glad the effort wasn't a complete waste.

[infinitipo]

Hey, I noticed the difference the first time. Nice tutorial:)

[EraserX]

I love you!

[Wight Zombie]

Originally posted by EraserX
Maybe you should take a closer look next time.

http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace2.jpg
http://www.pensnpixels.com/postedimages/displace5.jpg

lol if you cant tell the difference between these two images posted clearly for your purusal you need to be lashed with a rubber eraser. its a interesting concept. usually i do logos n shit on hard surfaces like armor or vehicles so i dont find a great use for this but id love to test it out in the future. one of those fun things in photoshop, thx.

[Signature]

EraserX:
If you want to post more tutorials like that and are looking for love you'll be frustrated soon.

Look how extreme the folds in the shirt are.
People who see the slight difference and think it is a good tutorial ...
just don't get what the displacement effenct should look like.

To me it looks as if you just found out how this works and you desperately wanted to share.
That's ok but you should know why some people don't appreciate it
(because this community is not geared to beginners)

Maybe I'm just frustrated today ...
because I don't get the comments I want ...
almost no comments at all ... ;)

[EraserX]

Signature: I'm not asking for anyone's praise and I'm not a noob. The effect was done subtly because I believe subtlety was called for. I played with more extreme displacement and I think this looked the best. If the tutorial doesn't help you, then fine, don't comment. The reason I created the tutorial is that someone asked me how this was done. I created the tutorial to help. I posted it here thinking someone else might find it helpful also. Whether you think it should've been more pronounced or not is your business, but the bottom line is that the tutorial works. BTW, the person who asked me how this was done isn't a beginner either. Then again, most people don't consider displacement mapping a beginner tutorial. Like I said, I'm not asking for anyone's praise, but I don't need you talking down to me either.

BTW, This is about 7 yrs in Photoshop for me. I started with version 2 and have had every version since. In a typical week, I use Photoshop around 60 hrs...so yes, I'm just new to Photoshop and anxious to show off. You caught me.

[Signature]

I think the tutorial will be bad for newbies who think:
I followed the tutorial. Does my stuff kick ass already?
That's why I reply.

It's pretty much like: "for realistic lighting add lensflare"-advice.

There should at least be a disclaimer that people should know what they are doing when they use filters like that.
Look at the disclaimer there:
http://www.polykarbon.com/tutorials/displacement/displacement.htm

You see the strong fold and how the image reacts to it?
http://www.andyart.de/images/overpaints/displace_where_i_dont_see_it.jpg
Exactly it doesn't.
That's not a matter of preference.

You might not be new to this ... still you don't know how it's done correctly.
Or at least it doesn't show.

[EraserX]

I disagree. I don't think this at all relates to lensflares and filter whoring. So you think I should've made a sharper edge to displace with? That's perfectly fine. If you were trying this tutorial for yourself, you could make those changes on your own. Personally, I don't think it's called for, but who really cares what either of us think. The tutorial shows the basic steps of displacement and how to do it. The way they use it is at their discretion. I'm not saying praise me for my perfect image. I'm saying these are the basics of displacement mapping. I'm sorry if you don't get the replies what you want when you post, but maybe that has more to do with the quality of work your posting and less to do with me. If you wish to prove you're that much better than me, than do it in a civilized way by just ignoring my threads.

[Signature]

All I'm saying is that a disclaimer is missing.
You say now that it just shows the basic steps.
It's not part of your tutorial yet.

If you write tutorials you have a responsibility.

[EraserX]

Please tell me you're kidding? You think that every time a tutorial is posted that someone could possibly use incorrectly, the author is required by some invisible code of digital art ethics to put a disclaimer? There will always be noobs and some of them will always misunderstand things or use them incorrectly. I will not put up a disclaimer the same way you did not put a disclaimer before starting your conversation that your work doesn't back up your mouth. Some people can figure things out on their own.

[Signature]

I'd really like to hear more opinions on that.

I think you too are a victim of such tutorials and there are many others.
There are a lot of tutorials from artists who know what they are doing.

Weirdly I never thought any of them wrote one in a careless way.


I will not put up a disclaimer the same way you did not put a disclaimer before starting your conversation that your work doesn't back up your mouthSorry I guess my English is not good enough to understand what you are talking about there!?

[EraserX]

Look, this is the section of the forum dedicated to helping people. This is not critiques or debates, it's tutorials. I posted because I wanted to help. Why did you post? You seem very quick to criticize, but I don't see any work from you that backs up what you're saying.

If anyone sees this thread and actually decides to try the tutorial despite the ugly argument and thread hijacking, I hope it helps you. If you already know how to do it or would've done it differently, then you probably don't need my help, but I still appreciate you taking the time to look. Either way, all I'm trying to do is help.

[Signature]

I said that you should add a disclaimer ...
mention that people should know what they do to use the tutorial properly.

You just say my art is bad and I lack credibility!?
Is there anything particular you don't like?

Was my critique more constructive or yours?

Of course the tutorial won't always be used wisely.
If you add a disclaimer it will be the other artists fault.
And maybe it won't happen that often.
If you don't add one it's (at least partly) your fault.

I replied because I wanted to help too. Not to criticize you.

[EraserX]

I didn't say that your art was bad. I said it didn't back up what you were saying. You tell me I'm a result of bad tutorials, yet I see nothing in your gallery but quick paintings copied directly from reference. If you want to give constructive criticism when I post my artwork, I'm more than welcome to it...but right now, all I've done is post some basic steps that simplify a process most Photoshop users (that I know of) aren't that familiar with. My tutorial is not "Why you should use a displacement map", it is "How to make a displacement map". I am not offering a college credited course or charging for a service. I am giving away free information that any user can take or leave. If they take it and don't understand the purpose of what they're doing or fundemental principles, then they have a lot more problems than what can be blamed on me anyway.

[Signature]

Look at the first posts again.
They say that the filter improves the image if it is different after you use it.


My tutorial is not "Why you should use a displacement map", it is "How to make a displacement map".
If you'd stress that it would be the perfect disclaimer.
You'd be out of the woods.

[EraserX]

Look at the first posts again.
They say that the filter improves the image if it is different after you use it.

Huh? Where is that?


You'd be out of the woods.

Funny thing is, the only tree in sight is you.

[Blind]

Maybe something got lost in translation here? Sig... you're way off base with this. This is a forum. It's for saying what you want, gathered around a similar topic: art. Nowhere does it say that everything you say must be correct or otherwise noted with a disclaimer. That's absolutely ridiculous. I've been using PS for nearly a decade, but I never had cause to use something like displacement mapping. I found this short tutorial interesting. Will I ever use it? Probably not... that's not what I use PS for. But I don't need some friggin' disclaimer to tell me "This might not be the best way to do it, lest you become the victim of bad filter whoring..." I think I'm smart enough to make my own decision there, but thanks for policing the forums for Newbs who might fall into that trap. I think you need to slowly back away from the PC the next time you get an urge to make a reply like this.

[Signature]

Blind:
Thanks for your reply.
Ok. I'll only post replies like that in the Middle class then in the future.
The next time I'll stop after mentioning that the effect was not used as it should be used.

Sure I didn't think the tutorial it bad for artists like you.

[EraserX]

Grow up.

[chao]

OMG.. what's happening here???

EraserX: i think your tutorial is useful.. and of course!!! i can see the different between the two images.. who doesn't?:D ah.. people these days... :rolleyes: anyway.. great works on the tutorials (in your website).. looking forward for your new coloring job!:chug:

[Chromo48]

:rolleyes: LOL... man what is with some people!? It was a fun read though.

Nice tut. Eraser.

[Signature]

I don't get it. All I said was that the filter wasn't used properly in the tutorial.
New users who read it get a wrong impression of how difficult it is to actually create coherent pieces of art.
I think it would have taken 5 minutes to add a disclaimer.
I didn't insult anybody ... I only critiqued the tutorial.
And I said clearly why I have this opinion.

EraserX obviously can't take critiques.

I can't see how this has anything to do with what I like to paint/draw.
But people have to write shitty answers just so be COOL!?




Grow up.WTF?
Yeah how can people possibly critique a tutorial that must have consumed almost an hour of his life.

EraserX, chao, Chromo48:
suffer while you live and burn in hell later!

[EraserX]

That was mature.

[pixelherder]

Saw the tut - thought it was a nice tip, and a bit surprised by the reaction you got....a bit harsh in my opinion to say the least

So thanks again, i hope it doesnt discourage you from contributing in the future.

[chao]

EraserX, chao, Chromo48:
suffer while you live and burn in hell later!
[/emotion]


Maybe I'm just frustrated today ...
because I don't get the comments I want ...
almost no comments at all ...

Signature: man.. are you for real, here? come on.. don't be so in the bad mood if people hardly comment in your art posts... just practice more and you'll be okay... i'm ok if nobody reply in my art post (a bit sad, but not mad).. i'll keep drawing to improve... anywayy...

[AndyT]

Maybe I'm just frustrated today ...
because I don't get the comments I want ...
almost no comments at all ...That was before people started commenting on something else I've witten ...
it was not because people didn't comment on my art.
Everything I said was what I thought was reasonable.

The later comments had nothing to do with it.

And the asshole shows no respect whatsoever. And people take his side!? :rolleyes:

The "Grow up." comment was totally uncalled for.

...whatever...

[EraserX]

Why two names? Anyway, I shortened the line that was causing a little problem.

If you're interested in critiqueing something, it's more than welcome on art. Here'a current WIP if you're interested:

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=114649#post114649

[DeathOfRats]

People like signature are the reason why folks rarely post tutorials in here. Geesh, if you people get so bent up over a simple displacement tutorial, why bother posting anything else? Man, the egos of the folks on these boards..crazy.

EraserX, thanks for the tutorial. If anything it made me realize that you could do stuff like that with photoshop. I didn't know you could. Thanks man. Keep it up.

[Signature]

Another asshole :rolleyes:
Look I said that I should have stopped after mentioning that the filter isn't used properly.
And I meant it. Now I wished I had used the PM system.

Just wanted to say that I get what madster meant and that it's not as ridiculous as EraserX thinks.

I didn't think it was a big deal that I mention this.
Most artists I know are modest enough to understand why people write comments like that.
Instead of insulting the artist they say even-tempered why they disagree.
EraserX made a big deal out of it. I didn't see that coming.
I guess we have a different background.

People like me try to help people ... say where they can find free webhosts ...
how they can link images and where they find tutorials.
Look at my posts here as Signature and AndyT ... and at Sijun as AndyT.
That's why the "GROW UP" comment really got to me.

EraserX: I don't know what line you shortened/changed!?

[EraserX]

This is getting really old. I think it's obvious who the asshole really is here. You started out by coming in here and calling me a noob and the example you used was THE BEFORE SHOT. Do you have any clue? Obviously there are people who appreciated this tutorial. So you're not one of them, BIG DEAL. Just go find something else to amuse yourself with. You've hijacked my thread and turned it into a childish debate over nothing. Even if everyone did agree with you (which they don't) what's the point in arguing? This isn't about helping anyone out. It's about you acting like a kid. If you really think my tutorial is that bad, don't sit here and argue about it, go make a better one. It's obvious that your intention isn't to help anyone. I gave you a link to a post where I was actually looking for critiques and SURPRISE, nothing from you. You're obviously not here for any productive reason at all and I don't need the headache of arguing with a childish amateur.

[digitalgannon]

Boy, im alittle afraid to comment on this post, alot of agression. Concept art should place you two in the thunderdome, let you right it out. After reading all the replys here is my 2 cents, which i know aint much but here it is: I like your tutorial X, it is always cool to see new ways of creating an effect. Every tutoial is just a way to share what works for you, and what others could benifit from. For that TY TY TY. Signature i agree only in the fact that after the displacement was applied very little displacement was evident, thought the finished product would be more drastic, but never the less it did change. I also went to each of your sites, and X nice stuff man! i like ur webpage lay-out, and alot of your work is fun to look at, it reminds me of Ramos's style. I also view the Beebop thread, and that was fun to look at, though didnt look to be the same quality as your other work- tho i understand its unfinished. Signature i then went to your site, i figured w/ all this critt, you must be pretty darn good, atleast at Digi painting. upon visiting your site i was surprised. Most of your digital work seems unfinished, with just basic colors thrown down, no real detail. Alot of refrence work too. I can just suggest to finish these pieces, add the detail, and maybe draw from your own imagination- i know buffy can inspire alot of cool stuff! Ok, i think this is the most i have written ever on here...i could write more but is 2:30am here and im friggin tired...time to find a job (any employers out there looking for a digital ar....zzzzzzzzzzzzz)

[plaf]

the tutorial had value for me in as far as it made me aware of the possibility of doing displacements in photoshop... didn't know you could do that (never needed it)
- but now that i do, if the need for it ever arises, it's one more technique to bring out of memory and apply to the task at hand. which is great.

so yeah.. i thought it was helpful. i don't know what the **** is going on in this thread, but it's made me think twice about posting some of my own photoshop tuts.

[Signature]

EraserX: don't read there's nothing new in this reply ... just a waste of time really.

plaf: If you read my replies carefully you'll see that I changed my mind.
Maybe I'll post some tutorials myself since people think there can't be any harm ...
and because there seem to be many interested people who don't know the "famous" tutorials that already exist.

digitalgannon: I didn't think only great artist may reply.
The response to madster's post bothered me I wanted to say that he has a point.
I know a lot because I read a lot. Expecting that my work kicks ass doesn't make sense.

You guys just don't want to read what I actually wrote.
You just pick some lines that make up a scandal if you combine them. :rolleyes:

[plaf]

well, i just read the whole thread last night. that's why i replied - i just wanted to say what I got out of the tutorial. same as pixelherder and others - it made me aware of something. wohey!

as for this:

"there seem to be many interested people who don't know the "famous" tutorials that already exist"

i'd answer : of course. but does that matter?
if i personally discovered something new, why should it be a problem that i tell the person next to me at the office. he might already know it, he might not - in any case, sharing knowledge is one of the most important things in life. it helps you grow, it helps others grow, everyone is happy. who cares if someone else made the same discovery as you 5 years ago and shared his knowledge in a similar way? doesn't that just mean that what you're both doing is good and that it works? and furthermore, doesn't it say something about YOU that you discovered it without being told?

as for not wanting to read what you wrote and taking things out of context, i disagree that I did any such thing. but how's this:


You might not be new to this ... still you don't know how it's done correctly.

- not combined out of different sentences, not doctored in any way ...and i think it's a rather harsh thing to say. in my opinion you should have been a bit more subtle in your critique - people get offended easily in writing when there's no body language to offer compensation for harsh words. which is, i think, what started this whole thread going nasty in the first place.

anyway. that's my 25 cents. i can see this thing's been carried on for ages so i'll just leave it be now.

but you know that an apology goes a long way when you've been rude, don't you?

all the best

[Signature]

I have been more subtle. I wrote

Or at least it doesn't show.
And that makes a difference.

It doesn't if people don't want to read and/or get it though.
And I mentioned why I made it sound harsh ...
and that I thought that you have some responsibility when you teach other people ...
and that I didn't see that coming ...
I was careless because something like that never happened before.

Even after pointing that out all EraserX has to say is that I wasted his time.
And everybody else just ignored those points.
That's why I don't think I'm immature or have to apologize.

Now you wrote

but it's made me think twice about posting some of my own photoshop tuts.
Yeah. Somebody might tell you that you could add a disclaimer.
Shiver ... how scary is that?

[plaf]

okay, i'll just try one last time then :

i can see that's how you view the situation - but can't you just face the fact that people PERCEIVED what you said as being rude?
as for the disclaimer thing, i don't want to comment on it.

lighten up! it's a good day outside, it's sunday! i'm going back to being lazy now.


all the best
/moe

[bustabustu]

EraserX:
nice tut and it gets a point across. The fact that your animated gif is 2 layers is not true. You've 4. All and all nice tut. You got your point across and if any noob where to go through the steps he would end up with the same result. Is that not what a tutorial is?

Signature:
STFU, god a I hate little bitches. You're just arguing because you can. It's of no benefit to continue this argument. You're wrong for your comments and need to leave this alone.

Side note:
4.1 stars for EraserXs website and work

2.3 stars for Signatures website and work

I think my trust for talent goes to EraserX

[Signature]

I didn't bump this thread.

Do you have a clue? No you don't.
I'm constantly trying to help people.
Have you seen my comments?
My posts in the middle class? In the lounge? My posts at Sijun?

I just keep replying here because I can't leave the ignorant posts here uncommented.

Yeah I wouldn't give my work a star either. That is not the point.

EraserX's website and work gets 4 or 5 stars ... fine.
The tutorial doesn't.


and if any noob where to go through the steps he would end up with the same result. Is that not what a tutorial is?No that is not what a tutorial is ....
or at least it shouldn't be.

[bustabustu]

0,0

If a person has learned at least one thing from a tutorial then they're one step closer to mastering that program. If you can't see this then you need to re-evaluate what you perceive as learning. Any further comments will fall on deaf ears. Please don't waist your time.

[Signature]

Ok then not for you but for others who read this later:

I changed my mind and said that I won't comment like that again.
Bustabustu obviously didn't bother to read what I wrote ...

Obviously I'm the only one who takes this seriously.
Others just keep poking and think ... let's see what he writes/does next.
Please stop doing this guys ... thanks!

[PoX]

Well no wonder this place has no tutorials, those who dare post them are crucified.

[EraserX]

heheh...too bad I couldn't ever convince a mod to clean this thread up for me.

[Signature]

I can delete my posts ... and you yours.
You can ask the others if they can remove theirs.
Should I start deleting?

PoX: You are either blind or dumb if you don't find many tutorials here. And you didn't bother to read what I wrote ... obviously.

[PoX]

Don't delete anything eraserX, its all evidence and proof of him acting like a total bitch. Let everyone see his chilidish hatred of a superior artist. I look forward to your next tute eraser.

[Signature]

Let Manley make it a sticky thread in the Best Of CA forum :rolleyes:
... add a link to static sites with the whole discussion. I don't care.

My offer stands. Why no reply EraserX?

There were about 3 posts by me that were actually extreme.
But I had reasons. And I wrote them about 6 times already.
And I read NOT ONE REPLY why they are not valid ...
Just "you still suck!", "you are wrong that is all" and so on.

The first posts were a discussion. Not a crucifixion ...

[plaf]

i dunno.. i thought my reply was fairly objective and sensible. i read the whole thread before replying, so don't insult me by saying that i don't know, understand or care what you wrote.

bottom line : what's your problem? eraserX tries to help out some people - i for one found this tut interesting and educational - you don't acknowledge that, but offer unconstructive, harsh criticism.

is what I think anyway.



all the best.

[Signature]

In your reply you ignored everything I wrote as a direct response to your earlier reply.
Let me guess what you thought:
"Don't want to think ... people don't like Signature ... don't have to take this seriously."?

[plaf]

signature... you're a pedant. and you just proved once again why everyone else in this thread calls you a jerk.

i'll just abandon this thread methinks.

[EraserX]

This was beyond pointless a long time ago. If a moderator sees fit to clean this thread up, I would appreciate it. If not, I'm not going to delete my posts. The point has already been argued, so I'm not going to restate anything. I'm not at all embarassed of any of my comments. I just hate the fact that a potentially useful thread has been so tainted because of you. If you feel the need to reply to this (since you obviously can't just let it go) feel free. Unless this thread gets cleaned up by a mod, this is my last post in it.