Here we go, another Photoshop tutorial. This one will show you how to create a glowing feather type effect that can be used in graphics, websites, signatures,
desktop wallpapers, and anything else you wish. This is an effect that can and should be experimented with to get different looks. I would suggest you don’t create an exact replica of the sample found below, but rather follow the steps to create your own unique work of art. With that said, let’s get started!

Note: I think this was the first tutorial I ever wrote, so be nice! It is still a great effect. You’ll also notice that I did it in Photoshop in Windows. Just to put a mark on it’s age.

Step 1

First, open Photoshop and create a new document. When I created this effect, I used it for a desktop wallpaper.
So mine is 1280×1024, but you can create whatever size you like.

Now double-click on the Background layer and name it “Background” or something similar. Fill it with black. We
will be changing the background later but for now black is fine.

Step 2

Create a NEW LAYER

Use the Brush Tool (B) to draw a small blob in the top of the design. I used a blue-ish color, but you can use whatever you like.

Step 3

Next you’re going to take the Smudge Tool (R) and, using a HARD brush at about 80% strength, start pulling the “blob” down into feather-like structures.
A Wacom Tablet is very useful for this effect, but I created the sample below just fine without one. Just be sure to mess around with your
smudge strength and size.

Tip: Use long, repetitive strokes over the same area to get the right look.

Step 4

Repeat the last two steps as many times as you like on new layers, but using different colors. Pick vibrant colors that compliment eachother well.

Also, experiment with the order, blending mode, and opacity of the layers. Some really cool effects can be created this way. You can also
use a large, soft eraser to allow some areas to show through.

Step 5

Keep adding more feathers in different colors. Also, move them in slightly different directions to create movement in the piece.

Step 6

At this point, I added some Layer Styles to the feathers to create a glowing effect. You can copy the Layer Styles by downloading the sample
at the bottom of this tutorial. However, you will probably need to tweak them a little to fit your design.

Step 7

Now, in my design, it was necessary for me to mess around with the Brightness/Contrast (Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast)
and Saturation (CTRL + U) to get the best effect. This may not be the case with you, but go ahead and give it a try!

Step 8

Now for the background. Create a NEW LAYER right above the Background layer.

Set your foreground color to a color that complements the design. For example, I used a purple for the upper left hand corner.
Now, create a radial gradient from Foreground to transparent and place it in the upper left-hand corner.

Repeat this step for the red gradient at the bottom-right. Set the opacity for both of these layers to about 70%.

Step 9

Create a NEW LAYER above the two radial gradients. Fill it with black (D, ALT + DEL). Set the Foreground color to red and go
to Filter > Render > Difference Clouds. Press CTRL + F to repeat the filter.

Step 10

Now go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur. Set the angle to about 25 and the distance to about 450. Finally, set this layer’s
blending mode to LUMINOSITY and bring the opacity down to about 50%.

Step 11

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. And don’t forget to download the sample file below!

If you try this out, please link me to your results in a comment below. I’d love to see what you can come up with!

Download the PSD

feathers_tutorial.psd