Supplies:
Tube of choice
PI2 - Make Me Smile Template - HERE
NOTE: I use PSP X - if you use another version you may need to make adjustments.
Let's Begin:
This tutorial uses the manual color correction (MCC). If you do not have this function on your toolbar - this is how you can add it.
Click VIEW - the CUSTOMIZE
Click COMMANDS tab at the top - then click ALL COMMANDS at the bottom.
On the right hand side you will see icons and a list of all the functions available.
Scroll down until you locate MANUAL COLOR CORRECTION
With your mouse - drag this item up to your toolbar. Now you may close this window. You now have easy access to this function.
Open the template - duplicate - close the original and delete the credits layer.
Open your tube and choose several colors or complimentary colors - I made a color chart so that I had easy access when changing colors.
I prefer to copy and paste my tube - resize and position first. Just so I can see what colors I want around the tube so that it compliments the tube the best. As always, this is just a personal preference and a tut is just a guideline - please do what works best for you!!!!!
I set my foreground and background to 2 color choices.
I also start on the bottom layer - again, just my preference, and X-out all the other template layers - so I have a full view of the layer I am working on.
With the bottom layer activated - click the MCC button
The first thing you need to do is set the color for the right box - so take your mouse over the template layer and click. Since this layer is a gradient layer - there are several choices - I usually choose a light to middle tone. Now I need to set the color I want the layer to become. Click the TARGET box - right click - the palette opens - choose the color you wish. Click ok.
If you are not happy with that selection - click the undo button and select a different TARGET color.
Activate and un-X the next layer up - and repeat the above with another color choice. Remember to change the SOURCE color if the template color is different, before selecting your TARGET color.
You can change the blend mode and even lower the opacity.
This is what my template looks like after these first 2 steps:
Continue this process with each layer until you are happy with the look.
Add a drop shadow to your tube.
Add any filters or techniques you wish - experiment and enjoy being creative!!!
Add your copyright and license information. Merge and save !!!!
Video - Chicago - Make Me Smile
