How to create this effect (see image)

[DanSaxton]

Hi everyone,

I want to use the effect you can see on the attached image and wondered if anyone could give me some advice please?

I want to do the same, but on a city outline - i've tried using a 'connected particle' brush and 'outer glow', but it's just not right.

many thanks in advance,

Dan

 

[IamSam]

Hey Dan.

I can think of several ways to accomplish this type of effect, but none will be easy. It's going to take some effort on your part.

Without experimenting and just based on observation, I would guess that this was done using a simple round soft brush in multiple (grouped) layers with different amounts of brush size and glows added with layer styles.

Smaller brush size for the basic outline, then changing to larger sizes.


In the upper left hand corner, a big soft brush was used and then blurred. I think a template was used as guide for the facial outline and then turned off. I don't think a layer mask was used.
Great effect! May just take some work to duplicate. I don't think it would take that long............maybe just tedious.

edit: Very fast test......

 

[DanSaxton]

thanks Sam - i'll give that a go, it looks just right to me!
just need to figure out the glow settings.
Dan

 

[DanSaxton]

finally managed to put something together....

didn't get the glow right - what did you use?

 

[IamSam]

didn't get the glow right - what did you use?

Two things can influence the outer glow.

The hardness/softness of the brush settings....


....and then the "outer Glow" effect settings of the layer style.




All of which should be experimented with until you get the right look you desire.

 

[polarwoc]

finally managed to put something together....

Nice attempt overall.

For the outline, it might be good to give the dots more spacing so it does not appear to be a line - especially considering there is already a gradient to differentiate the buildings skyline from the sky. For the glow, you could change the colour of the glow to a contrasting one - perhaps yellow. If it is too striking, you can always tone it down at opacity slider.

Here is a quick attempt made using scattering of brushes:

I should have used some hardness in Shape Dynamics so the dots look more distinct.

 

[DanSaxton]

yea, i think i did the outline too small - thanks for the tips guys!