Adding Depth to 2D Images

Tutorial in Basics, Designing, Drawing, Effects, Goodies

This is a great trick when it comes to simulating 2D graphics’ depth. 2D arts might result too “flat”. For that reason, with this tutorial you will learn to add depth to the said images using ((Gaussean Blur)).

Open the new document (400×300px and transparent background).

Fill in the layer with white.

Then go to ((Layer))-((Layer Style))-((Gradient Overlay)).

Use the following colors: #444444 y #707070.

Create a ((New Layer)).

You can also apply a Shape or graphic you want to apply depth to. In this case, I used the Design Owners and Camino Creativo pen.

Draw 2 graphics. They must be in 3 different layers and must have different sizes. Why? Because, in theory, one will be behind the other, which will add the depth.

Create a ((New Layer)).

With ((Elliptical Marquee Tool)), trace the pen’s shade. Fill it in with black.

Apply ((Filter))-((Blur))-((Gaussean Blur)) to the shadow.

Duplicate the shadow layer 2 times (Ctrl + J) and, with Ctrl + T, reduce the size, depending on the pen’s size.

Now join each pen with its respective shadow. Select the pen and shadows’ layer. Now press Ctrl + E or go to ((Layer))-((Merge Layers)) to unify them. Do the same with the remaining pens. Take a look at the layers menu in the following image.