by Didik Wijaya

This is another paper effect created using Photoshop. In this tutorial, you will create crumpled paper effect using Photoshop. This is a simple and short tutorial, but the result is really nice.

1. I begin by creating 500x375 pixel new canvas (File>New). You can create any canvas size you want. Make sure Foreground color is Black and Background color is White (you can set by pressing D in keyboard).

Use Gradient Tool. Activate Diamond Gradient type, and Mode= Difference. The key is in Difference mode. Click and drag on canvas on random direction to create gradient fill. Repeat this process as many as you want, until you get abstract and fuzzy look like image below. With Difference mode, the new gradient will overlay previous gradient.

The result may different based on how many times you add gradient fill, and the direction.

2.To create crumpled paper, add Filter>Stylize>Emboss. Use Angle=135, Height=4, Amount=100%. It looks like crumpled paper now.

3. Create new layer (Ctrl+Shift+N). Fill new layer with any color you want. This color will be used as paper color. Change Blending Mode into Color.

Select both layer (hold Ctrl while selecting), right click at selected layer, and choose Merge Layers (Ctrl+E). The paper now is look a little bit dark.

Next, adjust paper brightness and contrast using Curves (Image>Adjustment>Curves). In opened window, click at the middle of curve and adjust curve like image below.

4. In Layers tab, double click layer to make this layer into editable layer (Layer 0). Create new layer, fill with white color. Move this layer below crumpled paper layer (Layer 0).

Highlight crumpled paper layer and click Add Layer Mask button.

Use Polygonal Lasso Tool to make selection like image below.

5. Invert the selection (Select>Inverse). Fill the selection in layer mask with black color. As you can see, paper with black color in layer mask will be invisible.

6. Add shadow. In Layer tabs, double click paper layer. In opened window, use Drop Shadow. I use Distance=3, and Size=3. Crumpled paper tutorial is finished.

Any question or comments regarding this tutorial should be sent to:
Didik Wijaya, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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