Create Stunning Engraved Money Effect in Photoshop!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating the Texture
   • Step 1: Creating a Small Document
   • Step 2: Applying Filters
   • Step 3: Defining the Pattern
3. Applying the Texture
   • Step 1: Creating a New Document
   • Step 2: Filling with Pattern
   • Step 3: Distorting the Texture
4. Enhancing the Engraved Effect
   • Step 1: Applying the Engraved Texture
   • Step 2: Adjusting Blending Mode and Opacity
   • Step 3: Applying the Ripple Filter
5. Refining the Illustration
   • Step 1: Smoothing the Image with Oil Paint
   • Step 2: Adjusting Shadows and Highlights
   • Step 3: Creating a Copy
   • Step 4: Applying Oil Paint Filter Again
6. Customizing the Engraved Effect
   • Step 1: Masking Unwanted Areas
   • Step 2: Transforming and Scaling
   • Step 3: Rotating to Match Curves
   • Step 4: Fine-tuning Lighting with Levels
   • Step 5: Adjusting Fill and Opacity
7. Adding Color with Gradient Map
8. Adding a Weathered Texture
9. Additional Graphic Elements
10. Conclusion

Creating a Engraved Dollar Bill Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a realistic engraved dollar bill effect in Photoshop using a special texture. The engraved effect can transform your photos and artwork, giving them a unique and artistic look.

Step 1: Creating a Small Document

To begin, we will create a small document measuring 10 pixels high by 10 pixels wide. Set the color mode to grayscale and the background color to white. Zoom in using the command or control 0 shortcut.

Step 2: Applying Filters

Using the marquee tool (shortcut: M), select the top half of the image, ensuring it is exactly 5 pixels high. Invert the selection by using the command or control I shortcut. Under the Filter menu, choose Blur, then Box Blur, and set the value to 4 pixels. Finally, go to the Edit menu, select Define Pattern, and click OK to save the pattern.

Step 3: Defining the Pattern

Create a new document with larger dimensions, such as 6000 by 6000 pixels. Set the color mode to grayscale. Use the Edit menu, select Fill, and choose Pattern as the fill content. Select the pattern we just created and click OK. Apply the Distort filter by going to Filter, then Distort, and choose Wave. Set the wave type to sine, the number of generators to 1, the wavelength to 149 and 150, the amplitude to 49 and 50, and the scale to 49 and 50. Click OK to apply the filter.

Step 4: Applying the Engraved Texture

Copy the created texture to the clipboard by selecting all (shortcut: command or control A) and copy (shortcut: command or control C). Create a new solid color layer from the Fill and Adjustment Layers menu, and set the color to 50% gray. Option-click or alt-click on the mask of this layer to enter the mask view mode. Paste the texture (shortcut: command or control V) into the mask. Rotate the texture 90 degrees clockwise by right-clicking and selecting Rotate 90 Degrees Clockwise. Exit mask view mode and set the layer's opacity to 90%.

Step 5: Adjusting Blending Mode and Opacity

Merge the two layers into a single layer by using the command or control E shortcut. Apply the Ripple filter by going to Filter, then Distort, and choose Ripple. Set the amount to 15% and the size to large. Set the blending mode of this layer to Hard Mix to enhance the engraved effect. Adjust the fill value to around 85 or 90 to maintain the desired softness and black-and-white quality.

Step 6: Refining the Illustration

To further enhance the engraved effect, we will work on the original image. Apply the Oil Paint filter by going to Filter, then Stylize, and choose Oil Paint. Maximize all the values at 10, but turn off the lighting feature. Use the Image menu, select Adjustments, then Shadows/Highlights, and adjust the shadows and highlights to flatten the image. Create a copy of this layer using the command or control J shortcut. Reapply the Oil Paint filter to the copy and repeat it multiple times for a smoother effect. Use the brush tool (shortcut: B) with a soft brush (hardness set to 0) to paint black into the mask, hiding unwanted areas and revealing details.

Step 7: Adding Color with Gradient Map

To add color to the engraved effect, use the Gradient Map adjustment layer. Choose a gradient that suits your desired color scheme, such as greens and weathered cream. Adjust the gradient to your liking, considering vintage browns or psychedelic colors.

Step 8: Adding a Weathered Texture

For a weathered texture overlay, use free textures available at texturelabs.org or any other source. Copy and paste the texture onto your image and adjust the blending mode to screen. This will give your image a worn and textured appearance.

Step 9: Additional Graphic Elements

Experiment with additional graphic elements to enhance the overall design. Consider adding an outer glow or sun rays to make the image more visually appealing and intriguing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an engraved dollar bill effect in Photoshop is a creative and artistic way to transform your photos and artwork. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this tutorial, you can achieve a realistic engraved effect with customized colors and additional graphic elements. Start exploring your creativity and enjoy the endless possibilities of this effect.

Highlights

• Learn how to create a realistic engraved dollar bill effect in Photoshop
• Transform your photos and artwork with a unique and artistic look
• Step-by-step guide with detailed instructions and visuals
• Customize the engraved effect with colors and additional graphic elements
• Enhance the overall design with weathered textures, gradient maps, and more

FAQ

Q: Can I apply the engraved dollar bill effect to any image?
A: Yes, you can apply this effect to any image using the provided tutorial. However, images with high contrast and distinct features will yield better results.

Q: Is this effect suitable for both print and digital projects?
A: Absolutely! The engraved dollar bill effect can be used for various creative projects, including print designs, digital graphics, and artwork.

Q: Can I modify the color scheme of the engraved effect?
A: Yes, you can easily customize the color scheme by adjusting the gradient map layer. Feel free to experiment with different colors to achieve the desired look.

Q: Are there any additional filters or effects I can apply to enhance the engraved effect even further?
A: Yes, you can explore different filters and effects in Photoshop to further enhance the engraved effect. Experimentation is encouraged to create unique and visually appealing results.