10e20 Blog

The distressed, rough design look is in stark contrast to all the glossy gradient styles. This trend definitely has its roots in the streets and expressiveness and can be quite fun to create some funky graphics.

This tutorial is a simple practice in Masking and creating some new Brush settings. You can use this technique as a frame for an image or add it into your designs where you see fit to convey that feeling of raw rebellion. Check out some fine website examples from Design Meltdown.

Step 1. Create a new document and make a new layer with a solid color fill of your choice. If you are working from a photograph or an image you can start with that instead. Basically we will be beginning from what we want to add the grungy frame to, which is our mask.

Step 2. Adding the Layer Mask. Layer Masks are very useful tools that enable you freedom to go back and change the area being masked at anytime. The Layer Mask icon is located on the bottom left side of the layers palette.

Step 3. Select a rough brush to use. You can go in and change the Brush Dynamics by clicking on the brushes tab in the upper right side of the window. All sorts of options can be selected here from Shape Dynamics, Texture and Scattering. Some interesting brushes can be download free here. Play with the options and create something new.

Step 4. Paint along the edges of the frame with the selected brush using the color black. This will mask the solid color layer or image. Use an assortment of brushes to vary the look and effect of the masking, it will give that extra bit of randomness that is essential for any distressed design work.

Apply this technique of masking to any additional images, colored shapes or text in the design. Have fun and get rough with your design!