85 Best Photoshop Tutorials From 2012

• November 19th, 2012
• Photoshop

Every year as the years start to wind down, we like to recap the best photoshop tutorials, which were published at some point in 2012. This roundup consists of a great collection of a variety of different types of tutorials, for enhancing your design skills.

The design tutorials consists of cool text effects to cool photo manipulations. You may be a photoshop veteran user or a beginner, never the less I’m sure theres a tutorial in the roundup to wet your appetite.

Remember you can never stop learning try out one of these design tutorials, and expand your design repertoire today.

I hope you like the tutorials featured, and you’re more than welcome to share your favorite tutorials from the roundup, or any other great tutorials we may have missed which were created in 2012.

1. How To Create Your Own Judge Dredd Badge Design

One of the biggest movies  is the Judge Dredd remake, which is obviously the inspiration for this tutorial. Follow this step by step guide to create yourself an awesome judge’s badge design with Adobe illustrator and Photoshop. You’ll create the basic artwork in Illustrator before moving over to Photoshop for colouring and texturing.

2. How to Create a Lighter Illustration from Scratch in Photoshop

In the following tutorial your will learn how to create a lighter illustration from scratch in Photoshop.

3. Quick Tip: Create a Shiny, Gold, Old World Text Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial it will show you how to create a shiny, gold, old world text effect using layer styles in Photoshop.

4. Create a Diablo III Inspired Text Effect in Photoshop

If you’re a big fan of playing video games, then you are probably aware of the release of Diablo III. The Diablo franchise has been a popular video game title for over a decade. In this tutorial, we will explain how to create a Diablo-inspired text effect in Photoshop.

5. Design a Unique Wooden Face with Fiery Eye and Tear in Photoshop

In this Photoshop tutorial, It will show you the steps It took to Design a Unique Wooden Face with Fiery Eye and Tear in Photoshop. This is an intermediate level tutorial so some steps can be tricky, but why not have a try!

6. Quick Tip: Create a Metallic Copper Text Effect Using Layer Styles in Photoshop

In this tutorial it will explain how to create a metallic copper text effect using layer styles in Photoshop.

7. How to create Colorful Abstract Fantasy Background in Photoshop

In the following Quick Tip tutorial you will learn how to use Custom shapes, Brush Tool, and Gradients in Adobe Photoshop CS5 to create smooth and colorful abstract background.

8. Quick Tip: Create a Neon Text Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial I will show you how to make a neon text effect in Photoshop using layer styles and textures.

9. Easy X-Ray Typography in Photoshop

So in this tutorial It will show you how to create a simple x-ray effect of a letter, in this case the Abduzeedo logo A. The whole process is quite simple but it will require a couple of hours to pull it off.

10. Draw a Detailed Printer Illustration From Scratch in Photoshop

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed printer illustration.

11. Give Your Photos a Fast and Simple Instagram Effect

You all know how much fun Instagram can be. Adding some really stunning effects to your smartphone images in the click of a button is great. But adding them in Photoshop can also be fast and simple, if you know the right moves. Lets take a quick look at how to accomplish an easy “Instagram Look” in just a few steps.

12. Design a “Texts Drop in Water” Typography Effect in Photoshop

In this Photoshop tutorial, I will show you the steps I took to Design a “Letter Drops into Water” Typographic Effect in Photoshop. This is intermediate level Photoshop tutorial, have a try!

13. Quick Tip: Create a Cookie Text Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial you will explain how to create a cookie text effect using layer styles and textures in Photoshop.

14. Create a Retro-Futuristic Space Poster in Photoshop

I recently watched the movies Alien & Aliens and marvelled at each movie’s cover art, which gave me the inspiration for this tutorial. Both movies have a futuristic theme but this is combined with heavy grain from the outdated print techniques, creating that awesome retro-futuristic style. Follow this step by step Photoshop tutorial to create your own space themed poster design with intense lighting effects and distressed textures.

15. Holographic Effect Tutorial

In this tutorial I’ll be showing you how to create a holograph effect straight out of a science fiction movie.

16. Create a Polished 3D Gold Bars Text Effect

A great gold text effect tutorial using layer styles.

17. Quick Tip: Create Light Leaks and Lomo Effects Using Actions in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial, you will explain how to create light leaks and lomo effects for you photos using actions in Photoshop.

18. The Dark Knight Rises Stencil Effect in Photoshop

So in this tutorial you will create a stencil and spray effect using basic filters and some brushes. The technique is very simple and I am sure you will use it in your future projects.

19. Create an Easy Smoke Type Effect Using the Smudge Tool

Recently I was in need of a method to create a quick smoke effect for an ad that included text within the puffs of smoke. I found that the effect could be easily created by using the Smudge Tool in Photoshop to distort the text around the smoke. Let’s take a look at how this can be accomplished.

20. Create a Flowing Vexel Illustration in Photoshop

In this tutorial you will use vexel techniques to create an intense, flowing illustration using abstract shapes.

21. How to Draw a Steering Wheel and Dashboard in Photoshop

In this tutorial you will explain how to create a car steering wheel and dashboard in Photoshop using vector shapes, layer styles, and a bit of painting.

22. Design a Retro Inspired Sci-Fi Film Poster

Oh how I love vintage film posters, especially sci-fi genre. The artwork and the typography are always fun to look at, and often times the posters are better than the actual films. Lets take a look at how we can create our own sci-fi inspired film poster in Photoshop.

23. Create Glossy, Plastic, 3D Text in Photoshop CS5 Extended

This tutorial will explain how to use Repoussé inside Photoshop CS5 to create an amazing 3D text effect, without the need for any other 3D software. Many different material values will be modified to accomplish the final result, and some adjustment layers will be used to enhance the outcome as well.

24. Learn How to Photo Manipulate the Colorful Portrait ‘Transcendental’

This tutorial will guide you on how to turn a plain portrait into a unique, colorful and complex piece of art. You will learn how to modify resources and blend them into the piece, as well as adjustment layers and masking techniques.

25. How To Create a Movie Style Photo Effect in Photoshop

Everyone loves photo effects, especially those that are super easy to create and really transform your photos. Today we’re going to take a look at retouching a photo to create a cool cinematic movie effect with high contrast and blueish tones.

26. Create an Evil Queen in Photoshop

In this tutorial we will create the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves using digital painting techniques in Photoshop.

27. Create an Advanced Reflective Clear Layer Style in Photoshop

Learn a fast and professional technique to create an Advanced Reflective Clear Style in Photoshop from scratch. Layer Effects and Styles are very versatile in nature because of their flexibility and editable nature. Another advantage is they are reusable. After creating a complex style you can save it and use it later on other projects. Moreover if we combine multiple Layer Styles then it is possible to create some really complex looking layer effects, but still maintaining each components editable nature. So if you are new to Photoshop or maybe using it for some times but still wondering about Layer Styles and how to control them effectively then this is for you.

28. Photoshop Quick Tip: Ultra Glossy Text Effect

Really shiny beveled text is cool, and eye catching. When I come across effects like this I always stop and try to identify the layer styles that were used to achieve the look. The fact is you can create a very complex look with just a few layer styles. In this Quick Tip, I’ll show you just how easy it can be.

29. How to Create a Cassette Tape Illustration from Scratch in Photoshop

Hi PSDFANs! In the following tutorial your will learn how to create a cassette tape illustration from scratch in Photoshop.

30. Create Dynamic Lighting Using Custom Brushes in Photoshop

Earlier today we released a free brush set called Rays of Light, and I wanted to follow up that release with a quick tutorial on how to use the brush set. Below is quick design using the brushes.

31. How to Make Spot Lights in Photoshop

Learn How To Create Spot Lights In Photoshop! Today you will learn how to Create Spot Lights in Photoshop. You will firstly create the background , then we will work on the many layers, layer masks and other useful techniques related this tutorial.

32. Playing with 3D in Photoshop CS6

Photoshop CS6 has updated its 3D tool adding more features and making it easier to use and faster. We decided to play with some 3D using Photoshop to create a basic extrusion and then adding some old halftone style to it.

33. Quick Tip: Learn How To Create a Vintage Photo Effect in Photoshop

The popularity of apps such as Instagram has shown a tremendous demand for cool photo effects. It’s no longer enough for people to Facebook regular photos of their experiences, they want realistic filters such as bleached, degraded or vintage.

34. Create a Horror Movie-Themed Photo Composition in Photoshop

Creating a horror movie-themed photo composition in Photoshop can be a lot of fun. Choosing the right photos is an important step in the process, but it is also important to blend those photos together in a realistic and believable way. In this tutorial we will show you how to do this using the appropriate light balance, use of midtones, depth of field, blending, and more.

35. Create a Painted Portrait Effect in Illustrator Using the Bristle Brush

The Bristle Brush (which is actually a set of brushes) allows you to paint with layers of vector strokes that apply different shades and transparencies to the stroke. The result is a beautiful and realistic looking paint stroke that is 100% vector.

36. Quick Tip: Create a Candy Flavored Text Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial you will explain how to create a candy cane-style text effect in Photoshop.

37. Create a Cute and Scary Children’s Illustration in Photoshop

In this tutorial, you will explain how to create a cute and scary children’s illustration in Photoshop.

38. Learn How to Design a Charming Collage Composition

How to create a super creative collage effect, using a range of photo manipulation, blending and compositional techniques. You’ll learn how to correctly extract your images, layer up various effects to create a sense of depth and detail, and create a cool sketchy hand-drawn effect for your photos.

39. Sparkling Iron Text Effect

This tutorial explains how to create a vivid sparkling iron text effect. Many elements will be used, like Layer Styles, brushes, filters, adjustment layers, and some images as well. This tutorial is full of useful tips and tricks for Photoshop users, and it introduces helpful techniques too.

40. Create a Colorful Grunge Portrait in Seconds

This effect is so simple and fast, but produces such a stunning and unique appearance, that you’ll instantly love it. In fact, I’m willing to bet that you’ll spend quite some time playing with variations, brushes and different photos to see what sort of looks you can create.

41. Design a Grungy Western Movie Poster in Photoshop

Follow this step by step tutorial to create a grungy western poster design, see the whole design process from start to finish as the various stock resources are manipulated to complete the composition.

42. Create a Smoke Text Effect Using Photoshop’s Non-Destructive Tools

this tutorial is my attempt at a more realistic smokey text effect (because I still had yet to find one I really liked on any site). I also used a more up to date workflow that’s almost entirely non-destructive (meaning you can edit your image later at any time).

43. Create a Semi-Realistic MacBook Pro from Scratch

In the following Photoshop tutorial you will learn how to create a semi-realistic MacBook Pro from scratch. First, you will learn how to use the grid and the snap to grid for an easier workflow. We’ll start with some simple vector shapes and several warp techniques along with a bunch of basic tools. Next, we’ll add some color using the Layer Style properties. Finally, we’ll use Layer Masks, Clipping Masks and some discrete Noise to add the final touches for your illustration.

44. Create a Mobile App Icon in Photoshop

This tutorial is part of a three-part series explaining how to design UI elements for mobile applications in Photoshop. In this part, it will explain how to design an icon for your mobile device’s home screen.

45. Create a Lomo Effect in 3 Simple Steps

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past 10 years then you’re probably familiar with the look of Lomography or “Lomo” style photos. These photos typically feature unique coloring, high contrast, soft focus and dark vignettes. The movement was started in the early nineties when the founders were inspired by the images produced from cheap Russian toy cameras like the Lomo LC-A.

46. Quick Tip: Create a Royal Gold Text Effect in Photoshop Using Layer Styles

In this quick tutorial you will show you how to create a royal gold text effect using layer styles in Photoshop. Let’s get started!

47. How To Create a Vibrant Abstract Shards Poster Design

Follow this step by step Illustrator and Photoshop tutorial to create a cool poster design of vibrant shard graphics. you’ll create the array of shapes with Illustrator’s vector tools before finishing off the poster with some subtle textures in Photoshop.

48. Hell Rider Photoshop Tutorial

Inspired by the trailer of Ghost Rider I tried to make something similar but not quite the same. In this tutorial you will learn how to work with fire stock images, how to create a dark background and how to make certain light effects. Enjoy

49. Create a Dynamic Particle Explosion in Photoshop

In this tutorial, It will explain my process for using our latest freebie brush set to create a particle explosion.

50. Design a photorealistic app icon in Photoshop

In this tutorial,you’ll explain how to use light and shadow to make realistic artwork – in this case, a record player app icon. Using Photoshop’s powerful layer styles, you’ll learn how to produce impressive results in a short amount of time.

51. The Avengers Poster in Photoshop

So in this tutorial you will be shown how to create the shine effect of The Avengers poster using only Photoshop. We will pretty much play only with Layer Styles and the Brush Tool (B).

52. Create a Rusty and Worn Metallic Textured Skull Using 3D Renders

Photoshop is a fantastic tool to help 3D artists save time and improve the look of their renders. In this tutorial we will demonstrate how to combine ZBrush materials and lighting render passes to create a stunning metallic textured skull.

53. How To Create An Epic Metallic Band Logo

This tutorial will guide you through techniques in Photoshop that will create an atmospheric, grungy logo, perfect for industrial, rock or metal bands. And the techniques you will learn are applicable to many more subjects, the most obvious ones being movie and game titles.

54. How to create Abstract Wormhole Background

Today, I’m going to show you how using brushes and different adjustment layers in Adobe Photoshop CS5 you can create abstract wormhole background. Layered PSD file included.

55. Super Easy Pewter Style Metal Text Effect in Photoshop

Follow this step by step tutorial to create a realistic pewter style metal text effect in Photoshop. The best part is it’s really easy! Just a couple of Photoshop layer styles is all it takes to create the basic effect, with a subtle tweak or two to perfect the lighting to maximise the realism.

56. How to Create a Steampunk Type Treatment in Photoshop

I don’t know what it is about steampunk style that’s so appealing. Maybe it’s the mix of old world and imaginative technology, or the distressed grungy style that attracts me. Either way, it’s a lot of fun to create steampunk imagery, and in this tutorial, I’m going to walk through the techniques I used to create this steampunk type treatment in Photoshop.

57. Create a Pimped Out Truck Using Photoshop and Point and Shoot Photos

Making modifications to your car or truck in Photoshop can be a lot of fun. In this tutorial we will demonstrate how to create a pimped out truck modification using photos taken with a simple point and shoot camera, with no advanced lighting setup.

58. Create liquid effects in Photoshop

In this tutorial you will learn how to create interesting, fluid elements using the Liquify filter. Using just a single image, you can create a whole variety of effects by pushing, pulling, rotating, reflecting, puckering and bloating any area as subtly or drastically as you wish.

59. Create an “Action” Text Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial you will demonstrate how to create a cinematic “Action” Text Effect in Photoshop using layer styles.

60. How to Draw a Realistic Samsung Galaxy S2 – Photoshop Tutorial

In this tutorial, you are going to draw the famous Samsung Galaxy in Photoshop and Illustrator. We will start by drawing its wireframe in Illustrator and then exporting it to Photoshop to add some sophisticated lighting and other effects.

61. Enigmatic Black and White Flyer Design Tutorial with Photoshop

With this tutorial I wanted to create a club flyer design that was not your typical “scantily clad” affair that appeals to the more discerning club goers. So, with a few easy Photoshop and Illustrator effects, and my preference for black and white elegance, I created this enigmatic and outer space type design.

62. Create a Dynamic Portrait with Flashy Light Effects

Learn how to create your own futuristic portraits with swirling ribbons of light. This Photoshop tutorial will show you how to create light streaks and other high-tech elements that you can incorporate into your own photos!

63. Create a Mixed Media Style Design In Photoshop

Learn how to create this creative mixed-media composition in Photoshop! You will learn how to combine different graphic elements with extensive use of layer masks. This is a great tutorial for designers who want to experiment with a more modern approach to digital collages.

64. How to Create an Easy Dispersion Effect in Photoshop

Giving a subject a dispersion or splatter effect can create an incredibly dynamic image. The best part is, it’s very quick and easy to do with a few Photoshop brushes, but the end result can look very complex as if it took you hours to create. In this tutorial, I’m going to walk you through 3 easy steps to create this dispersion effect.

65. Create a Medieval Battle Axe in Photoshop

Create a Medieval Battle Axe in Photoshop will demonstrate how to construct a medieval battle axe in Photoshop. This tutorial will cover several techniques but don’t worry, it won’t be too difficult to follow.

66. How to Create a Fan Illustration From Scratching Using Photoshop

In the following tutorial your will learn how to create a fan illustration.

67. Photo Manipulate a Cute Flying Pig Scene

A great tutorial on how to create a pig photo manipulation using Photoshop.

68. How to Make a Metallic Transformers-Style Logo

Yesterday I was browsing through the movie section at the local grocery store, and the logo graphic on this new Transformers movie box set caught my eye. It’s just a simple TF, but the shape and the use of light and texture are striking. After studying it for a moment, I thought it would make an excellent tutorial here at WeGraphics.

69. How to Create a Chocolaty Valentine’s Day Card

This Valentine’s day, show your true love with a Valentine’s Day card! Whether it’s for your partner or yourself, you’ll have a fun time making it. This tutorial will show you how to create an easy swirling background and how to use layer styles to create a chocolaty text effect. Once you’re done, feel free to customize it with personal photos or just a few cute hearts.

70. How to Create a Colorful Abstract Photo Manipulation in Photoshop

This Valentine’s day, show your true love with a Valentine’s Day card! Whether it’s for your partner or yourself, you’ll have a fun time making it. This tutorial will show you how to create an easy swirling background and how to use layer styles to create a chocolaty text effect. Once you’re done, feel free to customize it with personal photos or just a few cute hearts.

71. How To Create a Dirty Typographic Blackletter Design

In today’s tutorial you’re going to create a typographic blackletter layout full of character with dirty textures. We’ll begin by creating the layout in Illustrator before importing everything into Photoshop to bring the design to life with colour, tone and weathered textures.

72. Professional Widow – ManipulationTutorial

Time for your photo manipulation dose. This is a bit more concentrated so it’s for more experienced consumers. Ok, enough joking. In this manipulation I will show you how to play with fire, how to smoothen skin using the Mixer Brush Tool and how to create realistic light effects. This is for the slightly more advanced manipulator.

73. Using Custom Photoshop Brushes to Create an Immersive Lighting Effect

In this this tutorial you will be walk through a few steps on how to use custom Photoshop brushes along with a few vector elements to create this immersive lighting effect composition. You’ll be surprised at how easy the steps are to create this piece.

74. Create an Action Packed Movie Poster in Photoshop

In this tutorial you will explain how to create a character-centered movie poster using photo manipulation techniques. You will also explain how add text to give our poster a cinematic feel.

75. How to Create a Watercolor Portrait in 3 Simple Steps

Recently I began experimenting with a quick technique for creating a watercolor style portrait with some of the brushes that we’ve created here at WeGraphics. After some trial and error I’ve come up with a 3 step process that ends in a nice effect that works on just about any portrait.

76. Create a Dragan Style Portrait Effect in 5 Steps

If you’re a photo buff of any level, you’ve most likely heard of or seen the amazing work of Andrzej Dragan. His portraits have a very high contrast and color style all their own. The effect is stunning and eye catching. It reveals a lot about the subject that the naked eye doesn’t get to see. A similar effect can be created in Photoshop with just a few simple steps. Lets take a look.

77. Light Bulb Inspired Text Effect

Layer styles are a powerful and time saving feature that can help you apply amazing effects to your designs. In this tutorial you will use layer styles to create a light bulb inspired text effect in Photoshop.

78. Create a Cinematic “Sergeant America” Text Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial it will demonstrate how to create a cinematic “Sergeant America” Text Effect using the layer styles.

79. Create a Baseball-Inspired Text Effect in Photoshop

Applying texture to a text effect can be a lot of fun. In this tutorial you will explain how to create a baseball-inspired text effect using layer styles, patterns, and brushes.

80. Samsung Galaxy S Photoshop Tutorial

in this tutorial you will create a Samsung Galaxy S with some simple techniques in Photoshop. You will be using the Rounded Rectangle Tool, the Pen Tool, shape mode and some effect in Blending Options. So, you should know the basics of them.

81. Beer Text Photoshop Tutorial

A walk through the process of creating beer text! This design can go in many directions, so make sure to experiment with the Layer Styles to get the exact result that you’re looking for!

82. Create a “Transfarmers” Text Effect Using Layer Styles in Photoshop

In today’s quick tip tutorial it will demonstrate how to create a cinematic “Transfarmers” Text Effect using the layer styles.

83. Burning Wishes – Abstract Photoshop Tutorial

The reason why is hard to come up with ideas for abstract artworks is because the composition is a lot more important than on manipulations. Things like color combinations, light effect and the elements that make up the artwork must be balanced and have to complement one another in order to create an artworks that’s pleasing to the eye.

84. Easy Tutorial On How To Create A Bokeh Background In Photoshop

This is a great detailed video tutorial, which will show you how to create a bokeh background with the aid of Photoshop. The tutorial is easy to follow and the end outcome is super easy to achieve and looks great when finished. The tutorial will show you how you can use the brush engine tool, which is a personal favourite feature of mine.

85. Photo Manipulate an Eerie Smoke Ship Composition

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create an conceptual surreal photo-manipulation. We are going to learn the process of creating depth of field using a few advance tools. We are going to learn how to blend images so seamlessly that it would look like a single image using the Brush tool, the Eraser tool and several adjustment layers. We will learn how to create light and darkness to make the background look seamless.