Welcome to Gaia! ::

Hello and welcome to my tutorial. I have seen numerous question in the PD (Profile Discussion) Forum regarding on how to make a layout. I will give you step by step details on how to make a basic profile as well tips. So open what ever photo editing program you got and lets get started.

**NOTE** All tools and important links will be posted here.



Programs:

Gimp (free program and it works just as good)
Photoshop
Paint Shop Pro.


Brushes/textures:

Deviantart
Obisidan Dawn



Stock Photos:

Deviantart



**NOTE** When using brushes, textures, or stock image from a site, always read their Terms of Usage. Each person has their own terms and it is important to read in case they ask you to link back, give them credit, etc.

**SPECIAL NOTE** If you are using avatar art from someone else, it is very very important to ask them permission to use it. Once you get important it is also very very important to credit their work somewhere visible on your layout.

Next step is easy to do. We are going to make a new transparent layer and name it "Content" Make a shape in top of the background on the new layer

**NOTE** Dont make a new layer for Photoshop users, if you are using the Custom Shape Tool.

**TIP #1** Basic rectangle shape is popular for a Content background. Try experimenting with other shapes and styles to make your profile different and unique.

Choose a secondary color for the content background, if you have a dark background then use a shade lighter or a lighter color and visa versa for a light background.

**TIP #2** Try avoid using vivid colors, or multiple colors if you don't know how to use them properly. I have seen this and it's an eyesore. Try to stick to 2-3 colors if you can. You can use a monochromatic color scheme if you like.

Since my background is light blue, I will be using very very light blue for the content background. Again you can use another pattern, but try not to make it clash with the backgrounds, or texture.

I will be using both for this. I am going to duplicate a transparent layer and take a texture brush with a shade darker of the Content background.

Make multiple layers if need and play around with texture brushes.

I used 4 layers with different brushes in this order Light --> Dark --> Light --> Dark.

Play around with the transparency to your liking and then merged the brush layer.

Brush work made a mess on the outside? No problem, click the Content layer and use the magic wand inside the shape. Hit Select --> Invert and click the brush layer and hit delete. No more messy edges.

For pattern, use the steps on the last post as we did for the background. Again make sure the pattern doesn't clash with the background pattern and make sure you apply the Pattern Overlay on the brush layer.
I used a dotted pattern for mine.

**NOTE** Reminder for GIMP users, make sure you make a new transparent layer for the pattern.


We are not done yet, so don't merge the layers yet for Gimp users. For those who are using Photoshop, you can now merged the brush and Content layers. Hit the FX button and scroll to Stroke.

Pick a darker/lighter color for the border and play round with the width. Try not to make the border to huge or it will look ugly. 1-3px is perfect. Monkey around with the settings and hit ok.



Here is my progress so far.



Ok jump to the next post of fun part =)