Need help creating a damaged pearl.

[Dude-Dastic]

Greetings all,

I have need of a pearl. This pearl is not to be a dazzling jewel as many often design pearls (I've seen a lot of them on the free photo sites). However, I'm trying to create a pearl of a different kind--it is to be a small, dull, scratched, chipped, cracked, irregularly-shaped thing. It could even have several small dents like you see in an orange peel.

The thing is, I have no idea on how to create something like this. Is there someone out there generous enough to help this pitiful guy along?

Thanks.

[Dude-Dastic]

Would buying a stock photo and modifying it help? Or should I start from scratch (gulp)?

[mountnman]

unless i could see an example of the kind of thing you want to make- the only suggestion i can give is to create your texture full page, there are plenty of ways to add roughness, noise, dents, crystalize, etc found in the effects tab, then use render/shape3d on it

oh and scratch is always more fun-- look through the tutaorials on planets, crystal balls, gems, anything roundish or roughish-- its amazing what youll learn to do

Edited November 29, 2010 by mountnman

[pdnnoob]

I can't give the details, but this should be a basic outline of what you are to do:

Step 1: Find a photo of a nice beautiful pearl or make one yourself (clouds,noise + motion blur. new layer (mess with layer properties). paint "color tints" (splotches of color) then motion blur. Shape 3D/Lens)

Step 2: Distort with twist/wobble/sine waves/bulge (to make irregular shape)

Step 3: Make scratches and cracks on new layer (I have yet to figure out how to do this). Layer properties to blend with pearl

Step 4: Make chips on layer above scratches and cracks (same as before...haven't figured this out)

The order I put things in is for a purpose. For example: if you are using Shape 3D or Lens to make a pearl, it is guaranteed this will look better than if you scratch before making it 3D.

[ventor1]

Step 3: Make scratches and cracks on new layer (I have yet to figure out how to do this). Layer properties to blend with pearl

Step 4: Make chips on layer above scratches and cracks (same as before...haven't figured this out)

Alternatively, you could download and convert the below photoshop brushes which look great for scratches, chips, etc.

High Resolution Marks And Scratches Texture Photoshop Brushes

The author states that "there are no copyright restrictions of any kind on these Photoshop brushes."

[pdnnoob]

Alternatively, you could download and convert the below photoshop brushes which look great for scratches, chips, etc.

High Resolution Marks And Scratches Texture Photoshop Brushes

The author states that "there are no copyright restrictions of any kind on these Photoshop brushes."

this. You still need to make them on a new layer and play with layer properties, but brushes always simplify these things ^^

[Dude-Dastic]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them out and let you know how things went.