Step 13
Tweaking simple geometric shapes can really bring the design out. To create these green shapes, for example, I’ve simply used the Pen tool to create a teardrop effect and merged the two layers. Then while holding Alt/Opt I’ve duplicated the image a number of times and lined them up.
Step 14
Now it’s time to add some more texture to the background. Use a yellow soft-edged brush at 500-600 pixels and go nuts! Once you’re happy go to Filter > Pixelate > Colour Halftone, and set the maximum radius to four. Set the opacity to 32% and the fill to 71%. Place this layer over the top of the image.
Step 15
Now use a black brush to add some shading around the top and sides of the image. Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise, setting the distribution to Uniform and the amount anywhere from 50% to 60%. As this is only for background texture, set the opacity and fill right down to 20-35%. As with step 14, set this layer over the top of the image.
Step 16
For the final addition of texture set a new layer on top of the rest. Change the background and foreground colours to the cream and yellow already used, go to Filter > Render > Clouds, then Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and set the radius to 20 pixels. Change the opacity to 9% and the fill to 70%.
Middle Boop
Who: Middle Boop is the moniker of designer, illustrator and blogger Gordon Reid. As well as working for record labels 4AD, Warp and Bella Union and bands such as Deerhunter, Prefuse 73 and Of Montreal, he has shown animations shown at the BFI. Reid also runs the Middle Boop blog and fanzine.
Contact: www.middleboop.com
Software: Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Adobe Illustrator CS4
Time to complete: 2 - 3 hours