Overview:
In this Photoshop tutorial you will learn how to create a simple but cool looking fire orb by using some basic filters and layer styles. The time required to complete it is approximately 5 minutes. This is a beginner level Photoshop tutorial. Have fun!
Please note that you will need to install SS-glitter-smoke brush to Adobe Photoshop Folder / Presets / Brushes. To download it click here.
1) Create a new document having 1000x1000 pixels
2) Fill the Background layer with Black
3) Create a new layer on top and rename it "orb"
4) Select the Ellipse Tool with Fill pixels activated then by holding Shift drag a big circle into the "orb" layer
You should end up with a circle about this size
5) Change the "orb" layer’s Fill to 0%
6) Right click the "orb" layer, select Blending Options and modify the following settings
So far you should have something similar to this
7) Create a new layer on top and rename it "swirls"
8) Select a 28px soft brush (Hardness 0%) and start adding some small circles on the "orb’s" outline
9) Go to Filter > Distort > Twirl and change the Angle to about 330°
You should have something like this
10) Change the "swirls" layer type to Overlay
11) Create a new layer and rename it "glitter"
12) Select the glittersmoke10 brush from the list and change its size to 900px then click once inside the circle
13) Add a Color Balance Adjustment Layer on top and change the Midtones and Highlights values to the following
14) Next add a Brightness/Contrast layer on top and change the following values
15) Add a new layer on top of the Background layer and rename it "vortex"
16) Go to Filter > Render > Clouds and then apply a Filter > Render > Twirl (having the same values that you used for the swirls), then Ctrl+Click on the "orb" layer and then press Ctrl+Shift+I to select inverse and hit Delete on your keyboard
17) You should end up with the vortex inside the circle but it looks too bright. Press Ctrl+L to bring up the levels and drag the middle slider to about 0.2 to reduce the brightness
