{"id":136018,"date":"1969-12-31T23:59:59","date_gmt":"1969-12-31T23:59:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/1969\/12\/31\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions\/"},"modified":"1969-12-31T23:59:59","modified_gmt":"1969-12-31T23:59:59","slug":"how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/1969\/12\/31\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create Artistic Backgrounds From Photos With These 3 Photoshop Actions"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"final-product final-product--image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions.jpg\" alt=\"Final product image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"1492px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-1.jpg\" alt=\"Final product image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"1111px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-2.jpg\" alt=\"Final product image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"643px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><!--googleoff: index--><figcaption>What You&#8217;ll Be Creating<\/figcaption><!--googleon: index--><\/figure>\n<div class=\"content-block-wysi\">\n<p>Backgrounds are an important\u2014if sometimes underappreciated\u2014element for many designers. Whether you&#8217;re creating a game, visual novel, or website, the backgrounds you choose play a huge part in setting the mood and scene for your work. <\/p>\n<p>Part of the reasons backgrounds don&#8217;t always get the love they deserve is that, despite their importance, backgrounds are sometimes slow and tedious work. Luckily, there&#8217;s always a faster way to get the job done.<\/p>\n<p>In this tutorial, I&#8217;ll be showing you how to create three dramatically different backgrounds from photos using resources from <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Envato Elements<\/a>. These resources are a combination of <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/all-items\/photoshop+action\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Photoshop Actions<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/all-items\/photoshop+brushes\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Photoshop Brushes<\/a> that, when combined, save you countless hours you would otherwise use to create these backgrounds from scratch. So let&#8217;s get started!<\/p>\n<h2>What You&#8217;ll Need<\/h2>\n<p>Here are the following assets you&#8217;ll need for this tutorial:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/charcoal-photoshop-action-TUMNZM\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Charcoal Action<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/artist-photoshop-action-4MR2WS\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Artist Action<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/paint-splatter-photoshop-actions-TLJPEZ\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Paint Splatter Action<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/118-handcrafted-watercolor-brushes-METPCK\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Handcrafted Watercolor Brushes<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/eiffel-tower-paris-city-history-1784212\/\" target=\"_self\">Eiffel Tower<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/girl-mystic-portrait-person-witch-1725255\/\" target=\"_self\">Woman Portrait<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/tiger-white-tiger-cat-fur-wildlife-559389\/\" target=\"_self\">Tiger Stock<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\n<span class=\"sectionnum\">1.<\/span> How to Create a Charcoal-Inspired Background<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<p>First up is the charcoal background. I&#8217;ll be using this amazing <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/charcoal-photoshop-action-TUMNZM\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Charcoal Photoshop Action<\/a> to help achieve the final result. Start by opening this <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/eiffel-tower-paris-city-history-1784212\/\" target=\"_self\">Eiffel Tower<\/a> reference into Photoshop, making sure that you select the <strong>1920&#215;999 pixels<\/strong> size.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Pixabay Reference\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-3.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"462px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Pixabay Reference\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-4.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"348px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Pixabay Reference\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-5.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"207px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/eiffel-tower-paris-city-history-1784212\/\" target=\"_self\">Eiffel Tower Stock<\/a><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 2<\/h3>\n<p>Now let&#8217;s set up the action. Go to <strong>Window &gt; Actions<\/strong> and load your charcoal action into the <strong>Actions <\/strong>palette. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-6.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"423px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-7.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"319px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-8.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"191px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Because there&#8217;s a brush set included with this action, you&#8217;ll need to load it as well. So hit <strong>B<\/strong> on your keyboard to bring up the <strong>Brush Tool. <\/strong>Select<strong> Replace Brushes <\/strong>from the drop down menu then select the <strong>.abr<\/strong> file to replace your current brushes with the new charcoal ones.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>Here is a look at the charcoal brushes you should now have in the <strong>Preset Manager.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Photoshop Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-9.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"429px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Photoshop Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-10.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"323px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Photoshop Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-11.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"193px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 3<\/h3>\n<p>Many Photoshop actions come with a set of instructions you&#8217;ll need to follow exactly in order to avoid any program errors. So make sure you pay attention to the attached &#8220;Readme&#8221; file before you begin.<\/p>\n<p>Now create a <strong>New Layer<\/strong> and name it &#8220;<strong>brush<\/strong>.&#8221; With the <strong>Brush Tool (B)<\/strong> selected, paint black all over the Eiffel Tower since it&#8217;s where I would like to apply the charcoal effect. It&#8217;s important to keep the brush part as clean as possible, otherwise it will affect how this action plays out.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Applying the Charcoal Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-12.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"612px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Applying the Charcoal Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-13.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"459px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Applying the Charcoal Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-14.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"271px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>When you&#8217;re ready, select <strong>Style 1<\/strong> under the <strong>Charcoal Action<\/strong>, then hit the<strong> Play<\/strong> button on the <strong>Actions<\/strong> palette.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Playing the Charcoal Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-15.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"319px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Playing the Charcoal Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-16.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"242px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Playing the Charcoal Action\" src=\"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/how-to-create-artistic-backgrounds-from-photos-with-these-3-photoshop-actions-17.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"147px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 4<\/h3>\n<p>Here is the initial result after you play the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Action Initial Result\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"462px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Action Initial Result\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"348px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Action Initial Result\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"207px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Since it looks quite messy, let&#8217;s tweak some of the <strong>Adjustment Layers<\/strong> found within the new <strong>Group<\/strong> created by the action.<\/p>\n<p>First <strong>Hide the Visibility<\/strong> of the <strong>Sketch Lines 2 Group<\/strong>. Then select all three photo layers and set their <strong>Layer Blend Modes <\/strong>to <strong>Pin Light <\/strong>and their <strong>Opacity<\/strong> to <strong>100%. <\/strong>Follow up by select the Contrast layer and changing the <strong>Opacity <\/strong>to <strong>100%. <\/strong>This will allow your subject to show through the smudges more.<strong><br \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Adjust the Photo Layers\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"598px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Adjust the Photo Layers\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"448px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Adjust the Photo Layers\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"265px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>To add more texture to the background, create a <strong>New Layer <\/strong>above the second photo layer.<strong> <\/strong>Select the <strong>Brush Tool (B)<\/strong> and use one of the charcoal brushes from the set to paint a large smudge of gray on the layer. <strong>Right-click <\/strong>to go to <strong>Blending Options<\/strong> and apply a <strong>Gradient Overlay<\/strong> with the following settings:<strong><br \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Apply a Gradient Overlay\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"1039px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Apply a Gradient Overlay\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"775px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Apply a Gradient Overlay\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal4c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"452px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 5<\/h3>\n<p>For a tint of color, add a <strong>New Adjustment Layer <\/strong>for <strong>Color Lookup<\/strong> at the top of your layers. Go to <strong>Layer &gt; New Adjustment Layer &gt; Color Lookup<\/strong>. Then set the <strong>3DLUT<\/strong> <strong>File<\/strong> to <strong>FoggyNight. <\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Color Lookup Adjustment Layer\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal5a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"442px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Color Lookup Adjustment Layer\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal5a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"333px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Color Lookup Adjustment Layer\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoal5a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"199px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Here is the final charcoal background below. See how simple that was?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Background Photoshop Tutorial\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoalfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"462px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Background Photoshop Tutorial\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoalfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"348px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Charcoal Background Photoshop Tutorial\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/charcoalfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"207px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h2>\n<span class=\"sectionnum\">2.<\/span> How to Create a Watercolor-Inspired Background<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1<\/h3>\n<p>Next up, we&#8217;ll create a lovely watercolor background from a photo. This time, I&#8217;ll be using this <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/artist-photoshop-action-4MR2WS\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Artist Photoshop Action<\/a> and this set of <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/118-handcrafted-watercolor-brushes-METPCK\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Handcrafted Watercolor Brushes<\/a> to make the process much easier.<\/p>\n<p>Open your photo into Photoshop. Here I&#8217;ll be using this <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/girl-mystic-portrait-person-witch-1725255\/\" target=\"_self\">Woman Portrait<\/a> at <strong>1920&#215;1079 <\/strong>pixels.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Woman Portrait Pixabay Stock\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"497px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Woman Portrait Pixabay Stock\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"374px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Woman Portrait Pixabay Stock\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"222px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/girl-mystic-portrait-person-witch-1725255\/\" target=\"_self\">Woman Portrait<\/a><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 2<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<p>Now go to<strong> Window &gt; Action<\/strong> and load the artist action into the <strong>Actions<\/strong> palette.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Artist Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor1a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"330px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Artist Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor1a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"250px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Artist Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor1a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"151px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Just like before, we&#8217;ll need to also load all of the brushes attached to this action. So select the <strong>Brush Tool (B)<\/strong>, <strong>Right-click <\/strong>to bring up your brushes, then select <strong>Replace Brushes<\/strong> from the drop down options. Choose the artist brush file located from the same folder as the action.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the new set you should have.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Artist Action Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor2b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"443px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Artist Action Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor2b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"334px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Artist Action Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor2b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"199px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 3<\/h3>\n<p>To run the action, create a <strong>New Layer<\/strong> and name it &#8220;brush.&#8221; Select the <strong>Brush Tool (B) <\/strong>at <strong>100% Hardness<\/strong>, and use the brush to <strong>Fill <\/strong>in the areas with black where you&#8217;d like the effect to take place. Here I painted the woman and the bars behind her.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint the Woman to Apply the Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor3a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"642px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint the Woman to Apply the Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor3a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"481px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint the Woman to Apply the Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor3a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"283px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>With the brush layer still selected, hit the<strong> Play<\/strong> button on the <strong>Actions<\/strong> palette to run your artist action. Here is the initial result.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Initial Watercolor Action Result\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor3.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"498px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Initial Watercolor Action Result\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor3.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"374px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Initial Watercolor Action Result\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor3.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"222px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 4<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<p>Even though we&#8217;re going for a watercolor effect, let&#8217;s clean up the result a bit. First, <strong>Hide the Visibility<\/strong> of the <strong>Watercolor Edge Splatter Group<\/strong>. <strong><\/strong>Then go into the <strong>Watercolor<\/strong> and <strong>Watercolor Texture Groups<\/strong> and<strong> Hide <\/strong>some of the layers to allow the portrait to breathe. Feel free to experiment with this for the result you prefer.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Hide Some Texture Layers\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor4a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"819px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Hide Some Texture Layers\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor4a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"612px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Hide Some Texture Layers\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor4a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"358px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 5<\/h3>\n<p>To create a better color palette, add a <strong>Gradient Map Adjustment Layer<\/strong>. Go to <strong>Layer &gt; New Adjustment Layer &gt; Gradient Map.<\/strong> Create a gradient that transitions from a deep red color <code class=\"inline\">#491802<\/code> to white.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Gradient Map\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor5a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"614px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Gradient Map\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor5a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"460px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Gradient Map\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor5a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"272px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 6<\/h3>\n<p>Finish this background with a little more texture. Load the <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/118-handcrafted-watercolor-brushes-METPCK\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Handcrafted Watercolor Brushes<\/a> we mentioned earlier into the <strong>Brush Tool (B).<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Handcrafted Watercolor Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor5b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"489px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Handcrafted Watercolor Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor5b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"368px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Handcrafted Watercolor Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolor5b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"219px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong><\/strong> Create a <strong>New Layer<\/strong> and use the <strong>Brush Tool (B) <\/strong>to paint white watercolor splashes all around the canvas. I used brushes <strong>1,15,<\/strong> and <strong>17<\/strong> for the right side, and brushes <strong>15, 26<\/strong>, and <strong>72<\/strong> for the left side.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the final watercolor background when you&#8217;re done.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Final Watercolor Background Photoshop Tutorial\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolorfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"498px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Final Watercolor Background Photoshop Tutorial\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolorfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"374px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Final Watercolor Background Photoshop Tutorial\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/watercolorfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"222px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h2>\n<span class=\"sectionnum\">3.<\/span> How to Create a Paint Splatter-Inspired Background<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<p>For this last background, we&#8217;ll be creating another traditional art effect using this <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/paint-splatter-photoshop-actions-TLJPEZ\" target=\"_self\" data-action=\"click-&gt;ga-analytics#sendElementsClickEvent\">Paint Splatter Action. <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Here I&#8217;ll be using this <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/tiger-white-tiger-cat-fur-wildlife-559389\/\" target=\"_self\">Tiger Stock<\/a>, downloaded at <strong>1920&#215;1280 pixels. <\/strong>Open this photo into Photoshop.<strong><br \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tiger Stock Via Pixabay\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/tigerstock.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"587px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tiger Stock Via Pixabay\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/tigerstock.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"440px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tiger Stock Via Pixabay\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/tigerstock.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"260px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/en\/tiger-white-tiger-cat-fur-wildlife-559389\/\" target=\"_self\">Tiger Stock<\/a><br \/><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 2<\/h3>\n<p>Load your paint splatter action. Go to <strong>Window &gt; Actions<\/strong>, and load the action from the drop down menu. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter1a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"327px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter1a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"248px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Photoshop Action\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter1a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"150px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Just like the previous actions, you&#8217;ll need to load the brush set that comes along with it. So select the <strong>Brush Tool (B)<\/strong>, then <strong>Right-click<\/strong> to bring up your brushes. Select <strong>Replace<\/strong> <strong>Brushes<\/strong> from the options and replace them with the paint splatter brushes found within the same folder.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Photoshop Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter1b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"489px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Photoshop Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter1b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"368px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Photoshop Brushes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter1b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"219px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 2<\/h3>\n<p>Now create a <strong>New Layer<\/strong> and name it &#8220;mask.&#8221; Select the <strong>Brush Tool (B)<\/strong> and use a <strong>Soft<\/strong> <strong>Round Brush<\/strong> with <strong>0% Hardness<\/strong> to fill your subject with black.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mask the Tiger with Black\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter2a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"568px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mask the Tiger with Black\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter2a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"426px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mask the Tiger with Black\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter2a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"252px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>When you&#8217;re ready, select the mask layer then hit the <strong>Play <\/strong>button on the <strong>Actions<\/strong> palette. Here is the initial result after you play the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Initial Background\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter2b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"587px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Initial Background\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter2b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"440px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Paint Splatter Initial Background\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter2b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"260px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h3>Step 3<\/h3>\n<p>To adjust this background even further, <strong>Hide<\/strong> the <strong>Group<\/strong> for <strong>CC Option 1<\/strong>, and <strong>Unhide<\/strong> the <strong>Group<\/strong> for <strong>CC Option 2<\/strong> instead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Change the Group Visibility\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"853px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Change the Group Visibility\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"637px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Change the Group Visibility\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"373px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Now we have a color scheme that suits this photo better. Scroll down to the bottom of the action list to find the layers for the background elements.<strong> Unhide the Visibility <\/strong>of the background splash layers as well as the contour fill layers in order to achieve a more dynamic result.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Result with Background Splashes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"587px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Result with Background Splashes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"440px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Result with Background Splashes\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3b.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"260px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Finish with a <strong>New Photo Filter Adjustment Layer.\u00a0<\/strong>Set the filter to<strong> Cooling Filter (80) <\/strong>and raise the <strong>Density <\/strong>to <strong>91%.<\/strong>\u00a0<strong><\/strong>Change the <strong>Layer Blend Mode<\/strong> to <strong>Soft Light<\/strong> and you&#8217;re done! <\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Cooling Photo Filter\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"473px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Cooling Photo Filter\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"356px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add a Cooling Photo Filter\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatter3c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"212px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<p>Here is the final paint splatter background.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"post_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Final Paint Splatter Background\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=850\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatterfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"870px\" height=\"587px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-desktop\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Final Paint Splatter Background\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=630\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatterfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650px\" height=\"440px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-tablet\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Final Paint Splatter Background\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28519\/image\/splatterfinal.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"260px\" class=\"resized-image resized-image-mobile\"><\/figure>\n<h2>Conclusion<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<p>Let Photoshop actions do all the heavy lifting for your designs. You&#8217;ll be impressed with the incredible diversity in the effects you can achieve, all while saving countless work hours.<\/p>\n<p>I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, feel free to leave any questions in the comments below. And for more tutorials on photo effects, check out the following links:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"roundup-block__contents posts--half-width roundup-block--list\">\n<li class=\"roundup-block__content\"><a class=\"roundup-block__content-link\" href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/articles\/how-to-apply-a-halftone-effect-to-your-photos--cms-28401\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__content-container\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__preview\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__preview-image resized-image resized-image-desktop\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28401\/preview_image\/halftone_pre.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"297px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__preview-image resized-image resized-image-tablet\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28401\/preview_image\/halftone_pre.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"297px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__preview-image resized-image resized-image-mobile\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28401\/preview_image\/halftone_pre.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"269px\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__content-meta\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__content-title\">How to Apply a Halftone Effect to Your Images With a Photoshop Action<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-info\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-profile-image\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__author-image resized-image resized-image-desktop\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/profiles\/2218\/profileImage\/tutprotest.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"420px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__author-image resized-image resized-image-tablet\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/profiles\/2218\/profileImage\/tutprotest.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"420px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__author-image resized-image resized-image-mobile\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/profiles\/2218\/profileImage\/tutprotest.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"380px\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-meta\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-name\">Melody Nieves<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__published-date\">17 Mar 2017<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"roundup-block__content\"><a class=\"roundup-block__content-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photography.tutsplus.com\/articles\/adobe-photoshop-in-60-seconds-create-an-easy-watercolor-effect--cms-28252\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__content-container\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__preview\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__preview-image resized-image resized-image-desktop\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28252\/preview_image\/watercolor_pre.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"297px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__preview-image resized-image resized-image-tablet\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28252\/preview_image\/watercolor_pre.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"297px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__preview-image resized-image resized-image-mobile\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/posts\/28252\/preview_image\/watercolor_pre.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"269px\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__content-meta\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__content-title\">Adobe Photoshop in 60 Seconds: Create an Easy Watercolor Effect With Actions<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-info\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-profile-image\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__author-image resized-image resized-image-desktop\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/profiles\/2218\/profileImage\/tutprotest.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"420px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__author-image resized-image resized-image-tablet\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=400\/uploads\/users\/346\/profiles\/2218\/profileImage\/tutprotest.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"420px\" height=\"420px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"roundup-block__author-image resized-image resized-image-mobile\" src=\"https:\/\/cms-assets.tutsplus.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=360\/uploads\/users\/346\/profiles\/2218\/profileImage\/tutprotest.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"380px\" height=\"380px\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-meta\">\n<div class=\"roundup-block__author-name\">Melody Nieves<\/div>\n<div class=\"roundup-block__published-date\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mediafed_ad\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" height=\"1\" src=\"http:\/\/audio.tutsplus.com.feedsportal.com\/c\/35227\/f\/668810\/s\/28519\/sc\/4\/mf.gif\" width=\"1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/da.feedsportal.com\/r\/186529796139\/u\/407\/f\/668810\/c\/35227\/s\/28519\/a2.htm\"><img decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/da.feedsportal.com\/r\/186529796139\/u\/407\/f\/668810\/c\/35227\/s\/28519\/a2.img\" \/><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" height=\"1\" src=\"http:\/\/pi.feedsportal.com\/r\/186529796139\/u\/407\/f\/668810\/c\/35227\/s\/28519\/a2t.img\" width=\"1\" \/><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What You&#8217;ll Be Creating Backgrounds are an important\u2014if sometimes underappreciated\u2014element for many designers. Whether you&#8217;re creating a game, visual novel, or website, the backgrounds you choose play a huge part in setting the mood and scene for your work. Part of the reasons backgrounds don&#8217;t always get the love they deserve is that, despite their [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":136019,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-136018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136018","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136018"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136018\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136019"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136018"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}