Here's a quick tutorial on the cover above. Took me about 15 minutes to make on Photoshop because it is super easy to do as I'll show below.
Step 1.
I used the following stock image:
![]()
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image. Adjusted the stock using free transform, positioned it on my 512x800 canvas, and erased the edges using a soft eraser until I got this:
![]()
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image. I did make adjustments to the curves and hue/saturation to make it darker and a little more blue because blue is much fab.
Step 2
I took this stock image:
![]()
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image. And set it to linear dodge using the layers panel.
I got this effect:
![]()
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

YOU ARE READING
Tutorials
RandomDesperate to learn how to use GIMP or Pixlr or Photoshop? Want to learn HOW EXACTLY they made that beautiful cover? You've come to the right place! In our tutorial book, the Guild members will be posting tutorials of their own graphics -- through ei...