New Challenge (5/31/06) – Spherical Design

This week's challenge is to create an original design into a sphere of your choice. You can create a glass org, a snowglobe, a bubble...whatever you wish! However, the end result MUST look like a 3D sphere!

Here are some examples of creations I have done in the past:

Here are some tutorials to get you started!

Yellowpipe

Developing Webs.net

Phong.com

idigitalmotion

Handson

About.com

v4images

Here is how I created the Sunlower Sphere image above:

1. After duplicating my first layer...I used the ellipse selection tool to create a perfect circle around the part of the image I wanted to be inside the sphere/globe. To make a perfect circle, hold down the SHIFT key when clicking and dragging.
   
2. I then used the Distort Filter, Spherize, at 100% on the normal mode.
   After the sphere was creating, I simply added highlights using different lens flare filters.
   
3. I added more highlights by using the dodge and burn tools (Highlights Range on the Dodge and Midtones Range on the Burn). The dodge was used to brighten up areas, and the burn was used to darken.
   
4. Just try to visualize what a true bubble or glass orb would look like when you add in your highlights. Also, remember to darken the edges with the burn tool to give it a better 3D effect. Add any other highlights you wish to create the effect you are trying to reach.

Have fun with this, and see what unique creations you can come up with! Have a great week!