I had previously thought about what would be the best way to create smoke in photoshop, and I’ve read some tutorials online and watched some episodes of the amazing pixelPerfect podcast, to find a good and easy solution for the matter at hand.
Actually it was easier than I had expected.
1 - Create some Shapes: I created some random shapes.
Start Photoshop > File > New > Widhth: 5 Inch, Height : 5 Inch, Resolution: 300pixel/inch > Ok
> Select Pen Tool (P) > Select Path layers > Let's Draw !
2 - Apply a Gaussian blur on each shape
> Select the layer path that will modify > at menu select Filter > Blur > Gausian Blur, so you can execute until the result like this
3 - Using the liquify filter
> Filter > Liquify (Shift+Ctrl+x), Set the Setting until look like this
4 - Positioning the shapes
5 - Adding some colors
> In menu you choose Image > Adjustment > Hue/Saturation, and then set like this.. > ok
Add a background color on the layer of the shape, otherwise the Hue/Saturation won't work
6 - Creating a cloud behind the smoke
> Filter > Render > Clouds > Set like this
Set a feather with a high value, like 40 to 80, and after that apply the hue/saturation on the cloud too
7 - Adding a gradient to create an atmosphere
> At Menu Choose Layer > Layer Style > Blending Option > Gradient Overlay, and set the color > Ok
The gradient will give a atmosphere and more depth to the image
Final Result
The whole process took me about 30 to 40 minutes tops, it’s pretty simple, although it can be quite hard to create a natural smoke with the liquify filter, the best thing to do is to play with the brushes and with the tools to achieve the desired effect.
