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Hi, I've been slowly learning about shirt design over the past year, and I'm working primarily in photoshop cs3. As I surf other designer's work more and more, I keep coming across photographic type images that have been converted into what appears to be a random, grungy gradient. I'm trying to work with some detailed designs in one color, but I can't seem to figure out how you guys are doing it.

I'm familiar with the bitmap technique, and threshold, but neither of those two seem to result in what I'm seeing from others. It would be a HUGE help if anyone could enlighten me on what I'm missing, or direct me to a tutorial specific to these techniques. Here's an example of what kind of effect I'm looking for:

http://www.mintees.com/tees/344871-the-contortionist-cadet/

Thanks for any help and advice!

  • Matt Borchert said about 8 months ago

    It's a one color photo with some well done texturing done. You won't find tutorials on stuff like that because it's an artform to learn in itself. I can tell you that threshold, levels, and channels will be critical in creating textures like the work you posted by Sam. There are no gradients in the design you posted, that would be a one color print (or two if you include a backer for the black shirt).

  • Traverser said about 8 months ago

    It occurred to me that a combination of threshold and then adding a texture/eraser might be involved. I appreciate the tips, I love Sam's work, getting so much use out of one color =)

  • Matt Borchert said about 8 months ago

    Start collecting images of various textured elements and practicing on how to pull different textures from them...that's where it all starts. Think rusty metal, concrete, wood, etc etc.

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