Create Stunning Drip and Splash Effects

Create Stunning Drip and Splash Effects

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Duplicating the Image
3. Removing the Background
4. Creating a New Background
5. Adding the Dripping Effect
6. Adjusting the Mask for the Dripping Effect
7. Softening the Dripping Mask
8. Painting on the Mask for Natural Look
9. Enhancing the Subject
10. Darkening the Shadows for Depth
11. Fixing Overexposed Areas
12. Finalizing the Dripping Effect
13. Adding Splatters
14. Masking and Recoloring the Splatters
15. Fine-Tuning the Background Color
16. Easier Way of Recoloring
17. Curves Adjustments for Finishing Touches
18. Before and After Comparison
19. Conclusion

How to Create a Dripping and Splatter Effect in Affinity Photo

Introduction:

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a dripping and splatter effect in Affinity Photo. This effect can add a dynamic and artistic touch to your images. We will go through the steps of duplicating the image, removing the background, creating a new background, adding the dripping effect, adjusting the mask, enhancing the subject, and adding splatters. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to create stunning dripping and splatter effects in Affinity Photo.

1. Duplicating the Image:

The first step is to duplicate the original image. This will allow us to work on a separate copy without affecting the original. To do this, press Command J (or duplicate the image using the appropriate method for your device).

2. Removing the Background:

Next, we need to remove the Current background by masking the subject. For those who want to skip this process, You can copy and paste a pre-created mask. If you're interested in masking tips, let me know in the comments, and I'll share some valuable tips with you.

3. Creating a New Background:

To make the subject stand out more, let's create a more suiting background by adding a rectangle and filling it with an elliptical gradient. Choose a bluish color that complements the subject.

4. Adding the Dripping Effect:

Now, let's create the dripping effect. Find a dripping image online and paste it into your document. Adjust its location to where you want the dripping to start, such as around the belly area.

5. Adjusting the Mask for the Dripping Effect:

There are two routes we can take here. The first is to adjust the existing mask of the image with the dripping effect. In this example, we will choose the Second route, which involves adding an additional mask to the image. Create a group of the image and Apply a mask to the group, which will be on top of the existing mask.

6. Softening the Dripping Mask:

To achieve a more realistic look, let's soften the dripping mask by applying a Gaussian blur. Adjust the blur to your preference, but be careful not to make it too soft.

7. Painting on the Mask for a Natural Look:

The right side of the image where the dripping starts may not look very natural. To fix this, paint on the mask using a soft brush to Blend the dripping effect seamlessly. Check the other side to ensure it looks good.

8. Enhancing the Subject:

To make the subject pop even more, Let's Enhance it with an adjustment layer. Add an adjustment layer and make the necessary adjustments to improve the subject's appearance.

9. Darkening the Shadows for Depth:

To add depth to the image, darken the shadows by adding a curves layer. Invert the curves layer and selectively paint on the parts where you want the shadows to be darker.

10. Fixing Overexposed Areas:

If there are any overexposed areas, such as highlights on the subject or face, you can address them by adding a pixel layer and painting over them. Set the layer blend mode to darken for a seamless blend.

11. Finalizing the Dripping Effect:

Make any final adjustments to the dripping effect, such as fixing highlights or smoothing colors for better blending. Name the layers appropriately for future reference.

12. Adding Splatters:

Now, let's move on to adding splatters. Use the same technique as dripping by finding a splatter image online. Duplicate and rotate the splatters to your liking.

13. Masking and Recoloring the Splatters:

If the splatters are too overwhelming, you can mask and remove some of them. Experiment with masking using a low flow brush to create splatters with varying opacity. Recolor the splatters by adding a recolor adjustment layer and an HSL layer to change the black tones to gray.

14. Fine-Tuning the Background Color:

Before finishing up, you can fine-tune the background color to your liking. Play around with the color overlay and gradient overlay effects to create interesting variations.

15. Easier Way of Recoloring:

An easier way to recolor the splatters is by using the color overlay effect. Simply go to the effects of the group, choose color overlay, and set the desired color. This method eliminates the need for additional adjustment and HSL layers.

16. Curves Adjustments for Finishing Touches:

Make some minor curves adjustments to refine the overall look of the image. This will help bring out the desired tones and contrast.

17. Before and After Comparison:

Take a moment to compare the image before and after applying the dripping and splatter effects. The transformation will demonstrate the impact of these artistic enhancements.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to create a dripping and splatter effect in Affinity Photo. This technique can elevate your images and add a unique touch. Feel free to experiment with different images, colors, and variations to unleash your creativity. Get ready to impress your audience with stunning and dynamic visuals created with Affinity Photo.

Highlights:

1. Learn how to create a dripping and splatter effect in Affinity Photo.
2. Step-by-step guide with detailed instructions and explanations.
3. Enhance your images with artistic and dynamic effects.
4. Tips and tricks for masking, adjusting masks, and enhancing subjects.
5. Easy-to-follow tutorial suitable for beginners and experienced users.

FAQ:

Q: Can I apply the dripping and splatter effect to any image? A: Yes, you can apply these effects to any image in Affinity Photo. Simply follow the steps in this tutorial.

Q: How can I find suitable dripping and splatter images? A: You can search online for free or paid resources that offer dripping and splatter images. There are many websites that provide high-quality graphics for creative projects.

Q: Are there alternative methods for recoloring the splatters? A: Yes, there are multiple ways to recolor the splatters. The tutorial covers both the traditional method using adjustment and HSL layers, as well as a simpler method using the color overlay effect.

Q: Can I customize the dripping and splatter effects further? A: Absolutely! This tutorial provides a solid foundation for creating these effects. Feel free to experiment with different variations, colors, and techniques to achieve the desired result.

Q: Is Affinity Photo suitable for professional photo editing? A: Yes, Affinity Photo is a powerful and versatile software that offers professional-level photo editing capabilities. It is widely used by photographers and graphic designers alike.

Q: Can I use this tutorial for other photo editing software? A: While this tutorial is specifically tailored for Affinity Photo, you can attempt to replicate the steps with similar tools and features in other photo editing software. However, some steps and techniques may differ.