This tutorial is an example of how a few simple techniques can be used to create basics photo illustration using multiple layers, masking, the Pen tool, some basic lighting and one simple texture.

Final Image Preview

Start working by creating a new document (Ctrl+N) in Adobe Photoshop with the size 1280px by 1024px (RGB color mode) at a resolution of 72 pixels/inch.
Find a grunge texture, I used this texture from deviantart. I would like to thank the author of this photo, or if you prefer, you can substitute similar image of your own.
Download the next demonstrated texture and insert it on a new layer in our main document.

Create a new layer and select the Soft Round brush of black color ( set Opacity to 20% in Options bar).

Use this brush to dark out the left lowest corner of our canvas.

Set Fill to 73% for this layer and change the Blending mode to Linear Light.

Find a stock photo with a cool looking dancer represented on it, I used this photo from Shutterstock. I would like to thank the author of this photo, or if you prefer, you can substitute similar image of your own.

Remove the background using your favorite tools like Pen Tool (P), Magic Wand Tool (W), Magnetic Lasso (L) or even a simple Filter>Extract and insert it on a new layer in our main document. Apply Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal.

Click on Add a layer style icon from bottom part of the Layers panel and select Drop Shadow.

We’ve got the next result:

Choose the Pen Tool (P), set the drawing mode on Shape Layers in Options bar and draw the next shape as shown. The Foreground color is #28204F. Place the layer under the dancer’s layer:

Set Fill to 70% for this layer and change the Blending mode to Hard Light.

Insert the mask on the layer by choosing Add layer mask on the bottom part of the Layers panel and choose the Soft Round brush of black color (set Opacity to 20% in Options bar).

Paint in the mask using this brush to hide the top part of the shape.

Choose the Pen Tool (P), set the drawing mode on Shape Layers in Options bar and draw the next shape as shown. The Foreground color is #FF441F. Place this layer under the layer with the dancer on it.

Set Fill to 57% for this layer and change the Blending mode to Multiply.

Insert the mask on the layer the same way we did before (Add layer mask). Choose the Soft Round brush of black color, mentioned in the previous example for the rhombus to hide the next zone on the shape.


Use the Pen Tool (P) to represent the next shape of the color #FF1F1F. Place the layer under the dancer’s layer.


Set Fill to 57% for this layer and change the Blending mode to Linear Burn.

Take now the Line Tool (U) set Weight to 1px in Options bar and draw many white lines. This layer will be situated also lower than the dancer’s layer.


Set Fill to 70% for all the layers containing the white lines.

Now we have to download the next set of patterns, named techie. Copy the pattern file to C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop X\Presets\Patterns folder (Adobe Photoshop X been your version of Photoshop).
Using the Pen Tool (P), we’ll represent the next shape which layer will be situated under the dancer’s layer.

Set Fill to 0% for this layer. Click on Add a layer style icon from bottom part of the Layers panel and select Color Overlay.

Add Pattern Overlay. Click the Pattern Preset Picker and Load the downloaded pattern file from Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop X\Presets\Patterns folder. Apply the next settings for Pattern Overlay:

We’ve got the next result:

Create a new layer and select for it the Soft Round brush (Opacity – 20%).


Use this brush to paint the canvas with #ED2000 color. Place this layer under the dancer’s layer too.