Layer Style Effects

This technique demonstrates really well how effective layer styles can be for more than just a drop shadow or a simple bevel effect. They can be used to create so many different variations that, after using Photoshop for more than 15 years, I am still discovering new stuff. Well, at least for as long as Photoshop has had layer styles.

STEP ONE:
Here, we’ll start with a seamless texture pattern I found on iStockphoto’s website. It helps that the pattern is seamless, so if you choose to create your own texture, be sure to make it seamless.

©ISTOCKPHOTO/JAMIE FARRANT

STEP TWO:
Once the pattern image is open or created, go under the Edit menu and choose Define Pattern. Name your pattern and click OK.

STEP THREE:
Now, go under the File menu, choose New, and create a new document that is 7 inches by 7 inches at 125 ppi. Then, click on the Create a New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel to create a new blank layer. Fill it with 50% gray by pressing Shift-Delete (PC: Shift-Backspace) and choosing 50% Gray from the Fill dialog’s Use pop-up menu, then clicking OK.