Funky Dots

This is what we will be making:


Below is a sample of how I used some of mine as brushes:


~ This tutorial assumes you are familiar with the tools in PSP ~
It was written on December 12, 2007, using PSP 9, but it can be completed in most versions.
Tutorials are only guidelines, it's always fun to experiment with different settings on your own : )


The final size of your dot depends on your initial canvas size, we are using a canvas size of 300X300
for tutorial purposes.  I've provided more sample at the bottom of this page.

Supplies needed:
Corel Paint Shop Pro

Tools we will be using:
Selection Tool:          Flood Fill Tool:

 
Step 1:

Create a new raster file (file > New), 300X300, transparent background.


Step 2:

Fill the layer with a color of your choice, I used red.  Name this layer 'color'.


 Step 3:

Create a new layer and name it 'stripes'.

Click on the Selection Tool and plug in the below settings:


 

Step 4:

Draw out some rectangular shapes in different sizes to create a stripe effect.
Fill your stripes with white. (an alternative to the selection tool would be
to use your pen tool and draw straight lines in different widths)

When you are happy with the placement of your stripes, go up to Selections > Select None.
Right click on any layer and 'merge visible'.

This is how I made my white stripes, but you can place them anywhere you want : )



Step 5:

Go up to Effects > Distortion Effects > Polar Coordinates.
Check Rectangle to Polar and transparent.



That's it!  You now have a funky dot.  This is how mine turned out using the above stripe placement:



Below are some samples of dots that I've made along with the stripe layout for each one.
As you can see, just by changing the placement of the stripes or background color, we get
different effects.  This tutorial is only a guide, try different things, stripes are not the only
shapes that make some cool funky dots.  These also make great brushes or tubes. 




Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!