Texture
In graphic design texture adds depth and tactility to otherwise flat objects.
Texture refers to the surface quality in a work of art. ... Some things feel just as they appear; this is called real or actual texture. Some things look like they are rough but are actually smooth. Texture that is created to look like something it is not, is called visual or implied texture.
Step 1
Download this file and save it in your folder on the computer. Then open it in Photoshop to continue with the rest of this tutorial.
STEP 2
Search online for your real textures. You will need 3 different textures. Choose the name of what you'd like and add the words texture and real to it. You will have lots of choices! Choose your favorite.
You will either save these in your folder, or copy them and paste them into a new document in Photoshop.
STEP 3
Open your downloaded texture in Photoshop, or paste it into a new image if you copied it.
You'll now need to copy part of your downloaded texture. Do this using the rectangular marquee tool.
The size/shape of the marquee tool should be similar to the shape of the area you will paste it into.
STEP 4
After copying your texture paste it into the PSD you downloaded. You will actually paste it 3 times to cover each side of you shape.
STEP 5
Select one of your texture layers and enter transform mode by pressing Ctrl+T. Resize your texture so it's close to the size of the area you will cover.
STEP 6
Now right-click on the texture and select Distort.
You can now drag the corners and sides of the texture to resize it and match the sides of the shape.
STEP 7
Continue this process with each texture and side.
STEP 8
You should end up with something similar to the image on the left.
Now make the sides darker or lighter (look at the example at the top of this page) by selecting each layer and going to Image>Adjustments>Brightness/Contrast
STEP 9
We will now add some more advanced shading with the gradient tool.
Ctrl click one of you texture layers to select just the texture.
STEP 10
Select your gradient tool, go to basics, and select the middle option. This is the foreground color to transparent gradient.
Make sure you select a dark color for your shadow.
STEP 11
Make a new layer right above the texture you will be shading. Then use the gradient tool to add your shadow.
Adjust the opacity so it's not too dark.
STEP 12
It may help at this point to start naming your layers so you don't lose track of what's where. In addition, once you have everything the way you want it you may want to merge some of you layers together.
To do this, select the layers you want to merge by holding Ctrl while you click them, then press Ctrl+E to merge selected layers.
STEP 13
The final step is to add some small highlights on the edges. Use the brush tool, and set the size to around 3.
With the brush tool selected you can click once to make a small dot, hold Shift, then click again and the tool will draw a straight line between the two places.
After you draw the highlights try using an eraser to soften them a little.