The mystery of Masking

[Alfie]

Hi Affinicianados,

I've been struggling with masks and layers and while the concept is clearly understandable, achieving this specific end result has defeated me. The image is two circles one large primary circle on top of a smaller secondary circle each with an outer semi transparent ring.

All of my efforts result in something that looks like a toppled over snowman with no outer ring. Any assistance on the approach to achieve the attached would be greatly appreciated. I tried googling double masking but a pandemic is the worst time to use that as the basis of a search.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

[NotMyFault]

Hi Alfi,

 

did i understand your question right:

You want to achieve the same effect as in the image you uploaded?

Then clipping is much easier than masking:

1. Copy your background 2 times
2. Add the small circle, color white, no stroke
3. Copy small circle
4. clip one small circle to the lower background
5. move the other small circle beneath the lower background
6. use the transform panel, select middle anchor point, add +20 for each w and h (or a suitable pixel size for circle)
7. reduce opacity of circle to 50% (or suitable value)
8. Repeat the same procedure (starting at step 3) for the larger circle.

Regards,

Timo

[NotMyFault]

If you want only an semi-transparent border outside the "snowman" shape, just use Layer->Geometry->Add to combine small and large circles, and use the snowman shape for clipping. Only one background copy is required.

 

[Alfie]

Hi Timo,

Just wanted to say a great big thank you for steering me in the right direction and diamond level of clarity with the instructions. For the first time in Affinity I've actually created a result that wasn't some sort of horrible compromise.

 

Your efforts and time are greatly appreciated.

 

Alfie

[NotMyFault]

You are welcome. Thank you for your nice reply 👍