Create a Circle of Gold using 'Repeat' in Affinity Photo

[DelN]

Hi,

I have been working on a few more images in the 'Byzantium' series, and creating many gold, silver and jewel brushes in Affinity Photo (which I need) as I go along. I will upload the 'Byzantium' series of brushes for Affinity Photo for other users to download and use when they are ready.

I am really enjoying creating them and well, I like them, but I don't know what other users will think of them. It would be good to hear some feedback. I've not had much feedback on my free 'Nature' brushes, so I have no idea if other Affinity Photo users like the or if they have created anything with them.

I am currently trying different methods to get the 'paint on a path' look (which I have had to do in Corel Painter, as I said above) in Affinity Photo (even painting on a path in Corel Painter is not without it's problems). Yesterday I tried to re-create the look of gold tiles on a path in Affinity Photo by using Filter/Distort/Rectangular to Polar.

With a horizontal line of gold-edged green tiles selected, I tried the Filter/Distort/Rectangular to Polar, which left me with several problems. The first one being that it stretched the tiles. The second one was that it left a gap, which is OK. I could fill it in by selecting a few of the tiles and rotating and positioning them over the gap. But this doesn't fix the stretching...

So I thought I'd draw a circle and set guides to find it's centre. Then move the centre point of the gold/green tile and rotate duplicates of it around the circle using copy and paste, moving the tile and then pressing CTRL J (Repeat) and it worked a treat. Had to move a few tiles slightly to fill the small gap that was left...

 

But the above method worked well for the gold line on a circle that I wanted to reproduce in Affinity Photo for my 'Byzantium' series.

It's good to experiment...

 

But if anyone knows of a better method to rotate images around a centre point or, alternatively, paint on a path with the image brush, please let me know.

Doing it in Affinity Designer is not an option. I tried this, but you couldn't paint with an image brush around a circle, only apply a vector brush to the circle's path. 

In the meantime, posting this might help other Affinity Photo users who want to draw something similar along a circular path.

I attach the Affinity Photo file (with layers) for anyone who is interested to see how it was done.

Thanks,

DelN

Circle of Gold.afphoto

[Sitaara]

That looks excellent. To get the effect with the shadows in the gold ring itself, I see no other way than to do it “by hand”. After placing the first copy, you can do it quickly with Power Duplicate.

You seem to use this type of workflow over and over again, so it would be well worth making a macro for it.

[GarryP]

Readers might like to know that they can also create a nice gold ring fairly simply via an Inner Bevel/Emboss Effect with a small Gaussian Blur and some Noise added to the colour.

See attached screenshot where the left-hand ring shows the overall effect, the top-right ring shows the ring with only the Noise added to the Stroke Colour, and the bottom-right ring is a duplicate of the left-hand one but selected to show the Effect settings.

The Effect settings don’t need to be exactly those that I’ve used (I just adjusted them to suit). Use whatever looks best for what you want to create.

Edit: Document has been attached for those not wanting to do the set-up.

gold-ring.afdesign

Edited September 6 by GarryP
Added document.

[DelN]

Thanks, Sitaara. Yes, you're s0 right. 😀I am originally from a Photoshop/Illustrator background when I worked as a graphic designer, but I learned CorelDraw and Painter first and they all have their different way of achieving the same end. I am moving over to Affinity Photo/Designer. I dropped Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign when Adobe forced its users to RENT their software. I continue to use Painter because some of the things in it are just so cool. I love 'Bevel World' in Painter for bevels. I enjoy creating organic textures and patterns in the Patterns panel and using the Pattern Pen to paint with them, but I can also do this in Affinity Photo now. I have an extensive library of Nozzles in Painter and use them to paint with the Image Hose, but this too I find I can do in Affinity Photo by creating an Image Brush. I have been trying to recreate my 'Nature' brushes from Painter to Affinity Photo (free to download on the Affinity Forum) and am currently working on recreating my Painter 'Gold' brushes for Affinity Photo too, which I have used to create my 'Byzantium' series of images. I'll upload these too when they're ready. I am currently having to separate them into different 'Gold' categories because there are so many...

 

I will check out Power Duplicate, and watch a few videos on creating a macro in Affinity Photo. 

Thank you so much for your kind reply and your suggestions, which I am eager to check out.

Del

[DelN]

Thanks, GarryP. It's great to hear other users suggestions.

Nice effect. And there are so many settings in Bevel/Emboss to experiment with. 

Del

[Sitaara]

@GarryP

2 hours ago, GarryP said:

Readers might like to know that they can also create a nice gold ring fairly simply via an Inner Bevel/Emboss Effect with a small Gaussian Blur and some Noise added to the colour.

In any case, this is also a very good idea. What is always a challenge for me with Bevel/Emboss are the shadows.  It usually fits. But there are works where these shadows are disturbing. That's why I think this technique shown by @DelN, which places these small pieces around the circle, is a good alternative.

 

[Sitaara]

@DelN

Those brushes look great... they kind of make me greedy. 🤣

 

[GarryP]

29 minutes ago, Sitaara said:

What is always a challenge for me with Bevel/Emboss are the shadows.  It usually fits. But there are works where these shadows are disturbing.

It usually takes me quite a while to get the shadows how I want them but I think that’s just because I haven’t properly learned how that functionality works yet.

It’s also possible to get something a little bit (but not very) similar to DeIN’s version using two ellipses, with a Contour Outline Effect and Gaussian Blur on each, but the result isn’t great and it’s a bit of a ‘faff’ to do (the functionality probably wasn’t designed to do this sort of thing so I’m not complaining). See attached image for an example.

[DelN]

Hi Sitaara,

He-he! Like King Midas?

Glad you like them. 

I'll upload them soon. Just separating them cos they're quite a high file size. 

About shadows... I quite often make a duplicate of the object I want to create a shadow for, make a selection of the layer and fill it with a dark (but not black) version of the background colour. New layer. Edit/Fill to fill the new layer with a darkish colour. Then set it to 70% approx opacity and move the shadow layer behind the object...

And a Filter/Blur/Gaussian Blur...

You can play around with the settings to get the shadow opacity you want, you can change the Layer Style (is that what it's called?) so that it takes on the texture of the background image. I do this sometimes...

I attach a quick example file.

Keep creating!

Del

Textures Example with a Cat and Its Shadow.afphoto

[DelN]

Hi GarryP,

That's a great way of creating shadows. We all have different ways of achieving it. I used to paint my shadows in on the layer below, setting the colour and transparency as I thought looked good. I still prefer creating my own shadows rather than the 'default' effect in any program. And you can add a mask to the shadow and a gradient to transparent to the shadow too. 

The more you experiment, the better you get, eh? 🙂

Keep creating!

Del

[Sitaara]

@GarryP

Chapeau! You did quite well with the shadow.

I also tried using your method, the second ring in screen blend mode. But I'll have to try some more, because, like you, it's “faff” for me too.

A second attempt was with 3D, is the same problem with shadows and looks “faff” if you adjust the shadow.

 

 

 

[Sitaara]

@DelN

Haha, not quite as bad as King Midas. Nowadays, however, there are enough of them... and they are not richly blessed with intelligence, either.

This way of working is very interesting and inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with us. My greed is satisfied for today.

[DelN]

Ha-ha! Glad I could help, Sitaara. You can leave the table sated now.

I attach a shadow and glow that I have done. Needs a lot of word to give the torus some depth and the lighting, especially on the left side needs work, so its not brilliant, but fun to do. The Affinity Photo file is attached (with layers, for you to investigate).

Have fun!

Del

 

 

Shadow & Glow.afphoto

[Sitaara]

@DelN

As a Byzantine enthusiast, you might be interested in this technique. Perhaps you already know it. It doesn't work for all pictures, but it usually works somehow.

The secret recipe is the curves. They also want you to play around with them.

Sitaara

PS: I think King Midas will only come back because of this. 🤣

 

 

Gold-Effect 1.afphoto Elephant gold.afphoto

[DelN]

Hi Sitaara,

Not sure how you've done this, but will download the two files and check out your method of achieving it.

I did a similar thing using a Gradient Map. I also created a colour palette from a gold image, but not really used it for anything.

I created the gradient map while following a tutorial on YouTube. Can't remember which one, though. Sorry...

I love this information exchange that we got going on - you, me, GarryP and StuartRc. It's so helpful, checking out different methods of achieving a look and learning in the process. It's really great!

Affinity file attached (complete with the gradient map and layers)...

I also did one of a baby elephant. (please ignore the masking out of the background: it was rushed) 😀...

DelN

 

Gold Silver Chrome Gradient Map.afphoto Gold Silver Chrome Gradient Map.afphoto

[Sitaara]

Hi Del,

The result seems to be the same. The curves are only used to make the image “metallic”. Then a gradient map is added. I had sent gold and silver, but I also have others (opal, ruby, aquamarine...). I try to figure out your technic.
It's nice to be able to exchange ideas about different techniques. The best way to become better and more confident.

The little elephant is so cute!

Sitaara

 

PS: This file simply includes the other gradient maps, otherwise it is like the file above.

 

 

Gold-Effekt.afphoto

[DelN]

Hi Sitaara,

Yes, the end result seems to be the same. I love the colours you've selected for this one: yellow and green. And the model is lovely; reminds me of Billie Holiday.

Thanks for uploading the Affinity Photo files too. They always help. If other Affinity Photo users are interested, they can download the Affinity Photo file and check out the layers by turning them on and off, checking out what filters you've used, what masks, etc. and then they can watch a few YouTube tutorial videos (which is what I do all the time) on the subject mentioned.

It's incredibly hard to get into graphic design and photobashing/matte painting even if you study design at university, but if someone is dedicated and work hard, they can achieve it. It's not impossible. They just need encouragement and help. Practice, perseverance and patience ...and dedication. And upload a portfolio to show people in the industry. The portfolio is important. You study and learn the tools in Affinity Photo and as you learn, you become more creative because you know what they do and what they are for.

I've been trying to sort out the 'Gold' brush set. I've been selecting my favourite brushes from the many I have created for the 'Byzantium' series of images in Affinity Photo. I keep going into Painter and thinking 'Oh, I've gotta find a way of doing that in Affinity Photo!'

Then I want to move on to the next 'Byzantium' image, which I am currently working on...

Have fun!

DelN

 

[Sitaara]

Hello DelN

So, now I've spent Saturday night watching tutorials on chrome effects. I'm an expert now.

Unfortunately, I didn't find the one that explains your workflow. I tried to copy your version. But I can't get that chrome or metal effect. I must be missing something.

Regarding my file: You can also activate a second gradient map and change the blending mode of the top map. You can activate a third one and then change the blending mode of the second one (as long as it is on top).

I find Affinity photo quite easy to learn because it is very intuitive. Of course, the different techniques and the many possibilities take some time.
Then there are all those people who make good, understandable tutorials. And also the people here in the forum who are very helpful. If one really want to and enjoy it, it's not that hard any more.

Have fun, too, creating a new Byzantine picture.

Sitaara

 

 

[DelN]

Hi Sitaara,

I totally agree with all you have said above. A program like Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Photo is only difficult at the beginning because you do not know the tools. But you learn these (as we both have done). It takes time, practice and patience to become proficient at your whatever goal you set yourself. As long as you are having fun doing it.

I remember when I first purchased CorelDraw. I loaded it and used to open it and then stare at the blank page because I was used to Microsoft Word only and didn't understand why I couldn't type anything. I did this for about 3 months until I studied the printed user manual and practiced and learned the tools. It was the first drawing software I learned, and I became fairly proficient at it, so much that when i went for my second DTP (desktop publishing - now called 'Presentation Specialist') position in London (and got the job), it wasn't long before I came in one day to find that all the CorelDraw trainer's work was on my desk. The manager took me aside and told me that they were making ME the CorelDraw Trainer! So I created a training module within CorelDraw that the other team members could follow along and learn to redraw logos and maps and icons etc and my career took an unexpected turn for the better there. The company obviously saw something in me and were willing to spend time and effort to hone my skills. I became a Graphic Designer later at the same company and stayed there for 20 years. There is a hidden world in London (where I am originally from)  called 'Presentation Specialist' work - using (and becoming expert at) Word, Excel and PowerPoint. There is also 'PowerPoint Presentation Specialist', 'PowerPoint Presentation Designer' (also includes creating PowerPoint templates and using Photoshop and Illustrator), which I have done too. I loved this work - and the pay was fantastic because you are working in the banking industry (not my favourite area) and the companies train their Presentation team so well that you when you decide to leave, you are an expert in everything you do. I say it's a 'hidden world in London' because most Londoners do not know of this work. Young people from across the globe - Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, USA and other European countries come here to do this work. They've heard about it and how highly-paid the work is and, I guess, tell their friends back home. English people did work in this area, but very few (at that time).I was amazed at how many people from across the world knew of it but so few English people knew about it. As I say, a 'hidden world'. So if anyone in the Affinity Forum knows Word, Excel and PowerPoint, do a Google search for 'Presentation jobs in London' or  'PowerPoint Presentation jobs in London' or  'PowerPoint Presentation Designer' or 'Presentations Graphics' jobs in London' and check out the salary. Approx £40-50k pa for full time, approx £38k for part-time. PowerPoint Specialist position at HYF currently is £56k pa for a PowerPoint Specialist. Of course, some of these jobs require you to know a design software program, - usually Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign, but if your portfolio is impressive, they will call you in for an interview. They will send you on course after course to teach you the software - especially if they see you are eager to learn and help your co-workers. It happened to me. I'd never even heard of this work until I began working there. And I loved it! Nice people, ready to help you, nice co-workers, interesting and creative work. I ended up using Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Director, 3DStudio Max, Cinema 4D and so many other software tools, and the training they sent us all on must have cost them £thousands. And I ended up designing brochures, covers for IMs (Information Memorandums), posters, designing logos and so much more. Just from teaching myself CorelDraw!

And anyone else could do this - by teaching themselves Affinity Photo, Designer and Publisher. They're not too dissimilar. It's your creative portfolio that counts, at the end of the day. That, and your attitude and willingness to learn and teach others.

Hudson York Farrell Recruitment (HYF) is one of the top Presentations agencies in London. There are now many others.

But I digress... I just want other Affinity Photo/Designer users to be aware of the creative 'secret' world in London that they could be working in. And it's just a doorway to other things. I ended up doing brochures, posters and other design work in InDesign, alongside the odd PowerPoint template design (which I still love doing). They're all tools and they're all skills that you can learn using Affinity  Photo, Designer and Publisher. 

I shall try to find out what Silver/Chrome/Gold effect tutorial I watched to get the effects and post it here.

Incidentally, did you check out my free 'Nature' brushes? 🙂

DelN

[DelN]

Hi Sitaara,

Well, I actually found the Affinity Photo Gold/Chrome effect tutorial on YouTube...

Title is 'Solid Gold Effect: Making a Realistic Metallic Image'. Couldn't find the name of the author. It is such a great Affinity Photo tutorial, I would like to have mentioned him. It's just got 'InAffinity for Affinity Photo'...

Have fun with it. I'm going to watch it again cos I've forgotten how I did it and this will refresh my memory...

DelN

 

[Sitaara]

11 hours ago, DelN said:

Title is 'Solid Gold Effect: Making a Realistic Metallic Image'. Couldn't find the name of the author. It is such a great Affinity Photo tutorial, I would like to have mentioned him. It's just got 'InAffinity for Affinity Photo'...

Hi DinL,

He is one of my subscribed channels and he makes really exceptional tutorials. I only know his first name, which is Dave. Unfortunately, I haven't heard from him for a few months, and I hope he is doing well.

Thanks for the tutorial, this one I haven't seen. Now I understand it too. I had selected Invert Adjustment (BM: difference) twice. To make it work, you have to select Invert Adjustment, change blend mode to 'difference' and copy this layer. Then it also works. Another very good trick is the 'Bilateral Blur'. I'll probably play around with that a bit more.

Thank you for sharing your story. This 'hidden world in London' also sounds very interesting. I hope someone reads this who has ambitions. It's not for me. At the very most, I would work as a freelancer, but not as a permanent employee.

As far as the 'nature brushes' are concerned, I have seen some pictures (which are very interesting, by the way), I guess made with it, but I didn't realize that there would have been brushes.

Remain creative and open!

Sitaara

If you want to watch the other 'chrome-effect' tutorial, voilà:

 

[DelN]

Hi, Thanks, Sitaara.

I have saved that to my YouTube list of Affinity Photo tutorials I have.

DelN

NB. Lots of Freelance work too in this 'hidden world' of Graphic Design in London... 🙂

[DelN]

Coming soon...

 

[Sitaara]

Hi DelN,

I'm really very curious and looking forward to it! 😁

[DelN]

He-he!

I've been working to reduce the number of brushes because there are just SO many, and it is very difficult to me to locate duplicates, keep the naming consistent and put them all into one Brush Category (or possibly two, depending on the file size).

I've been working on them for a long while now, locating the images that I created in Painter to make all the Painter brushes, which I am trying to recreate (not easy, as Affinity Photo doesn't work the same as Painter), then creating new brushes in Affinity Photo, setting the spacing, the size, selecting the images for the brush and the Sub Brushes. It's quite a challenge, but I enjoy it - and if there was a similar Forum on Corel for Painter users, I would upload all my Painter brushes, the many textures/patterns for the Pattern Brushes and all the Nozzles and Nozzle Libraries that I created over the years since Painter v5 (although some of the older ones won't load; Corel changed the format or naming of the file type somewhere over the years).

I don't see the point in creating stuff and keeping it to myself. I'd rather upload it for other Affinity Photo users to download and use.

I don't think you'll be disappointed, Sitaara. I think the Gold 'Byzantium' brush set has come out rather well, considering. There's even a gold 'Cat's Head' brush just for you... 😀 (Did you spot them in the poster above?)

Currently, I am re-naming some of them and moving the 'Trim' brushes so that they are together (brushes that you can use to paint gold trim over fabric, like around an Emperor's collar or trim on his cloak (that's what I use them for, anyway (see below screengrab).

I'd like to see what other uses Affinity Photo users come up with for them.

Brushes that are gold lines, textured brush strokes with gold and gems, and other be-jewelled brushes (what I'm currently working on), gold 'tile' brushes (based on the gold tiles in the Byzantine churches, which got me interested and wondering how I could create a brush set for Affinity Photo and thinking 'Oh no! Have I really gotta re-create them all from scratch?)

I studied what images I could find of Byzantium, the splendour and magnificence of the churches, the paintings, the tiled domes of the churches and (after 1453) the mosques, the gold, the jewels and precious stones, the opulence, and have tried to create a brush set that is fun, but one that Affinity Photo user can begin to paint with and think 'Wow! These are SO cool!'  Well, that's my aim, anyway. At least by offering them free, no one is going to come back and say 'I want my money back!' Well, I hope not anyway...   😀 

In the meantime, something to whet your appetite...

DelN