Step 1 - Creating abstract by filters

I was so amazed by the first time I saw this that I decided to share it with all of you. However, the idea of this was brought to my attention by idesignthis.com. This tutorial will teach you how to create an amazing abstract effect using a few filters. The outcome is always different, and always satisfying!

Step 2 - Gradient Background

Start off by making a new document. Use the dimensions 500x500 pixels. Now take your Paint bucket from the tool box and switch it to the Gradient Tool (G). Then change your 2 main colors (bottom of tool box) to #1F1F1F and #702e42. Then go to the top of your Photoshop window and click the gradient (black to white). Now look in the icons and find the Red to Black one you have in your toolbox.

Then click and hold the mouse from the bottom of the document to the top. Now you should have something like in the image above. If it's opposite, then start from the other side.

Step 3 - Lens Flare

After the background is in place, it's time to add the filter effects. Lets start by using three Lens Flare. To do this, go to the top of your Photoshop window and find Filter > Render > Lens Flare. Then use the following settings or click the image above to see the position.

Brightness: 100%
Lens Type: Movie Prime

Now click the image above to see the position (I did it 3 different times).

Step 4 - Wave effect

Note, make sure you only have one layer still. No need to make 2 or it will mess it up. Now once you have all of this on one layer, go to Filter > Distort > Wave. I usually just randomize it until I get something I like, but you can copy mine if you'd like to. Just click the image above to see the settings or keep hitting Randomize!

Step 5 - Repeat

Duplicate the one layer and hit Ctrl+F three more times. This will make the wave effect happen three more times. If the hotkey doesn't work, just go back up to Filter and it should be the first effect. Now change the Blending mode to Overlay. Then merge the two layers together.

Step 6 - Hue & Saturation

Now duplicate the layer again, and repeat the wave two more times (Ctrl+F). Then go to Image > Adjustments > Hue & Saturation or Ctrl+U. Then click the check mark box to Colorize. Now change the top meter to 300, and the middle one to 70. Then click OK.

Now set the blending mode to Screen. Then merge the two layers together again to form one.

Step 7 - Radial Blur

To end all of the filter effects, we're going to do a Radial blur + a few sharpens. Let's start by duplicating the layer one last time. Then go up to Filter > Blur > Radial Blur. Change the settings to 100, Zoom, Good. Then go to Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen. Then do the sharpen two more times by hitting Ctrl+F twice. Then finally do the exact same Radial Blur but without any sharpening.

Step 8 - Final Hue & Saturation

To end things off, change the duplicated layer's blending mode to Linear Dodge. Then hit Ctrl+U or go to Image > Adjustments > Hue & Saturation. Then check the check mark box for Colorize. Now change the colors to as you wish or use the settings I have below!

Step 9 - Finished

Well there you have it, click the image above to see a full preview. With this tutorial and effect locked in your head, who knows what you can make! Again, even though this tutorial was written all by me, I give a lot of credits to idesignthis.com for giving me the brightest idea I've ever learned.

Congratulations, your finished! Here's a copy of the .psd file. Enjoy!