Hey guys, since i got photoshop and started to make sigs i was wondering how you make different style backgrounds (like abstract, fire, dark, etc.). I've seen examples on deviant art but nothing telling you how to make them but i have a feeling gradient has something to do with it. Could somebody point me out in the right direction or explain it to me?

Download brushes from dA
Copy into your PS brushes directory
Load them up in PS (I don't remember how exactly)
Use to create backgrounds

That's how most people do it, yes. But no need to move to the PS directory, it's just loading the brushes from anywhere. And you can even delete the "Brush" file afterwards.

Hmm interesting, there's all kinds of different variations of brush sets here. I'll have all kinds of fun with these. I wouldn't have thought it was brush sets that made these.

There are many other ways, I only use other people's brushes when making clipping masks. I usually use something called "C4D"s, smudging by normal brushes (The basic ones) or stocks. There are also different brush settings that can make downloaded (Any really) brushes even better.

Plus, in the 'filter' toolbar is a bunch of effects you can combine with brushes, images and what have you to further change your backgrounds.

And http://www.pixel2life.com is a Godsend. I started making graphics thanks to that place. Just practice some tutorials and you'll be doing awesome stuff in no time. Hope this helps. ;D

LJ | dA

Super Sonic eats butts.

I've downloaded some brush sets but they're not coming up when i try to open them, the computer just goes into photoshop and doesn't do anything else and if i try it in paint it says it's the wrong file type.

I assume you have CS3.

First, run Photoshop. Then click on the brush tool, then do this:

Ok, got it. Btw, that pixel2life site kicks ass!