So you've been here before, the first page of your Google search results. The same place just about EVERY other designer has found themselves searching for new textures to bring some life into their project.

Well it's time to learn how to create these textures yourself, all from using free Paper Scans or your personal favorite paid asset pack, for this demonstration I'll be using some scans from Kiwihug (you can also find free paper scans or images from other photographers on Unsplash or Pexels, I recommend using smoother scans instead of crumpled ones)

Don't have time to make your own? Download my free texture pack here :)

drewfromcharlotte.gumroad.com/l/DustTexturesVol1

EDIT: I released a custom Photoshop Action for you to replicate this process with only one click if you need to save some time

https://drewfromcharlotte.gumroad.com/l/PaperToDust

1

Create a new document within Adobe Photoshop with these settings to get started. Then load in your base paper layer.

2

Next, right click the layer and select "Rasterize Layer"

3

CTRL + I to invert the image

4

Press SHIFT + CTRL + ALT + B and set the values in the dialogue box that pops up to the following:

5

Press SHIFT + CTRL + ALT + L to Auto Contrast the image

6

Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast and use the following settings:

Brightness: -105

Contrast: 95

Then hit enter

7

Right click the current texture layer and press CTRL + J to duplicate

Select the copy of your layer, and then press Control-T and Rotate it 180° while holding Shift

Change the Blending Mode of your copied layer to Lighten

then Merge both of these texture layers together

8

Select your new layer and then go to Image > Adjustments > Exposure (not the kind of exposure they're always trying to pay you in) and set the following settings: Exposure: 0.00, Offset: +0.0050, Gamma Correction: 1.00

9

Select the current layer we are working on and press CTRL + J again to duplicate

Select this duplicated top layer and then go to Image > Adjustments > Shadows/Highlights and set the following settings: Shadows Amount: 40%, Highlights Amount: 0%

Go to Filter > Other > High Pass and set the following settings: Radius: 15 px

10

Take this layer, set the blending mode to Overlay and the opacity to 30%

Merge both layers and name it "Dust Texture"

Save & Export you're all finished!

How To Use The Dust Textures

0 comments

How To: Install Presets in Adobe Lightroom Mobile by Drew

How To: Install Presets in Adobe Lightroom Desktop by Drew

How To: Turn Your Lightroom Presets Into Instagram Filters by Drew

See all posts from Cover Art By Drew