I hope everyone reading along is also playing along in our new LAD: Science 101. It’s free, fun & friendly! The perfect little break from a busy day to digitally play with your friends. Today we’re delving a little deeper into Photoshop and trying out a micro warp.

This LAD is about using subtle techniques to add the most bang to your digital art. Earlier this week I talked about using Outer Glows to help elements stand out more, now let’s explore micro warps to do the same thing.

I’m using a sticker from Science 101 Sticker Pack by Chere Kaye Designs., this pack is free for all our SUPERsize Club Members. There are additional stickers in the prizes in the completely free-to-everyone during our LAD: Science 101 .

We’ll start by adding a subtle Drop Shadow to our sticker:

  • Blend Mode = Linear Burn
  • Opacity = 30%
  • Angle = 120
  • Distance = 1 px
  • Size = 2 px

The Drop Shadow is barely visible, it is very subtle. Let’s make it POP a little more without being obnoxious. To do this, we need to get the Drop Shadow on it’s own layer.

  • Make Sure you are on the Element Layer

Once you are on the Element Layer:

  • Right click near the fx
  • Choose Create Layer from the pop-up menu

Once you click Create Layer the pop-up menu disappears. You will still be on the Element Layer.

  • Click & select the new Drop Shadow Layer

When you are on the new Drop Shadow Layer:

  • Click on Edit
  • Click on Transform, in the drop down menu
  • Click on Warp, in the fly out menu

The menu’s will disappear once you click on Warp, and a subtle blue grid will appear on your Drop Shadow.

  • Click and hold any one of the teeny-tiny blue dots on the subtle blue grid
  • Gently drag the teeny-tiny blue dot to micro warp your Drop Shadow

After each gentle drag take a look at your Drop Shadow. You can continue to pick up the teeny-tiny blue dots and gently adjust your Drop Shadow.

  • Note the micro change of location of the teeny-tiny blue dots
  • Note the micro warping of the grid lines

When you are happy with the look of your Drop Shadow, click the arrow at the top right menu.

And that’s it! You’ve micro warped your first drop shadow and made a subtle improvement to your digital layout.