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In this tutorial, we’ll delve into the world of pattern design in Adobe Photoshop, focusing on a captivating technique that involves the use of colored shapes combined with a black offset stroke.

We will guide you through each step to help you create a mesmerizing pattern that’s both visually appealing and fun to create.

Getting Started: Setting Up Your Canvas

To kick things off, let’s set up our canvas in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Open Adobe Photoshop and create a new file by clicking on \”File\” > \”New.\”

2. Set the dimensions of your canvas to 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels, with a resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Make sure the color mode is set to RGB color, and the background content is transparent.

3. Click \”Create\” to generate your canvas, ready for your creative touch.

Adding the Colored Shape

Now that our canvas is ready, let’s dive into adding the colored shape that forms the foundation of our pattern:

1. Access the Custom Shape Tool by pressing the keyboard shortcut \”U.\” Alternatively, you can right-click on the canvas and select the Custom Shape Tool from the menu.

2. Choose the desired shape from the Legacy Shapes panel. Tricia selects the four-leaf clover from the Nature folder for this tutorial.

3. Click and drag to draw the shape on your canvas.

4. Give the shape a vibrant green color by selecting a hue from the Swatch Panel.

5. Duplicate the shape layer twice (Command/Ctrl + J), and for each duplicate, choose a different color to create a visually striking effect.

Introducing the Offset Stroke

Now, let’s add the distinctive offset stroke to our shapes:

1. Select the shape that you want to add the stroke to.

2. In the Layers Panel, under Fill, select \”No Fill.\” Under Stroke, choose the color black.

3. Experiment with the stroke size; Tricia suggests starting with 10 pixels. You can choose to align the stroke inside, outside, or in the middle of the shape.

4. Access the Move Tool (V), and adjust the position of the shape slightly to create an offset effect. You can use the arrow keys for precise adjustments.

Creating a Repeating Pattern

To make our pattern captivating and engaging, we’ll create a half-drop repeating pattern:

1. Select the shape layers that you want to use in your pattern.

2. Press Command (or Ctrl) and click to select multiple layers.

3. Use the Marquee Tool (M) to select the entire canvas (Command/Ctrl + A).

4. Access the Align Tools (V), and click the center buttons for both vertical and horizontal alignment.

5. Deselect (Command/Ctrl + D).

6. Reposition the top shape layer to the bottom of the canvas and vice versa, creating a half-drop pattern.

7. Duplicate and position the shape layers accordingly, aligning them to form the repeating pattern.

Defining and Testing the Pattern

With your pattern complete, let’s define it and see how it looks:

1. Select the entire pattern (Command/Ctrl + A).

2. Go to \”Edit\” > \”Define Pattern,\” give your pattern a name, and click \”OK.\”

3. Create a new document with larger dimensions for testing your pattern. Use a Pattern Fill Adjustment Layer and select your newly defined pattern.

4. Experiment with different background colors to see how your pattern interacts with various hues.

Adding Variation: Flipping the Design

For an extra touch of creativity, let’s add some variation by flipping parts of the design:

1. Select a shape layer.

2. Go to \”Edit\” > \”Transform\” > \”Flip Vertically.\”

3. Repeat the process for other shape layers to create a dynamic effect.

Exporting Your Creation

Once you’re satisfied with your pattern design, it’s time to export it:

1. Click \”File\” > \”Export\” > \”Export As.\”

2. Choose the desired format (JPEG is commonly used for digital scrapbook paper).

3. Adjust the quality settings to balance file size and image quality.

4. Under \”Color Space,\” select \”Embed Color Profile\” to ensure accurate color representation.

5. Click \”Export\” to save your digital scrapbook paper.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully ventured into the world of pattern design in Adobe Photoshop, learning how to create a captivating pattern using colored shapes and offset strokes. Whether you’re creating digital scrapbook paper or adding a unique design element to your artwork, this tutorial equips you with the skills to create patterns that stand out.

Remember, the key to mastering pattern design lies in experimentation and creativity. So go ahead, unleash your imagination, and let your designs come to life!

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