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HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on August 13, 2019 at 23:08

Basic Banner Tutorial

Start with creating an image 1000x450 pixels in whatever editor you chose. You can make it bigger or smaller, but the less the size, the worse quality will show up on your layout when the banner is included.
I'm using Pixlr.com so my instructions will be easier to follow on there.

Once you have a image open on the site, you can choose a color to make the background. If you have images you want to use, you'll want to choose something that matches by a little bit, so that it still looks similar.

For my example, I'm choosing a black background. I can change the color by clicking on the paint bucket tool and making sure the color on the bottom of the tools matches. If it doesn't, click on the color and choose a new one.

Okay, now to add more to it, you'll want to find a good quality picture of your faceclaim and press the layers button towards the top of the site. Once there, select "Open image as new layer". If you only select an image and open it in the normal image opener, it will open a new window.

For this tutorial, try to find an image with a similar background color as the one you want to use. I've selected a picture that has a dark grey background, while the banner is currently black. If you choose black or white as your banner base, it may be easier to find images that work for the tutorial, because those are common colors.

Next, you'll want to resize your image to make it the size you'd like. It should fit nicely inside the height, but not have too much extra.

Next, click the image and make sure you are on the second layer (which is the image you opened) and click on the 'edit' tab of the site.

Select free transform.

Make sure to hold down the shift key as you adjust size. If you don't, it will distort the image, not just change the size.

Once you've done that select the eraser tool from the options. For the I'm using a brush in the size 150 with hardness at about 50 and lower the opacity by about twenty. So that it's around 80.

Adjust the size of the eraser, as needed.

Zoom on the image, if you need more clarity on where to stop erasing. Once you've erased what background you need too in order to make the match as close as possible, we'll continue.
Next, choose a similar color, or one you want in your color scheme. Create a new image in Pixlr.com. Don't worry, it won't delete what you're working on now. Make the dimensons around 250x250.

If it looks too big for what you'd like, follow the step on transforming an image to a different size. If it looks okay, but it somewhere on the banner. Then, open a new image of your faceclaim and crop it to about 220x220.

Once you've copied and pasted, using the edit tab, select the colored image you put in a few moments ago. On the bottom of the layer tab, there is a button that says 'toggle layer settings.' Click that.

Next, click 'mode' and choose an effect you'd like, or what I'll do is change the opacity of the square. I chose 'screen' and 24/100 opacity.

Then, click on the Adjust tab and click on 'hue and saturation'. I'm choosing to make the second image black and white and a little darker, as well. Play around and find what you like.

Finally, we're going to add some text.

Return to the background layer and on tools select the letter 'A', so we can add a name.

Choose a new color for your text and type your character's name into the box. If you'd like, you can add more text than just the name. Next, choose a font and move it where you'd like, using the arrow cursor on the options.

After you have the text where you want, make any other adjustments needed and save the image. To do this, click on the file tab and press save image.

If you really need help, feel free to ask me, but the tutorial should be easy to follow and once you get the hang of the website, adding more cool things will come with a little experimenting. Good luck!

Here are a few screenshots that mat be helpful in finding what you need.

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HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on August 15, 2019 at 14:54

Premade Banners + Graphics
Credit if using. Suggestions welcome, but requests aren't taken. 

Shay Mitchell, pre-made banner. Credit Caleb if using. 

Katie McGrath, pre-made banner. Credit Caleb if using. 

Lily Collins, pre-made banner. Credit Caleb if using.

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HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on November 20, 2019 at 16:55

Eliza Taylor Banner

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