PhotoShop: Alter Ego

Student Project: Alter Ego

Objective: Turn a selfie into a mythological creature, using PhotoShop. Use composites to create a background suitable for the concept.

Design Process: I decided to turn myself into a satyr, which is half-man/half-goat. For the horns, I found an image online, which I re-colored, warped, and blended into the forehead. I clone stamped my skin on another layer to add the illusion of the horns growing out of me. I also used the dodge and burn tools to create shadows and highlights. For the chest, I used the clone stamp on my beard to create a naturalistic fur. For the background I composited photographs I took of Lake Tahoe and a cherry blossom in front of my house. For the sparkle, I used multiple layers of a custom brush to create snow and pixie dust.

Color Theory: I used a light blue filter on everything to create a unified look and winter feel.

Overall, I really enjoyed this project. I could imagine it being used for a fantasy magazine or website.