Upcoming tutorials:

I’ve obtained two awesome retro large pieces from an artist called Immortal, he has a great DeviantArt Gallery and I will be working on finishing the tutorials about these two pieces:

Ideas of the Retro Mind:

Death Breeds Life:

I hope you enjoy these wallpapers are much as I do, and are looking forward to the upcoming updates. I’m nearly done with the first one, so expect to see a new tutorial very soon!

Premium Members

Lately I’ve had some trouble with the premium member script, and I have to manually validate a premium members membership for the login to work. This could take up to 24 hours and I apologize, I will be reinstalling the script as soon as the server transfer has been completed so that the registration process is automated again. Until that time, feel free to sign up and download all of the great tutorial PSD files that we have available!

First of all, the Chronus Crusade signature (2 versions) created by Castro:

Download this signature.

The Full Metal Alchemist (?) signature, created by Roroni:

Download this signature.

This Sprite signature, created by nfx:

Download this signature.

What’s next?

I have several signatures that I am considering to write about. I plan to have it finished by next week. I would also like to write about another large piece artwork. I have my eye on a good looking retro piece that I will post an update about this week or the next. Would you like even more signature PSD files? The premium section holds extra PSDs, tutorials, and more! sign up now!

Start by creating a new file, the size was set to 385 pixels by 110 pixels:

Place the render you want to use (we used the Final Fantasy render that can be downloaded here) on your canvas. Don’t resize it yet, we will use this to create a background.

Select Filter > Liquify, and use the swirl tool to transform the render. Using the liquify tool we can create a nice signature background:

We’ve covered the left part of the signature:

Duplicate the layer , and move it around to fill the entire signature with the liquified final fantasy character:

We will be using this cinema4d render. You can easily make the cinema4d renders color match the color of the final fantasy or whatever render you selected by using a Hue/Saturation adjustment. Press CTRL + U, and change the Hue around (make sure you didn’t check Colorize, the outcome will not look as good).

This is the render shown on the signature:

Change the blending mode to Lighten:

Add your render on the signature, on top of the cinema4drender:

Duplicate the cinema4d render, and move it to the side and over your final fantasy character,

Change the blending mode of this layer to Lighten as well:

Using the render, we will create more detail with the Liquify filter. Add the render on top again:

Select Filter > Liquify, and use the eraser tool to remove some parts of the character:

We’ve only kept the right side, going over her shoulder:

Add the cinema4d render on top again. We’re going to create some detail to the left of the character:

Erase everything that covers the final fantasy character, by CTRL + Clicking on the layer image:

Delete and erase the render:

Repeat this step a few times, add detail around your character by placing the cinema4d render on top and erasing it:

Change the blending mode of the cinema4d render to Lighten:

Create a few light sources by using the eyedropper tool, and tap with a soft brush underneath your character:

Change the blending mode to Screen:

Use the eyedropper tool again to select a color from your character. Then using splatter brushes, tap once or twice or twice on your signature.

Select a contrasting color, and brush on the signature again:

We’re going to blur some parts of the signature by using the Blur Tool. To do this, first we have to apply the image on a new layer by selecting Imaeg > Apply Image:

Select the Blur tool:

Use the blur tool to create depth on the signature, you can do this by keeping the focal point untouched, and gradually blurring to the sides of the signature:

We’re going to add some more depth by changing the lighting. First, Apply the image on a new layer again:

Then press CTRL + U to bring up the Hue/Saturation window. Now, drag the Lightness bar down:

This will darken your image, our result shown below:

Grab the eraser tool, and erase around your focal point. Make sure you select a soft brush, and play around with the opacity to achieve the best looking result:

Outcome after fixing the depth:

We’re going to add a light source underneath the final fantasy render again. Use the eyedropper tool to select a color from your signature, and tap with a soft brush once or twice underneath your character:

Change the blending mode of the brushing to either Screen or Lighten:

Time for your finishing touches, optionally you can sharpen with the shrapen tool, add some more splattering, or your text. This brings us to our final result:

We hope you’ve enjoyed this signature tutorial. Premium members can download the PSD file in the premium section. Optionally, you can join for as low as 6 dollars! Feel free to ask questions or comment about the result!

How did we decide the winner?

All 3 judges had 6 points to give out, 3 to their favourite signature, 2 to the second, and 1 to their third favourite. The points were given out not only based on the looks of the outcome, but also by looking at the process with which the signature was created and the creativity applied to a signature to give it a “personal touch”, which I believe the winner did a really good job at.

Where are the entries?

A summary of all entries can be found in this post.

I wanted the premium membership

Don’t worry, we will have more contests in the future, I will now focus on writing some more tutorials. If you’re impatient, we would really appreciate if you purchase a premium membership, for a small price of$6 you can enjoy extra premium benefits!

On to the results!

On first place, with 8 points, the winner of the signature design contest who will be granted a Premium Membership:

Kaz, with his signature inspired by the Final Fantasy tutorial!!

Aaaaand the runner up, also recieving a Premium Membership, with 6 points:
CheesySalsa, with his signature inspired by the Timeshift Photoshop tutorial!

Honorable Mentions, nice try, keep it up:

Blade recieved 2 points:

MrPurx, recieved 1 point:

BonxFire, recieved 1 point:

Thanks for participating everyone!

You guys did a great job, I personally loved all of your entries and I cannot wait to see your entries for the upcoming contest to see how much you guys have improved. Kaz and CheesySalsa, please post a comment using a valid email adres so that we can send you your premium membership information.

Feel free to comment and give us suggestions for the next contest!

Now, about the contest!

Rules:

• Every member can enter up to 3 signatures into the contest,
• The signature has to be made inspired by a tutorial on SignatureStop. There’s plenty of great tutorials around, so this should not be a problem! Please mention which tutorial or technique was used to achieve your  result.
• Entries have to be posted in the comments below,
• Signatures have to be made by you, no ripping is allowed!
• Contest will end within 3 weeks, on the 2nd of June.

Depending on the amount of entries, up to 3 premium memberships will be given away! Winners will be picked by myself and 2 other judges. Good luck everyone, and enjoy!

Update: Entries!

AEONfire:
Entry 1
Entry 2
Entry 3

Nsta:
Entry 1
Entry 2
Entry 3

Lethal:
Entry 1
Entry 2
Entry 3

Blade:
Entry 1
Entry 2
Entry 3

BONxFire:
Entry 1

d.ban35:
Entry 1
Entry 2

Nfx:
Entry 1
Entry 2

CheesySalsa:
Entry 1

Kaz:
Entry 1
Entry 2
Entry 3

Demonic:
Entry 1

Mr Pur:
Entry 1
Entry 2

Skulltrail:
Entry 1

A very nice job so far guys, it will be hard picking a winner out of these great signatures!

Contest ended, comments will be closed.

You can continue commenting in the results posts.

Create a new file (File > New), our size was set to 420 pixels by 130 pixels.

We’re going to use a stock photo of what seems to be a building on fire. Place a stock photo somewhere on your canvas, and resize it if needed.

Paste your render somewhere on the canvas. We’re using this Full Metal Alchemist character.

We will be creating a sort of flame effect by brushing, which we will edit on to achieve a good looking result. First, you have to set your Brush opacity a little lower and turn on Airbrushing at the toolbar.

Select a light color (yellow in our case), and brush a little over your signature.

Now select Filter > Distort > Displace…:

This screen will come up. Experiment with the settings to create different outcomes. When you press OK, it will ask you for a file to displace with. Select any image you like:

If it still looks too much like the brushing, repeat it again. When you’re done displacing, Sharpen it by selecting Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen…

Outcome:

We’re going to apply an outer glow to add a flame effect to it. Select Layer > Layer Style > Outer Glow, and pick these settings:

This brings us to our outcome:

Repeat this again, add brushing:

Set the same outer glow effect:

We’re going to add some blue flames to it now. Select a light blue color, and brush softly on the signature:

Apply the same effects, Filter > Distort > Displace… (once or twice), then Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen…

Now apply this outer glow settings to it (Layer > Layer Styles > Outer Glow):

The outcome:

Now change the blending mode of the blue flames to Screen to blend it in a little:

We’re going to add a Color Balance adjustment layer. To do this, select Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance. Obviously, use your own settings, ours probably won’t work on your signature. Here’s an example animation of the adjustment layer settings:

Outcome of the Color Balance layer:

We’re going to add a Black and White adjustment layer. To do so, select Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Black and White (or select the ying/yang ish icon on your layer panel):

Our settings:

We’ve set the blending mode to Lighter Color:

We’re going to use the Reduce Noise function. You can also use Topaz for this. First, select Image > Apply Image:

Now select Noise > Reduce Noise, and play around until you’re satisfied:

The Reduce Noise function:

To create the good looking blue effect, select Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation, and move the Hue a lot (experiment with the colors):

With the Hue changed:

We’re going to remove some of the blue effect. To do this, select the Layer Mask in the adjustment layer like shown below:

Select areas on the signature with the Elliptical marquee tool, and press delete. Optionally, you can use a splatter brush to do this:

Outcome:

Add a Gradient Map (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map). The settings are set Black to White:

Change the blending mode to Darker Color:

Another Color Balance layer with these settings (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance):

And an exposure adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Exposure…). Set the opacity to 50%:

Outcome after the adjustment layers:

Now add some dots with a soft brush on your canvas to create some extra lighting effect.

Change the blending mode to Screen afterwards:

We’re going to sharpen the image. First we have to Create a new layer, then select Image > Apply Image.

Optionally you can use the Topaz filter if you have it.

We’re going to blur some sections we don’t like with a lens blur. Apply the image on a new layer:

Then select Filter > Blur > Lens Blur:

Outcome (experiment with the settings):

Erase most of it except for the parts that you want to blur (in our case, the cape and the corners):

To finish up the final coloring, add another Color Balance layer:

We’re nearly done, finish up the coloring with some more adjustment layers, experiment.

We finished with a Curves adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves):

This brings us to our final result:

We hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial. You can download the PSD file in the premium member section. Good Luck!

Start by creating a new file in Photoshop (File > New), our size was set to 420 pixels by 130 pixels. The first few steps will be used to create some detail in the signature, we will then continue changing colors and lighting.

Apply some sort of texture on the canvas to get some detail. Here, a cracked texture was used.

We’re going to use some splatter brushes, with a bright red color. It’s best to create new layers (CTRL + SHIFT + N) every time you brush, so you keep maximum control of the looks.

Some more splatters on a new layer with the same red bright color.

Change the blending mode of the last splattering to Multiply:

We’re going to add a cinema4d render on the signature. You can find some renders in our resources section. The render that was used can be found here.

Change the blending mode of the render to Screen:

Add your render to the signature. The good thing about this render is that we can work with his hand to create some special effect. Try finding a render that has some activity in it that you can use.

Add another render on top of character, and rotate it (CTRL + T) to follow the flow of the character (in this case, his arm):

We’ve added the same render that we’ve added a few steps back on top of the signature again, and used the eraser tool to remove some areas covering our Code Geass character.

We’re going to create a glowing sphere in her hand. Select the brush tool, and pick a decent size soft brush:

With a yellow color, tap once on top of his hand:

Apply a bright outer glow to it, with the following settings:

This is what the sphere looks like on a black background:

We will be erasing some of it to make it seem as if its inside of his hand. To make the erasing a little easier, CTRL + Click on the layer of the character. This will turn it into a selection.

Zoom in and carefully erase with a small brush, parts of the yellow sphere:

Using the smudge tool, we will be creating some sort of light flow that comes out of his hand. First, tap again with a soft brush, then use the smudge tool to create some light flow coming out between his fingers:

This is the light brushing shown on a black background:

Result shown on the signature:

Apply the same outer glow that we used earlier:

Outcome of the glowing sphere in his hand:

We’re going to make his eye color match the red background a little more. Pick a small brush, and tap on top of his eyes with a bright red color:

Set the blending mode to Color, and reduce the opacity to 80%:

Apply the image on a new layer (Image > Apply Image). Then, select Filter > Distort > Ocean Ripple:

Play around with the settings a little. This is our image with an Ocean Ripple applied:

Now erase most of it, keep some sections of the render surrounding our character, and the light sphere coming out of his hand:

Change this layers blending mode to Lighten:

We’re going to add a Color Balance adjustment layer. You should be using your own settings, as our settings probably won’t work for your signature. Here are our settings anyway to illustrate an example. To create a color balance layer, select Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance:

Outcome of the color balance adjustment layer:

We don’t want the Color Balance to cover the code geass character. Click on the adjustment layer, and start brushing with darkish grey over your character:

This is our outcome:

Time to add another color to the signature. We will be using a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer for this. To create a Hue/Saturation layer, select Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation…

In the adjustment layer, select Master from the dropdown menu, and move the Hue bar around.

Our outcome:

We’re going to use a splatter brush to hide some part of the Adjustment layer. Select the layer mask:

And tap with a black color on the layer. This will hide the adjustment layer:

We think the signature is a little too dark. Using another Hue/Saturation layer, we will lighten it up a little. Once again, select Master from the dropdown menu, then drag the Lightness Bar:

You should also move the saturation if this makes the signature too greyish.

Add some text to your signature. Select the eyedropper tool to pick colors from your signature:

To finnish it up, select the Dodge and Burn tool, and add some lighting.

Go crazy, use some brushing or adjustment layers if you think that finishes it. Sharpen if needed. Our final outcome:

We hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial. Premium Members can download the PSD file in the premium section. Good luck!

Start by creating a new signature, the size was set to 420pixels by 130 pixels.

We will use a spacestock as a background. Before you grab just about any picture, make sure the author has given permission for you to use it. You can find the Space Stock photo here. Resize it to fit somewhere nicely onto your canvas:

Place the Final Fantasy Render on your signature. Resize if needed:

We’re going to add some coloring. Grab a soft brush, and change the opacity and flow on the toolbar a little:

Brush toolbar:

Use the eyedropper tool to select a color on the canvas, and set it a little lighter. Brush into the direction that matches your render, in our case it follows the flow of his weapon:

Place the layer underneath the character. Optionally, you can set the blending mode to Color Dodge:

Now we’re grabbing another starry sky stock, and place this on top. You can find good Space Stock photos here.

Now change this layers’ blending mode to Lighten on your layer panel:

This should blend the stars into the background:

We’re going to be making some light beams with the elliptical marquee tool. Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool:

Make a selection somewhere near your character:

Now stroke this selection, by going Edit > Stroke, and set the color to white. Set the Width to about 3 pixels. Here are our settings:

Press OK, you should now have a white circle like selection going around:

Now apply an outer glow to this circle, by selection Layer > Layer Style > Outer Glow. Set the blend mode to Linear Dodge, and opacity to 100%, and select a bright color with the eyedropper tool:

Outcome:

We’re going to make some mor ebeams. Grab a soft brush:

And make two lines on your signature, following the flow of the character:

Apply the same Outer Glow to these lines:

Add some light brushing on top of the lines. We’re going to apply another outer glow to this to add some lighting:

Outer Glow settings ( Layer > Layer Style > Outer Glow):

This will give the beam a lighter touch. Optionally, you can set the blending mode to Color Dodge for a brighter result:

Finish up the beams, add some final glow and effects to the beams:

We’re going to use the Liquify function to create some “waves” around our character. First, Create a new layer, and apply the image (Image > Apply Image):

Now Select Filter > Liquify, and select the Forward Warp Tool in the top left corner:

Change the brush size in the top right corner to about 130 pixels, and start warping the layer to form some sort of beam:

Warp it into a shape that will fit around the character. Keep going untill you get an outcome you like:

Place the beam on your character, and erase the section covering the end of our Final Fantasy Kain character. This will make it seem as if the beam is going around our character.

Now Change this layers’ blending mode to Pin Light:

Time to fix some lighting. Apply the image on a new layer:

Now grab the burn or dodge tool, and start brushing and fixing some lighting:

Outcome:

Now we’re going to use the Liquify function once again, combined with the smudge tool to create some distortion in the bottom corner. Select the smudge tool:

Smudge, liquify warp forward tool until you like the outcome:

We’re going to apply a Selective Color. Obviously, you should select your own settings. However, here are our settings to illustrate a possible outcome. To create a selective color layer, select Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Selective Color:

Outcome:

We’re going to add some final finishing touches by applying a Color Balance adjustment Layer, and the dodge and burn tool to create some depth. First, add a color balance layer by selecting Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance:

I will not be displaying our settings, because our settings will not work unless you have the exact same colors. Just experiment with the settings.

Our outcome:

Optionally, you can use the smudge tool to distort the beam:

Add some text, finnishing touches, and you’re done!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial. Premium Members will now be able to download the PSD in the Premium Section. Join Now!

Signature Tutorials

This Full Metal Alchemist signature:

Final Fantasy 4 Signature:

CodeGeass Signature:

Killzone Signature:

I hope you enjoy the sneak peak at the upcoming tutorials. If anyone has some special requests or needs support, feel free to leave a comment or Contact Us.

Resources

As of right now, the Resources section is a little poor. The only thing worth looking at are the renders, which I’ve uploaded hastily. We will be working hard to update this section and to add some sort of gallery and download system that’s easier and better for everyone. I have plenty of resources and stocks at hand, so I think they will be worth looking at. I will also be adding a Signature PSD section where people can download some nice PSD files that I’ve released in the past (and will release in the near future *hint hint*).

So make sure you come back soon for more updates, tutorials, psd files, and more! And remember, if you want to support SignatureStop, consider becoming a Premium Member for extra benefits!

Create a new signature by selecting File > New File. The size was set to 420 pixels by 160 pixels.

Find some cinema4d renders. You can download some renders in our temporary Resources section. Erase some of the render, and change the blending mode to Screen.

Paste another render on the canvas. You can find this render here. Resize it (CTRL + T or edit > transform > free transform), erase it, whatever you like:

Add another render on the signature, and blur this a lot. To do this, you can either use the blur tool, or select Filter > Blur > Blur More, and repeat this step a few times.

The render blurred:

Change this renders blending mode to Hard Light. To do this, select Hard Light from the dropdown menu while you have your layer selected:

This should color the renders:

Add a metal gear solid render, and paste it somewhere on your signature. Resize it (CTRL + T) if it doesn’t fit in.

Add another render on the signature, and blur it a lot. Erase the area covering the Metal Gear Solid render.

Change the blending mode to Hard Light again:

Another cinema4d render, erase the sides and the area covering the metal gear solid render:

Change the blending mode to either Color Dodge or Hard Light. Notice the colors are starting to become interesting:

Repeating the last few steps. Add another lightish material or render, and blur it. Erase the section covering the metal gear solid character.

Experiment with the blending modes, set this layer to either Overlay or Hard Light.

Time to start blending the metal gear solid character into the background.We’re going to do this with the use of Adjustment Layers. First of all, create a gradient map by selecting Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map. When you click on the gradient, the gradient window comes up. Select the premade Purple to Orange gradient:

Reduce the opacity and fill of this layer to about 35:

Add a Photo Filter. (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Photo Filter). We’ve selected Deep Yellow:

Signature after the Photo Filter:

We’re going to apply the image and blur it. To do so, select Image > Apply Image:

Then select Filter > Blur > Blur More.

Outcome:

Now erase the area covering the metal gear solid render:

Apply the image on a new layer again (Image > Apply Image), and sharpen the layer by selecting Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen:

We’re going to use the blur tool to partially blur the area next to our render:

We’ve blurred the area to the right and left of the metal gear solid render:

Here’s an animation to illustrate what we’ve blurred:

We’re going to fix some sections that are a little out of flow, like the area inside the circle shown here:

To do this, simply create a new layer, and brush with a dark color. Optionally, you can use the clone stamp tool:

Create another Gradient map (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map). The black to white gradient should be set already:

This will desaturate the signature:

Now apply the image on a new layer ( Image > Apply Image), and select the smudge tool.

When you use the smudge tool, make sure you do it into the right direction following the flow of the signature:

Create a new layer, and select a large soft brush.

Brush with a white color at the top, where the lighting makes sense:

Add some finnishing touches (For example, use the sharpen tool or the burn tool to add some more depths), and this brings us to our final result:

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial. Premium Members can download the PSD file here.