How to Make a Stellar Photo Effect With a Star Brush in Photoshop

What You’ll Be Creating

Do you wish you could make fun photo filters just like Snapchat’s? Well, today, we’ll learn how to make a star-inspired photo effect from scratch, using simple tools in Adobe Photoshop.

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used in the production of this tutorial.

• Model Stock #1
• Model Stock #2
• Star Effect PNG

1. How to Create a Star Brush in Adobe Photoshop

Step 1

First, create the star brush.

Open a New Document in Photoshop.

Then select the Custom Shape Tool (U). Select the Star option from the drop down menu and create a large, black star.

Step 2

To turn this new shape into a Photoshop brush, select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) and create a selection around the star.

Then go to Edit > Define Brush Preset, and name your new brush.

2. How to Create a Star Effect

Step 1

I’ll be using this Model Stock from Envato Elements.

Feel free to crop it much smaller as I did with the Crop Tool (C).

You can now create elaborate crowns and sparkly designs with the star brush. Select the Brush Tool (B) and adjust the Star Brush Size using the Right or Left Bracket Keys.

Create a New Layer and stamp small white stars all around the model’s head. Vary the size and direction for the best look.

For a faster route, you can even download the Star Effect PNG I’ve included and Copy and Paste it into place.

Step 2

Now color the stars.

Right-click the layer and go to Blending Options.

First, add a sunny Gradient Overlay with the following settings:

• Colors: #f39d50, #ffe6b5
• Gradient Overlay: Reversed
• Opacity: 100%
• Angle: 90 Degrees
• Scale: 150%

Then add an Outer Glow with the following settings:

• Blend Mode: Linear Dodge (Add)
• Opacity: 35%
• Noise: 0%
• Elements Spread: 0%
• Elements Size: 65%

Finish with a white Outside Stroke of 2 pixels. For a more intense glow, select the layer and hold Control-J to duplicate the star effect.

Here’s the final result.

Learn More With Our Tutorials!

Pretty simple, right? Create more stellar effects using custom brushes in Adobe Photoshop. I hope this tutorial has inspired you to make your pictures look fabulous for Instagram and more.

Make awesome photo effects to share with your friends and followers! Show us your results below!