Tribal art in Photoshop.

Tribal art tattoo designs in Photoshop

Step 1.    Create a ‘new’ document  (ctrl + n)
                I chose 1200 x 1200 pixels 300-dpi, but it doesn’t really matter.

Step 2.    Create a new layer (shift + ctrl + n), this will be called “Layer 1”

Step 3.    Using the 'Custom Shape' tool (U), select an appropriate shape.  I used
              this one.  (See Figure A.)
Figure A.

Step 4.    Drag out the shape on layer 1.  Rotate it how you see fit.  This is what I did. (See Figure B.)
           
Figure B.

Step 5.    Now drag a Marquee selection across the top, or bottom half, oriented
        however you like, and hit back space to delete the selection.  Here's
        what I ended up with.  (See Figure C.)

Figure C.

Step 6.  Now duplicate 'Layer 1", and flip it vertically (>Edit >Transform > Flip
         vertically).

Step 7.  Using the move tool (V), drag "Layer 1 copy" and line it up with the previous
         layer.  (See Figure D.).  Now 'merge down'  CTRL+E.

Figure D.

Step 8.    Now you can repeat steps 1-7 with a different custom shape to add more dynamics, or duplicate
                     the current layer, rotate it, and piece it together so it looks good.  I'm not pleased with it yet, so I'm
                     going to add a new shape by following steps 1-7 again.
                     (See Figure E.)   

Figure E

Step 9.    If you like what you have at this point you can stop, and move on to step 11 if you'd like to
               make into an intricate outline with intersecting lines.   I'm not pleased yet, so I'm going to move
               on repeating steps 1-7 with another different shape.

Step 10.   So, here is what I ended up with. (See Figure F)

Figure F.

Step 11.    Optional step.  I like the detail of making these things into 
         outlines, by stroking them with a fine line.  If you want to
         try it, do this.

            A) CTRL+Click on the layer with your design to load it as a selection.
            B) The >Edit >Stroke.  I used these settings (Figure G)        

Figure G.

And this is what the stroked lines look like: Figure H.

Figure H.


If you want, you can then select the inside of your design, and do a gradient
on another layer.  Fancy schmancy!

Final Result © tomledin.com

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