In this tutorial we’ll learn how to create an Album Cover Design using Photoshop.

Let’s break this tutorial down: 

1. Setting up Photoshop (Canvas, Resolution)
2. Getting the Photo
3. Using the Liquify Filter
4. Duplicating and Clipping Mask
5. Adding Shadows
6. Adding Text & Shapes

Step 1. Setting up Photoshop

Create a Photoshop Document with a size of 3000px x 3000px (square) and a Resolution of 150 Dpi.

Step 2. Getting the Photo

Abstract Art https:/www.pexels.com/photo/orange-red-and-green-abstract-painting-1585325/

Once you’ve downloaded the image, place the Abstract Art Image and crop it to fit the canvas. It should look like this. 

Step 3. Using the Liquify Filter

While your Abstract Image is selected:

• Choose Filter > Liquify

The following Interface will appear once you have converted your layer to be brought into liquify:

I have kept the brush pressure at 100 but you can play around with the settings. Use the forward warp tool to swirl, move and push pixels around based on your brush settings.

You can increase or decrease the size of the brush using the] or [bracket keys or use the Brush Tool Options on the right side of the box. After you’re done swirling, pull the transparent

Step 4. Duplicating and Clipping Mask

From the toolbar, click and hold the Shape tool group icon to bring up the various shape tool options.

• Choose the Rectangle Tool
• Hold the Shift key while drawing to make your shape proportional

Duplicate the Liquified Layer by Pressing Ctrl + J. Drag it above the Box. Right Click on the Image and Press “Create Clipping Mask”. We see the top layer clipped to the layer below it.

Use the Move Tool from the Toolbar to reposition the image within the box.

Step 5. Adding Shadows

Select the Box layer and click Layer Style icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and choose Drop Shadow from the list.

Bring the Opacity to 32%, set the angle at 120 degrees, distance and size at 2px. Press OK.

Add a Levels Adjustment Layer above the first Liquified Image.

 On the Levels Adjustment Layer, add the following values:

• Shadows – 41
• Midtones – 0.76
• Highlights – 255