Today we will share 5 trailblazing Photoshop CC 2019 effects which will grab any audiences attention.

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you Photoshop is an amazing tool. There are so many innovative techniques to learn and it can be hard to keep track. However you don't need to know every single one! Stay ahead of the pack and focus on what is bang on trend right now.

Ready to explore some innovative techniques so you can harness them in your own creative work?

Don't have time to read? Pin it for later!

1. Pixel Stretch Effect Photoshop CC 2019

Using this effect in creative work has taken off and in a big way. One of the main designers behind this innovative style is Joe Cavazos. He discovered his own 'circular stretch effect' whilst experimenting in Photoshop. 

Since Joe started creating this work many designers have come up with their own amazing styles and methods for creating a pixel stretch effect. 

BUT we want to help you work in the most efficient and non-destructive way possible which is why we created the tutorial below.

Watch the tutorial to master the pixel stretch effect and let us know what you think.

2. Whirpool Effect Photoshop CC 2019

This mind bending effect is one which can help you test the limits of reality. The dream like quality makes it perfect for fun Advertisements, Album Artwork and even Brand Photography.

In a world where it is hard to stand out...why not alter peoples perception of an image to help you grab attention?

The one minute tutorial below walks you through the Whirlpool Effect technique.

It's important to have a good starting image to make this effect work. Our teams go-to stock sites are Burst and Pexels here you will find high quality, creative stock photos which are free to use...I know it's a miracle!

3. Bokeh Effect Photoshop CC 2019

The term Bokeh refers to: the effect of a soft out-of-focus background. This is often placed in contrast with a crisp in-focus foreground subject. Which is usually a person or product, check out the example to see what I mean.

Here you can see Heineken using the effect to place maximum emphasis on its product.

Images which use shallow depth of field
are everywhere. Think of the portrait mode you are likely to use on your phone. Why not introduce the effect to your creative work to?

Bokeh can be achieved using a wide aperture when shooting an image on camera professionally. However, like most things Photoshop has a nifty way of recreating the effect so you can, as they say 'fake it till you make it'. 

Learn to create the Bokeh Effect in the video below.

4. Glitch Effect Photoshop CC 2019

Avoiding image glitches is now a thing of the past. These days it's a playful, rebellious and fashionable trend! If you want to add some attitude into your compositions this is the right effect to use.

As with a lot of Photoshop Effects we suggest using this technique sparingly, blurring too much of the image might make it uncomfortable to look at...unless that's what you're going for. 

Here's some images by Umut Guney which use a similar style to help get your ideas flowing.

With these 5 trailblazing techniques it's all about experimentation.

5. Radial Distortion Effect Photoshop CC 2019

A lot of great design work shocks people...think Stephan Sagmeister or David Carlson they were not about playing it safe and you don't have to be either. 

We would love to see you take this method and come up with your own fun and abstract compositions.

This Photoshop technique makes use of a bit of an unsung hero...the Puppet Warp Tool. There are plenty of innovative ways you could make use of this feature in your creative compositions. 

Remember though even the most abstract image editing/retouching is grounded in some sort of reality. Check out the images below to see what I mean.

Here you can see the Retouch Artist has carefully replicated the color and texture of the dogs coat and considered its face shape in the wider composition. 

A lot of lighting effects have also been used on the final composition to make it look more 'realistic'. These details can make or break an abstract composition. No wants to see something that just too weird!

That's it for now our 5 trailblazing effects in Photoshop CC 2019. If you really enjoyed this post let us know in the comments because we might have a few extra techniques for you up our sleeves! 


We would love to see you use these techniques in your own style!

If you do decide to take up the challenge don't forget to post your work on social media using the hashtag #yesimadesiger. So we can find it, leave you a comment and share!

UP NEXT

Staying on trend is pretty important in the graphic design world, with so many cool trends evolving we wanted to give you our Graphic Design Trends Predictions for 2019!

Click here.

About the author 

Emily Melling

Emily Melling studied a degree in Visual Communication, after graduating she became a freelance graphic designer, specialising in Branding & Identity. She enjoys developing working relationships with clients and other creatives who are open to exploring new and innovative ideas.

Related topics you might be interested in

Discover the essentials of book design and download a free guide that will help you master the terminology and techniques like a pro!

Continue reading

Get a comprehensive understanding of over 100 graphic design terms and definitions!

Continue reading

Learn how you can participate in our Book Cover Design Contest and have your work reviewed and featured on our YouTube channel!

Continue reading

Make your portfolio stand out by participating in our Magazine Spread Contest! See how you can participate and have your work reviewed and featured on our YouTube channel.

Continue reading

Take part in our Design Contest and enhance your portfolio! Find out more about how to take part and get your work reviewed and featured on our YouTube channel.

Continue reading

Grow your personal “garden” of inspiration and references with the awesome online tool: mymind.

Continue reading

Here are five top mistakes you should avoid when putting together your portfolio

Continue reading

Top Graphic Design trends that will shape the creative industry in 2024 and beyond!

Continue reading