The other day while watching ESPN, I noticed one of the advertisements for their NBA broadcasts titled “Destination NBA”. At the tail end of the spot they show an image of street signs with the upcoming games and times, with a cool worn/grunge effect to them (here’s a screenshot). Since it seems that I’ve developed a flair for creating graphics with the same grungy look, I decided to try my hand at recreating the signs and at the same time write a tutorial on how I did it. My overall purpose of this tutorial is to show you how you can create the effect on a street sign, not to duplicate the fine work by the ESPN graphics team.

I have included a resources file at the end of the tutorial for you to download if you like. Included in the resources file are a few of the textures that I use along with a few brush sets used in the tutorial. The font used for the tutorial was purchased by me and I cannot share it with anyone, as it would be against the usage policy. With all of the fine details out of the way…let’s get started.

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Don’t forget that GrandmasterB is now open for Graphic/Web Design business. Check out the Design Services page for more details. If you are looking for custom designed banner ads, a new website or business cards you can get it all here!

~ GrandmasterB

I’m writing my week in review a few days late this week. Last Saturday we found out that my father-in-law had passed away suddenly. We drove out to Omaha, Nebraska for the funeral and just got home this evening. This week has been very trying and extremely saddening. We had a very special relationship with my father-in-law and spent a great deal of time together going to Rockies games, family barbecues and most recently a fantastic camping trip to the Western Slope of Colorado.

This past week I was able to meet some of his family and friends that live in Nebraska, and I must say it was great to hear all of the stories about his life and how he was growing up. I know that my boys are truly going to miss him very much. We had some great times and I will cherish them forever. Rest in Peace Tom…we all miss you.

Before heading out last weekend, I did not have much time to work on anything good for the blog. I’m working on a custom vBulletin skin for a forum that we’re putting together at work. I’m hoping to have the new community launched by August 27th in time for the start of the College Football season…I hope I can make it.

July 22: Photoshop Tutorial: Grunge Styled Banner -  After spending countless hours writing and preparing the images I finally published my latest tutorial. The response has been very good so far, but none of the major tutorial players have picked it up yet. I’m assuming since there is an image of a pot leaf in the banner they may not pick it up, but that’s okay too. If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely give it a look.

I’m working on a new question and answer feature post for the site. I know that some of my readers have questions regarding how to do certain things in the tutorials or even suggestions for tutorials. If you have any questions at all please send me an email via the Contact Page. 

~ GrandmasterB