Learn how to create a simple three-dimensional icon of a paint bucket, complete with paint splotches, with this colorful tutorial. Harnessing the power of paths, layer effects and consistent lighting we’ll obtain an effective, shiny icon.

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Tutorial Details

• Program: Adobe Photoshop CS4
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Open a new blank document and choose 512px for both width and height. This is the maximum size required for icons (Mac OS X Leopard). Create an ellipse above the center and to the left and name it “outer rim” (1a). Make two copies and scale them down (1b). Name the first “inside.” Move the other copy down, naming it “bottom” (1c).

Step 2

Create a new copy of the smaller ellipse and make it yellow, which will make the paint’s surface (2a). Position it inside the bucket, erasing the unnecessary pixels (2b). Name this layer “paint.” Now make a rectangular selection with the Marquee Tool (M) on the “bottom” layer and fill it to complete the bucket (2c). With the “bottom” layer selected hit Command + T to invoke the Free Transform Tool. Right-click and choose Perspective. Now drag the bottom corners towards the center to apply the correct perspective deformation (2d).

Step 3

Let’s shade the bucket. Light will come from the right side. Apply a Gradient Overlay (3a) and an Inner Glow (3b) layer effect to the “bottom.” The base color is a medium gray with lighter bands that simulate reflections, as shown below.

Step 4

Double-click the “outer rim” layer to open the Layer Style window and apply Inner Glow (4a). On a new layer below, paint a shadow for the rim using a big, soft brush. Choose black and paint lightly with one single stroke, following the rim’s curve. Shadow layers are always set in Multiply mode with their opacity turned down (4b). Name this layer “rim shadow.”

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