by abduzeedo
Learn to create dynamic motion with Pixelmator's Spin Blur. Stack effects and add light leaks for a cinematic look in this fast tutorial.
In this tutorial, I want to show you how to create a dynamic motion effect using Pixelmator. If there is one thing that sets Pixelmator apart from other tools, particularly Photoshop, it is the incredible speed at which effects are rendered. The Spin Blur is a perfect example of this performance. It allows you to stack effects and customize them in real time without any lag.
Here is a quick breakdown of the process shown in the video:
Pixelmator tutorial
Step 1
Apply the Spin Blur Select your image layer and open the Effects browser. Look for the Blur category and select Spin Blur. You can easily adjust the position of the blur center and the intensity. Notice how the effect updates instantly as you tweak the settings. This real-time feedback is what makes the tool feel almost unreal to use.
Step 2
Layering for Legibility Duplicate the layer so you have three versions of the same image to control the readability of the text. Set one layer to the maximum spin amount, one layer to 50%, and one layer to 15%. This gradation ensures that you get the heavy motion effect while still being able to read the word clearly in the center.
Step 3
Add a Light Leak Create a new layer and fill it with black. To give the image a more stylized and cinematic look, we are going to add a secondary effect on this black layer. Go to the Stylize category in the Effects browser and choose one of the Light Leak options. This adds a nice wash of color and light over the composition.
Step 4
Adjust Blend Modes To make the effects sit well together, you need to adjust the blending. With the Light Leak layer selected, change the Blend Mode. You can experiment with different options, but modes like Vivid often work best to integrate the light leak with the underlying motion blur to remove the black background.
Step 5
Stack and Refine One of the best features here is the ability to add multiple effects per layer. You can continue to refine the blur amount or the light leak intensity until you are happy with the result. This simple technique is a great way to add energy to a static photo. The speed of Pixelmator allows you to play and experiment without waiting for rendering bars, making the design process much more fluid.
