Create a Quick Grunge Photo Border in Photoshop

In this Photoshop tutorial, Gavin Hoey demonstrates how to achieve a grungy effect on an image.

Starting with duplicating the background layer and expanding the canvas, Gavin adds a clouds filter and adjusts blending modes to enhance the image's texture and depth. Using techniques like applying fibers filters and Gaussian blur, he further intensifies the grungy appearance, complemented by strategic strokes and brushwork to emphasize contrast and detail.

Gavin's tutorial offers practical insights into manipulating filters, blending modes, and brush tools to create a distressed, gritty aesthetic suitable for artistic compositions or stylized photo enhancements.

Watch tutorial

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

Essential Photoshop Tools for Beginners: Brush, Crop, and Move Tool Tutorial

Learning Photoshop tools feels overwhelming when you don't know where to start. This tutorial focuses on three essential tools that form the foundation of most Photoshop work: the brush tool for painting and retouching, the crop tool for resizing and straightening images, and the move tool for positioning...

How to Add Custom Textures to Photos in Photoshop

Adding textures to photographs can transform ordinary images into compelling artistic compositions. This technique uses multiple texture layers combined with strategic blending modes and color adjustments to create depth and visual interest. The process involves layering different texture types—color overlays, surface patterns, and lighting effects—then using masking techniques...

Using AI-Generated Images as Inspiration for Fine Art Portrait Edits

Creative blocks happen to every photographer. When you're struggling to find fresh editing ideas for your portraits, AI-generated images can serve as powerful visual references to spark new artistic directions. This comprehensive tutorial demonstrates how to transform an ordinary child portrait into a painterly masterpiece using an AI...

10 Photoshop Tricks You Probably Forgot Exist

There’s a funny pattern with Photoshop. The longer you use it, the more you rely on the same small set of tools… while some of the most powerful techniques quietly fade into the background. Not because they stopped working — but because they’re just a bit hidden, or not...

Add Floral Patterns to Black Dresses Using Brushes in Photoshop

Transform plain black clothing into vibrant, patterned garments using custom brushes and strategic layer blending. This non-destructive technique combines precise selections with clipping masks to paint realistic floral designs directly onto fabric while preserving the original photograph. The method works particularly well on black materials because the hard light blend...

Complete Photoshop Basics Tutorial: Interface, Tools, and Essential Skills for Beginners

Opening Photoshop for the first time can feel overwhelming. The countless tools, panels, and menus create confusion that keeps many beginners from exploring the software's potential. This comprehensive tutorial breaks down Photoshop into manageable concepts, covering everything from basic installation to advanced workspace navigation. You'll learn...