In addition to temporarily blurring the mockup image with the GAUSSIAN BLUR live filter, I've been also temporarily desaturating the mockup with the HSL adjustment before creating the displacement map. That way the map is based on BW/gray scale as you discussed in your video. Trent, again an excellent video. Your explanation of using displacement maps is the most thorough and short (i.e. concise) I've seen so far on RUclips. 👍👍
Great point, @lowellaguno! I actually forgot to mention using B&W in this video. It didn't matter too much because the shirt is white/gray, but if it was a colored object, using the B&W filter first would be useful.
@@TechnicallyTrent How exactly would one do this? I followed your video meticulously, and it worked perfectly, but the extra step of desaturating would make it work on darker colors, too. Also, I'm wondering if it is possible to change the color of the shirt? Maybe that would be a consideration for a future video. Your knowledge and teaching is unmatched.
I have been watching Affinity tutorials for years now and I'm pretty good at photo and publisher. Your videos are simply the best. Why? Because you provide a theory of operation as well as the recipe. Not only do I learn from your videos - but the half life in my brain hardly diminishes, because I think back about the theory. I have asked other tutorial contributors to add theory backgrounds, some do. You are the reference for this excellent means of teaching, in short, simple to understand videos. Thank you. I am in the midst of watching your designer course.
In agreeance with every word written @pedropuckerstein4670, the why and reasoning is always behind he actions to push the memory muscles. Natural skill I believe. Btw, brilliant video this software has surprises at every turn for us beginners.
Another great video, Trent. Thank you. So, here’s a question: if we can choose between destructive Filters and Live Filters, why would one want to use them at all? I don’t quite understand why you used the Gaussian blur then turn it off. Thanks again!
Hi Doug, thanks for watching! I believe the destructive Filters existed before the Live Filters, so Affinity left them in there. Also, some of the destructive Filters aren't yet supported in Live Filters. And finally, Live Filters can be more CPU intensive because they are calculating things in real time (this could be very slow if you have a big complicated document). If you are 100% sure that you want a Filter effect to be permanent, it could make sense to use a destructive Filter. You can also create a backup copy of a Layer before applying a destructive filter. I used the Gaussian Blur filter when creating the Displacement Map. It can help make sharp edges flow a little more smoothly. I find that when I don't use the Blur filter and don't set the bit depth to 16 bits, using the Displacement Map can make edges seem frayed. I recommend trying some example images and you'll see what I mean. Hope this helps!
Hi Trent, I have another question for you regarding importing a displacement map. Have you tried this? I wonder how the comparative size matters?? Like, if the base image is one size and the import is totally another, you know? I’ll have to look into this. I got curious about this as it sparked the thought of importing any file (which I’ve never done). Now, I have added many images, to create comps, etc., but never for this type of purpose. Yes, I must investigate. Damn, I had ANOTHER thought. You could make a mask of the shirt, use Threshold, blur it, export it, and import as the displacement map, right?
Hi @dougdina! I did a few tests importing a displacement map of different sizes and it is kind of tricky to know what is lining up with what. I think if I was going to import a displacement map, I'd try to make sure it matched my original image size exactly. If possible, I like to stick with "Load from Layer Below". But I understand that may not be possible sometimes. Yes, you could definitely try other effects on the displacement map like masking / thresholding. But as long as the graphic you are trying to distort is small (like a logo), you don't really have to worry about masking out the shirt. The parts of your displacement map that extend beyond the logo will have no effect. Hope this helps!
Hi @jharper74, I've used PSD files in Affinity Photo a little bit, but I don't have super deep experience. Perhaps I will make a video on this topic. Sometimes, with PSD files, you can bring them into Affinity and then set the shadow layers to "Multiply" blend mode and it will still look good. But sometimes it will not. I'll add this to my topic list!
Great video! Just purchased your mockup set! (Yes, I know it's available for free, but I wanted to kick in at least a little something!) But I''m noticing an issue where any setting that actually creates the displacement, also seems to create a halo within the overlay image. Now, I initially thought that it might be because I was using a .jpg image. But using a .png creates the same issue. By the time there is enough of an effect to make it believable, it creates a secondary artifact in the image. I actually have one section where the text is in white, and it creates a distinct double line. I've tried it on 3 of the model images from the set, and the same thing happens with each one. As always, I start with the assumption that I'm doing something wrong or missing something. Any advice you could offer would be appreciated.
Hi @barbarianatgate2000, thanks for the purchase, I appreciate it! I was looking at the filter and trying to see what could be causing the halo effect you explain. One thing that can cause weirdness is if you change the opacity of the displacement filter. To me, it looks like a halo. If you're trying to make your top image semi-transparent to blend it with the shirt, make sure that top image is selected (NOT the displacement filter) and then change it's opacity. Let me know if that helps. If not, feel free to send me an email with a screenshot and the file. My contact info can be found in my channel's About section. Have a good one! - Trent
@@TechnicallyTrent Hi Trent! Yes, that's what it turned out to be. The blending issue was applying to the displacement filter. Even at the 100% opacity, it created the issue as soon as it was changed to multiply because the main layer was static. But I am still seeing a significant pixelation as soon as the displacement filter is applied to any degree where it is even remotely effective. I sent you an email with a few screen caps, and am wondering if you ever encounter the same issue depending on the image being used for overlay? Help me, Obi Trent, you're my only hope. And, thanks again for a great channel!
Hi @jimforrest5011, I don't have any yet, but I'll add it to my TODO list :) If I do another video about working with mockups, I'll base it around black Tshirts.
Hello, thanks for the excellent tutorials. I don't understand why when I use the displace filter, my image (a logo on a transparent background) is completely distorted, not achieving the desired effect. Thank you.
Hi Mark! What does the surface below your logo look like? When you use the displacement map on your logo layer and choose "Load Map from Layers Beneath", it will try to bend the logo it based on the lightness of the layer below.
@@markred8 Yes, if the shirt is a solid color without any folds, the technique will not work. It bends the image based on the changes in the surface below it.
@@TechnicallyTrent Thank you very much. Can you help me with a similar problem? When I use the distortion using the live filter (live mesh warp) I find that the image is distorted abnormally and areas are automatically filled with black by the programme, and I cannot distort the image more than its size. I have noticed this especially if I rasterize the layer, whereas if I leave it as an image layer it does not give this problem. Thanks again.
Hi @daricwade_, the process should be pretty similar as long as the shirt has well-defined shadows and folds. Maybe you can try making the Displacement Map's strength negative, but I think it looks fine either way. Some designs won't look at good on a black shirt, so the type of artwork will matter (as it does with a white shirt, too).
Hi Michael, If the shirt is solid black with no folds, you won't see much difference. In fact, you won't see much difference on any shirt (including white shirt) that is completely flat with no folds. But if your shirt has some light hitting it that shows folds, the effect will still work even on a black shirt. Let me know how it goes!
In addition to temporarily blurring the mockup image with the GAUSSIAN BLUR live filter, I've been also temporarily desaturating the mockup with the HSL adjustment before creating the displacement map. That way the map is based on BW/gray scale as you discussed in your video.
Trent, again an excellent video. Your explanation of using displacement maps is the most thorough and short (i.e. concise) I've seen so far on RUclips. 👍👍
Great point, @lowellaguno! I actually forgot to mention using B&W in this video. It didn't matter too much because the shirt is white/gray, but if it was a colored object, using the B&W filter first would be useful.
@@TechnicallyTrent How exactly would one do this? I followed your video meticulously, and it worked perfectly, but the extra step of desaturating would make it work on darker colors, too. Also, I'm wondering if it is possible to change the color of the shirt? Maybe that would be a consideration for a future video. Your knowledge and teaching is unmatched.
I have been watching Affinity tutorials for years now and I'm pretty good at photo and publisher. Your videos are simply the best. Why? Because you provide a theory of operation as well as the recipe. Not only do I learn from your videos - but the half life in my brain hardly diminishes, because I think back about the theory. I have asked other tutorial contributors to add theory backgrounds, some do. You are the reference for this excellent means of teaching, in short, simple to understand videos. Thank you. I am in the midst of watching your designer course.
Thanks @pedropuckerstein4670 !
In agreeance with every word written @pedropuckerstein4670, the why and reasoning is always behind he actions to push the memory muscles. Natural skill I believe. Btw, brilliant video this software has surprises at every turn for us beginners.
This is one tutorial I've been waiting for. I'm so glad it happens to be from you Trent, thanks so much.
Glad you like it!
Cool. Finally got to use this. THANKS TRENT!!!!
Very informative video. ❤
Bro, I absolutely love your videos, thanks for making them
No problem, @LarryBuysNotes!
great video, thanks! i had previously only used mesh warp to manually tweak this kind of stuff.
Thanks! Yup, there are several different ways to do it. Something I'll use mesh warp, too, depending on the surface.
Fantastic!!!
Thank you ! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you this is great to know!
Your video is really interesting
Thanks mtm7031!
Another great video, Trent. Thank you.
So, here’s a question: if we can choose between destructive Filters and Live Filters, why would one want to use them at all?
I don’t quite understand why you used the Gaussian blur then turn it off.
Thanks again!
Hi Doug, thanks for watching!
I believe the destructive Filters existed before the Live Filters, so Affinity left them in there. Also, some of the destructive Filters aren't yet supported in Live Filters. And finally, Live Filters can be more CPU intensive because they are calculating things in real time (this could be very slow if you have a big complicated document). If you are 100% sure that you want a Filter effect to be permanent, it could make sense to use a destructive Filter. You can also create a backup copy of a Layer before applying a destructive filter.
I used the Gaussian Blur filter when creating the Displacement Map. It can help make sharp edges flow a little more smoothly. I find that when I don't use the Blur filter and don't set the bit depth to 16 bits, using the Displacement Map can make edges seem frayed. I recommend trying some example images and you'll see what I mean.
Hope this helps!
@@TechnicallyTrent Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and knowledge.
Great tutorial. I must try this out.
Yes, give it a try and let me know how it works out :)
You are the best!!!!
Another wow for you, Trent. Who said that art and science were at opposite ends on the continuum?
Thanks, CremeCut!
muito interressante!!
Hi Trent, I have another question for you regarding importing a displacement map. Have you tried this? I wonder how the comparative size matters?? Like, if the base image is one size and the import is totally another, you know? I’ll have to look into this. I got curious about this as it sparked the thought of importing any file (which I’ve never done). Now, I have added many images, to create comps, etc., but never for this type of purpose. Yes, I must investigate.
Damn, I had ANOTHER thought. You could make a mask of the shirt, use Threshold, blur it, export it, and import as the displacement map, right?
Hi @dougdina!
I did a few tests importing a displacement map of different sizes and it is kind of tricky to know what is lining up with what. I think if I was going to import a displacement map, I'd try to make sure it matched my original image size exactly. If possible, I like to stick with "Load from Layer Below". But I understand that may not be possible sometimes.
Yes, you could definitely try other effects on the displacement map like masking / thresholding. But as long as the graphic you are trying to distort is small (like a logo), you don't really have to worry about masking out the shirt. The parts of your displacement map that extend beyond the logo will have no effect. Hope this helps!
Thank you for the tutorial but what if .psd smart object file has a lot of layers with shadows, textures, and highlights?
Hi @jharper74,
I've used PSD files in Affinity Photo a little bit, but I don't have super deep experience. Perhaps I will make a video on this topic. Sometimes, with PSD files, you can bring them into Affinity and then set the shadow layers to "Multiply" blend mode and it will still look good. But sometimes it will not. I'll add this to my topic list!
Great video! Just purchased your mockup set! (Yes, I know it's available for free, but I wanted to kick in at least a little something!)
But I''m noticing an issue where any setting that actually creates the displacement, also seems to create a halo within the overlay image. Now, I initially thought that it might be because I was using a .jpg image. But using a .png creates the same issue. By the time there is enough of an effect to make it believable, it creates a secondary artifact in the image. I actually have one section where the text is in white, and it creates a distinct double line.
I've tried it on 3 of the model images from the set, and the same thing happens with each one. As always, I start with the assumption that I'm doing something wrong or missing something. Any advice you could offer would be appreciated.
Hi @barbarianatgate2000, thanks for the purchase, I appreciate it!
I was looking at the filter and trying to see what could be causing the halo effect you explain. One thing that can cause weirdness is if you change the opacity of the displacement filter. To me, it looks like a halo. If you're trying to make your top image semi-transparent to blend it with the shirt, make sure that top image is selected (NOT the displacement filter) and then change it's opacity.
Let me know if that helps. If not, feel free to send me an email with a screenshot and the file. My contact info can be found in my channel's About section. Have a good one! - Trent
@@TechnicallyTrent Hi Trent! Yes, that's what it turned out to be. The blending issue was applying to the displacement filter. Even at the 100% opacity, it created the issue as soon as it was changed to multiply because the main layer was static.
But I am still seeing a significant pixelation as soon as the displacement filter is applied to any degree where it is even remotely effective. I sent you an email with a few screen caps, and am wondering if you ever encounter the same issue depending on the image being used for overlay?
Help me, Obi Trent, you're my only hope.
And, thanks again for a great channel!
Any black coloured T-shirts for downloading Trent ?
Hi @jimforrest5011, I don't have any yet, but I'll add it to my TODO list :) If I do another video about working with mockups, I'll base it around black Tshirts.
Hello, thanks for the excellent tutorials. I don't understand why when I use the displace filter, my image (a logo on a transparent background) is completely distorted, not achieving the desired effect. Thank you.
Hi Mark! What does the surface below your logo look like? When you use the displacement map on your logo layer and choose "Load Map from Layers Beneath", it will try to bend the logo it based on the lightness of the layer below.
@@TechnicallyTrent I tried to put a logo on a t-shirt. A very white t-shirt and many illuminated areas, few in shadow. Maybe that's the problem?
@@markred8 Yes, if the shirt is a solid color without any folds, the technique will not work. It bends the image based on the changes in the surface below it.
@@TechnicallyTrent Thank you very much. Can you help me with a similar problem? When I use the distortion using the live filter (live mesh warp) I find that the image is distorted abnormally and areas are automatically filled with black by the programme, and I cannot distort the image more than its size. I have noticed this especially if I rasterize the layer, whereas if I leave it as an image layer it does not give this problem. Thanks again.
How do you do it on a black shirt?
Hi @daricwade_, the process should be pretty similar as long as the shirt has well-defined shadows and folds. Maybe you can try making the Displacement Map's strength negative, but I think it looks fine either way.
Some designs won't look at good on a black shirt, so the type of artwork will matter (as it does with a white shirt, too).
Does not work on black t-shirts...
Hi Michael,
If the shirt is solid black with no folds, you won't see much difference. In fact, you won't see much difference on any shirt (including white shirt) that is completely flat with no folds. But if your shirt has some light hitting it that shows folds, the effect will still work even on a black shirt. Let me know how it goes!