just experiment. learn all the tools and how to use them in all sorts of different ways. take tutorials to learn basic skills. take a look at other successful wallpapers and learn what makes them good. and do the opposite too, look at the not-so-good ones and find out what could be done to make them better.
there isn't one simple formula for creating a good wallpaper in photoshop, or any other program for that matter. just experiment and practice as much as you can.
this is like the question that every noob wants to know and everyone who's been around for more than a couple months can't stand. The process for everyone is different, but I'd say start by 1) buying a quality book on the basic tools and techniques, 2) surfing the net constantly to see what other people have done and what they're currently doing and 3) really analyzing what you think is "good". For example, take some wall you found on custo that you think is cool...try and dissect it, how they did that, what parts of it look the best. Think how you could do it, and then take it to the next level. Lastly I'll advise you to think about whether or not what you're creating is really that good. If not, reflect on why and try again.
this is one of those things that is way too personal for anyone. Me, i like to put it on actual paper first, but im sure others like to jump right on the computer first. And remember it doesn't matter how long it took you to make it, if there isn't any form, function, purpose, ect - it's still not going to be good.
Compo Up da' crunche' salad and meatloaf with the side-orda' fries, yo!
I'll redirect you to this line in my post \\ Lastly I'll advise you to think about whether or not what you're creating is really that good. If not, reflect on why and try again // If your upload got deleted it's likely it wasn't that good. Learn to know what is and isn't quality. Don't just upload anything you whip up in an hour or two.
Experiment with filters, but only use when nescesary. What you really need to look for is the basic components of art and graphic design which are the elements and principles. A picture isn't good by itself as a wall, you need to think about placement and hierachy of the picture, text and other objects you use. This is just the start.
As everybody else has said here, you've gotta experiment. Just for testing purposes try adding different filters, so that you learn what they do (so that you know what to use later on).
Layer effects are really sweet, use them. Put a layer with some crap, and create a new layer on top of it with some different crap :) Then browse trough the layer filters.
Whenever submitting to custo (or any other place), make sure your filters aren't too obvious. That'll make the wallpaper look really amateurish... As Long said, handle the filters with care, don't just apply all the stuff you can find and submit, it'll just make your wallpaper get deleted.
ugh oh please no! not layer effects, i cant stand those bevels
you just need to make what you like, i dont know how else i can say it. and even though filters may look cool to you, keep in mind that they really really look horrible to the more experenced
0wning your desktop since 2001 [Artex www.artexgen.com] [ wł.Syrogen.com ]
I learnt by looking at inspirational wallpapers and by reading books and tutorials. Learn the basics first - get hold of the Adobe Classroom in a Book ebook for Photoshop. Only start uploading when you're sure you're making good (get some honest opinions from friends) stuff. As far as I'm concerned the most important element in making a good wall is to be original. Find your own style and exploit it.
Fool around in Photoshop for several months, buy the visual guidebook, preferably the '...in 24 hours' or '...for dummies' ones, look for internet tutorials, get advises from people in websites and forums like custo etc. And if you're still hungry for Photoshop, get the full reference book such as 'Photoshop Bible' from IDG Books (It's about an A4-sized, 10cm-thick book), and get lessons from Photoshop courses.
