But that’s exactly what they’re supposed to be. Usually, textures =/= .psd files; even if I did save them as .psd, the core would be the same. They’re simply flat layers/image files which you can use however you want in addition to your artwork. (When you open a image file (.png) click Ctrl+A > Ctrl+C - go to your graphic - Ctrl+V)

I should really make a tutorial, but I’ve been a bit busy, so I’m gonna try my best to explain it.

The basics are: when placing dark textures above the screencaps/art - set them to either ‘lighten’ or ‘screen’, in the layer’s menu. When you use them as background, set the screencap/art to ‘lighten’/’screen’. When placing lighter textures, the same goes, but instead of setting them to lighten/screen, use ‘multiply’ instead, and then play around with their brightness/contrast.

I’ve made some with certain shapes, like dark/light circles. To use them, you can either cut out a subject and place it inside the circle, or, by using PS’s shapes (in CS5 you should find the icon near the text one). Select the circle option, trace one and resize it to fit in with the texture’s circle. Then, in the layers list, place the layer you want above the circle’s layer and then right-click > create clipping mask. Now you can move the screencap around, and you’ll see that’s limited by the shape you linked it to. For the text ones, follow what I explained in the basics part. As for the stock ones, they’re meant to fill backgrounds or negative space.

But this is all relative. Experiment with them, there’s no right or wrong way to use any kind of textures. 

Hi! Imo, the main keys to PS are patience and practice. So, to answer your first question, no, I didn’t instantly get where I am now. (which is way far from flawless btw) I did read some tuts, but mostly I played around with the program’s options, tried and failed countless times to replicate something that I liked, and during that process I learned quite a lot. As for how to make/plan a graphic, I guess it depends on what gets me inspired. Sometimes I make a graphic around a certain screencap (the layout and such depend on it) or I think of a certain layout/style/color and then find screencaps that would fit it.

As for some tips: keep in mind that less is more - textures are great, unless you overuse them, just like colorings. Keep adjustment layers to a minimum, otherwise the screencap/image’s quality will suffer (remember that there’s a transparency option that also works with adjustment layers). Try to be different; you see a graphic/edit you really love and all you want is to replicate it’s style - it’s fine for practice, but if you intend to post, try to be original, give it your own ‘touch’. Don’t get tied up with trends or ‘the right way to do it’. It’s all about your creativity, really. 

I wish I could help you more, but I’m not an expert or anything. :)

Thank you! The font is named Motor Oil 1957 M54 and you can find it right here. 

Hey! I think it all comes down to the quality of the screencaps you use. I get most of mine from here, and as you can see, they have a really good size and quality. As for finishing touches, yes, I do, occasionally use topaz, but I always make sure it’s almost imperceptible by adjusting it’s layer’s transparency. I usually do the same when sharpening. Also, two of the big mistakes imo are to overuse textures and use really heavy colorings, with many, many selective coloring/levels layers.

Summing it up, the less, the better. :)

Mostly by applying light textures, setting them to screen and playing around with their transparency.