This is an easy way to generate shiny and interesting maps for use with Bevel Reflect Logo.

In this example, my map will be the same size & width of the target image but it need not be. You should experiment to find what works best for a given image. There is no requirement to make it spherical. In this tutorial, we will be creating rectangular maps.

Create a new image to contain the map and fill it with a gradient. I'll use a gradient called Autumn Leaves.



We need some light to create highlights on the target image. Using Filters/Light and Shadow/Supernova is a good way to add the light we need.





BRL uses the pixel in the upper left corner of the map to determine the background color of the result. Set this pixel to the color you would like the background to become or for more versatility, you can set this pixel to be transparent.



And.. you're done.

Result when mapped



You can expand on this technique by adding multiple gradients, patterns, colors & light sources. You can also just use EnviroMap to create the flat map, then add supernova for highlights.

Here I used Enviromap to create two different flat maps (top & bottom), added super nova as a light source on top, then used iWarp to break up the hard line between the top and bottom sections.





Another example using a gradient, pattern and supernova.





I hope you find his mini-tutorial a useful starting point. But in the end, let your imagination be your guide.

Please post your results, experiments and discoveries back this thread. Thanks!

That is very beautiful. and shiny.
I tried one but not nearly as shiny as yours Tux. I will try again after supper.

I must be missing something in the translation. My image does not come up with a transparent background.

@Molly - Looks like your supernova is a little large and causing too much highlight. Also, if your gradient is too light or overly saturated, the result might seem a bit washed (varies by color). This can be corrected by darkening the map or decreasing the saturation via Colors/Hue-Saturation.

@Oregonian - Sorry about that. I forgot to include a note that BRL uses the pixel in the upper left corner to determine the background color. Just make that pixel transparent. Tutorial updated.

I added 10 pixels of canvas around it, centered and made it image size. That didn't work. I cut a corner out of the top left corner and that didn't work. ~sigh~

I've attached my map.

You might still be selecting the old map in the dropdown, because your map works. Not sure about the small white image in the middle tho. Seems to add unnecessary artifacts. Might want to darken and cut the contrast a little to get a more shiny and less washed result. Doing that makes the result look like a ribbon.

I tried and tried to get it shinier but I just can't get it.

This is my map.

Thanks, conbagui!

That's a very nice result, Molly.

Just wondering why you made the map spherical. Did it not look right as a flat rectangular map, as outlined in this tutorial?

Because I didn't know how to use the flat rectangular map in the BRL script...

Just use the map the same way as you do spherical maps. There is no requirement to make the maps created in this tutorial spherical. You can if you want, but this tutorial is to demonstrate how to create flat, rectangular maps for use with BRL.

ok, I am trying to make another map now.

I tried it with 4 different gradients and I can't get it to execute without the background.

Molly, see the first post..

Why yours works and mine doesn't is way beyond me. I ran the green one you put up and got text with a transparent bg.

I ran mine again and the bg was not transparent.

O, the background will be the same as the pixel in the upper left corner. This has been confirmed.

Perhaps you need to restart GIMP to clear everything and ensure (just before you run BRL) that specific pixel in your map is indeed transparent. If you are running interactively, check the map dropdown and ensure you are really using the map you think you're using.

When I have several maps loaded in that are similar, it's easy to select the wrong one. I do it all the time.

Not sure if I did it right or whatnot. Here's my results and map I made.

That looks good, ek22. Very nice result. I like the way you applied the gradient.

Supersexy asym radial gradient for the win. *struts*

I tried the one you posted again and it does produce a result with a transparent background.



I believe if you blurred the center graphic or changed it to more of a specular light reflection or to the supernova effect, the center highlight would be more smooth.

Tried out Rod's seamless pattern using this method of creating a map and the results turned out pretty cool. I added a green supernova.

Map


Round2 Result


Round1 Result