In this challenge you can use photos for reference, but none can be used for the actual image. You must create the image from scratch. Be sure to include your steps, as this will be a great way to pick up some new techniques.

Challenge:
Create a photorealistic image of some form of media such as a CD, cassette tape, floppy disk and so on.

When you've got your entry, just reply to this thread. Attach your file to your post (no URLs, please). Don't forget to include an excellent description on how you did it.

As always, this Challenge doesn't expire, ever.

Okay, I couldn't resist! The July/August edition of Photoshop User Magazine had a tutorial on making a 45 from scratch!

I started by filling an elliptical selection with black, transformed selection the selection to 95% size, then ran levels and reduced the shadow output to around 40. Then transform selection to 65% and fill with black.

Make a new layer and select the entire circle, fill with 50% black. Add noise (100%), radial blur 100, spin, best. Run levels on new layer, bring shadow and highlights sliders close to center. Change blend mode of layer to soft light.

New layer, transform selection to 50%. Change to foreground color to red and fill selection. Transform selection to 50% again, then delete the center of the 45 on all the different layers.

On the "label" layer, add a layer style, bevel/emboss, smooth, 8 for size, uncheck global light, 169 for angle, 64 for degree.

Add a new layer underneath "label" layer, select entire record. Run a white to transparent gradient set on reflected gradient from center towards edge of record. Set opacity to about 60%.

I added text using an elliptical shape, transforming the shape/text to fit.

This is the first time I have created something from scratch, and it was a lot of fun. Photoshop User has some great ideas and I'm glad I could actually use one!

Great job. Circular text is especially hard to do. Photoshop CS has text on a path; but even that is tricky sometimes. What I usually end up doing is creating the circular text in some other program and importing it to Photoshop. I think you deserve extra kudos for doing the whole thing in Photoshop.

Janet

I think I mispoke (or mistyped!) I did use text on a path, and it was a challenge...I started with the shape tool and converted to a path...I think!

I did realize this is one are where I need some remedial training! LOL! Lots of stops and starts with the text. The rest was a breeze!

Thanks for the kind words!

FrannyMae kudos for being the first to tackle this challenge, and bonus points for the great description!

You did a great job of making a 45 from scratch! The only part that bothers me is the graduated curve at the bottom..it doesn't follow the curve of the record and seems odd. Nice use of Noise and Radial Blur to make the grooves for the record...it really makes the image.

Nicely done!!

T Paul, do you mean the step wedge bit? I just could not get that to transform the way I wanted.

I went back to the drawing board and started a stepwedge from scratch:

Made a "donut" shaped selection to fit, used the line tool on a new layer to draw guide lines to divide the selection into wedges. I then selected each portion and filled with the appropriate color. I think it looks better.

FrannyMae,

Excellent job! Triple bonus points for the resubmittal ;) The new curve on the stepwedge works much better.

~T