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Making colors bleed (Photoshop CS3)

If you're using Photoshop CS3, you can use smart filters. Smart filters are a non-destructive way to adding filter effects to an image.

But in order to add smart filters, the layer needs to be a smart object. To convert a layer to a smart object, right mouse click on the layer in the Layers palette and select Convert to Smart Object.

Now the layer should have a small icon on the bottom right of the thumbnail. This icon indicates that the layer is a smart object and smart filters can be applied.

Now that we have our layer converted to a smart object, choose Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.

The Gaussian Blur filter will appear. Here, simply click OK with the default settings. We'll edit the settings later.

If you look in your layers palette, you should see Gaussian Blur listed under the layer. Because we used smart filters, we can go back and edit the settings anytime.

First, we'll need to change the blending mode of the Gaussian Blur smart filter so that it only affects the colors. Double click on the blending mode button for the Gaussian Blur smart filter.

The Blending Options window should appear. Click on the drop down menu on the top.

Select Color and click OK.

Now that the image has its proper blending mode, we can adjust the Gaussian Blur settings while seeing a live preview of the effect. Double click on the Gaussian Blur smart filter to edit the settings.

In the Gaussian Blur tool, adjust the radius while looking at the image behind the Gaussian Blur image. If you have the Preview checkbox checked, you should see a live preview of the effect. Adjust the settings so that the colors start to bleed with a slight blurry seperation between the colors.