Tutorial

This tutorial is made to illustrate the steps of creating a blue iris of the human eye with Fireworks CS3.

I also want to emphasize the underlaying idea behind this tutorial: it is not just to create an iris but also to introduce the idea of creativity when making something. Do not be afraid to try something out. I did not just follow these simple steps. I tried several different techniques with multiple failed attempts to achieve the right look. In the end, I accomplished what I had sought out to do.

The completed tutorial preview:

Figure 1: Completed Tutorial

1. To begin with, create a semi faded blue circle 193x193 px with an Ellipse/radial gradient #3678C9 > #1B244B. The lighter blue should be in the center and the darker blue should be along the outer edge. From this point on all the circles concerning the iris should be centered on this original circle.



Figure 2: Radial Gradient

2. Next we need to create the lines that extend from the center of the eye to the outside edge.

To do this, draw a 150x150 px diameter circle, then add the following filters: Add Noise, Zoom Blur, Unsharp Mask and Brightness/Contrast. Apply the blend mode Fuzzy Light/Overlay for the finishes. Here are the filters settings:



Figure 3: Noise Setting



Figure 4: Zoom Blur Setting



Figure 5: Unsharp Mask Setting



Figure 6: Brightness/Contrast Setting

Here is the result:



Figure 7: Iris Texture

3. After looking at some eye samples I noticed that the eye has a kind of galactic look to it (billowing smoke). In order to reproduce this effect I used a texture. Create a 193x193 diameter circle with a white fill and the texture "Smoky" at 100% opacity, but also with the Transparent box checked. See Figure 8. Apply the Overlay blend mode with a 50% Opacity.



Figure 8: Texture



Figure 9: Texture Settings