To start off, create a image of the desired size. I used 1280×800, but any other resolution should work fine, too.

Step 1

Create a new layer, and name it “background“. Fill it with black. Make sure it is always at the base of the image.

Step 2

Create another new layer, and call it “curve 1“. This will be our first glowing curve.

Next, take the Rectangular Marquee Tool, and make a select, and fill it with black. It should be about this big, in proportion to your image:

Step 3

Now, add clouds to this layer (with the Marquee still selected). This is done by going Filter -> Render -> Clouds. You should now have something that looks like this:

Step 4

The next step is to transform this layer. Hit Ctrl + T, and then drag the layer so it looks like this:

We did this so the final curves will have a “fiber” to them, almost like something you’d need in the Northern Lights.

Step 5

Now, we need to erase the edges. For this, grab the Eraser Tool, and choose the Soft Round Brush. I used one 300px in size. Go around the edge of your layer, so the corners/edges blend away to nothing. You should have something like this:

Step 6

It’s time to add some curve to our layer. To do this, go Filter -> Distort -> Polar Coordinates. Select Rectangular to Polar, and hit ok. You should now have something that looks like this:

Step 7

Now, we need to add color to our image. This is a very simple step. First, right click on the layer in the layers window, and select Blending Options. Then go down to Color Overlay, and apply the settings shown here: (You can pick whatever colors you like)

You should now have something that looks somewhat like this:

Step 8

Step 8 is a reprise of all the previous steps. Repeat the making of one of these curves, until you have something that you like. Change the color of the overlay, transform the curves, and place them in different spots all over the image when applying Polar Coordinates to achieve different results!

Step 9

After repeating everything, I ended up with something that looked like this: (You’ll note, I applied a gradient to one of the curves).

Remember, being creative is the most important part! Experiment with different colors, different shapes, and different cloud blends… You’ll get something you really like!

Thanks for reading,

-Kyle VE