Super Glossy Language Spheres

Have you ever been on the web, and seen those super cool country/language spheres? Well, this Advanced tutorial will show you how to make some of your very own! This effect could be applied to a series of things, from program icons (which you could make spheres of, then add to your signature) to just regular photographs! These are very useful in general... lets get started, oh yeah, here is the final result:

Lets Get Going!

Step One

First off, start a new document, any size should work. Then find a picture of whatever flag you want to spherize. I am doing the flag for the good 'ol US of A. Here it is:

Step 2

Now, you will want to use the Elliptical Marquee tool

to make a selection like this:

Remember, you can maintain the aspect ratio (make it stay a perfect circle) by holding down SHIFT while drawing it. Also, you can begin drawing the circle from it center using the alt key wile dragging the mouse.

Step 3

Now you will want to press ctrl+J. This will take that selection on the flag layer, and copy it to a new layer. Turn the visibility of the full flag to off, so you only have the new circle we just made. This is optional, but you can apply a Filter > Distort > Spherize, but only if you know how that tool works. Here is what I have so far:

Step 4

Now, use the elliptical marquee tool once again to make an oval shape on a new layer like this one:

Step 5

Now, use the gradient tool (you may have to right click on the paint bucket tool to select it). Under the tool settings along the top, set the gradient from white to transparent. There should already be a preset. Now apply a vertical gradient from the bottom. You will want to duplicate this layer and hit ctrl + T and in the options along the top scale the width by 80%. Do this again with the smaller gradient, only by 85%. Now merge these three layers. This is what you should have:

Step 6

Apply similar techniques to those used in step 5 to make more gradients until you have something like below. This was just 2 radial gradients coming from the top right and top left.

Step 7

Merge all of your layers (with the exception of the background layer) and apply the following layer styles by going to layer > layer style > blending options.

Those four layer styles should give you something similar to this:

Finish Up

Yep, your done already, of course you can shrink them down, change the layer style settings, mess around with the gradients, do whatever... That's the beauty of photoshop. Here is an example of the British Flag (UK)

And here's an example of a country select template:

Thank You! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and if you did, why not take a moment to visit any sponsors that capture your eye (that you are actually interested in).