How to Make an Aesthetic Edit in Photoshop (Glitch Effect)

Final product image — What You'll Be Creating

Today, we are going to look at how you can put together a quick, aesthetically pleasing pastel photo effect. You'll also learn how you can add an aesthetic glitch photo effect to any image in less than 60 seconds!

What You Will Learn in This Aesthetic Effect Photoshop Tutorial

How to make aesthetic edits in Photoshop
How to create a glitch aesthetic in Photoshop
How to create pastel images in Photoshop
How to use the refine edge tool in Photoshop
How to create pastel gradients in Photoshop

Tutorial Assets

To complete this project, you will need the following resources:

Woman on Roller Skates

Find more resources on Envato Elements!

1. How to Use the Refine Edge Tool in Photoshop

We are going to start learning how to make aesthetic edits by preparing our subject using my favorite way to extract hair: the Refine Edge Tool!

Step 1

First, we are going to duplicate our subject layer, because while we will still be extracting our subject, she will remain on her original background.

Step 2

Next, you will want to extract one of the subjects using whatever your preferred method is! Mine is the Pen Tool. However, any technique will work!

Hide the second un-extracted subject layer, bringing it below the extracted layer if it's not already.

Step 3

Now, using the Magnetic Lasso Tool, create a rough selection of the model's hair.

Add a layer mask to the subject if they don't already have one, and mask out the selection using a black brush.

Step 4

Double-click the subject's layer mask, or hit Control-Alt-R, to open up Refine Edge.

Refine Edge Settings

Radius: 3 px
Smart Radius: Checked

Select the Refine Edge Brush Tool, located on the left-hand side, and brush around the edges of the subject's hair.

This is best done with a medium to large brush size. Change the size of the brush using [ and ].

If an area you don't want selected becomes selected, press and hold Alt to change the brush from add to subtract/deselect. You can also press Control-Alt-Z to undo a selection or deselection.

Keep running the brush over the edges of the hair, paying attention to how the hair strands come and go, until you are satisfied. Hit OK.

Step 5

Unhide your lower subject, unextracted layer.

Create and clip a New Layer into the extracted subject. Set the layer to Soft Light and 100% Opacity.

With a large, soft, round brush, paint a soft wash of light onto the hair, starting from the edges and working your way in.

Brush Settings

Flow: 50%
Hardness: 0%
Color: White

Step 6

Create and clip another New Layer, placing it above the "Soft Light" layer. Set the layer to Normal and 70% Opacity.

With the same brush as before, paint white on the edges of the hair. The key is to build up light very slowly and softly.

Step 7

Duplicate your extracted subject, clipping a pure white Color Fill Layer into her. We want her to be solid white!

Now, move the white subject a few pixels to the left. Mask, or erase, everything but the hair.

This will give you an instant backlit hair aesthetic effect in Photoshop! Group all of your subject layers, including the hair, into a group named "Subject."

2. How to Create Pastel Gradients in Photoshop

Pastel colors are going to be your go-to in how to make aesthetic edits in Photoshop! They are timeless and trendy at the same time, making them a no-brainer when wondering what to add to an aesthetic edit.