Photoshop How-To make a Full Sign
Preview:


In this how-to, you are going to learn how to do this sign below. It is not recommended to beginners because you will need to know how photoshop works.

Read it before start:
To each Layer, I’ll use a “Cripping Mask” function. Hotkeys is:
Photoshop CS: Ctrl + G
Photoshop CS2: Ctrl + Shift + G

How-to:
Make a new file. You can use the size you want to, just let the background transparent.
After you open the file pick the “Round Rectangle toll”(T) and make a shape of the file size. The color does not matter. Then select the top side and paint it. Do it on the both top sides. Make this way:
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210301_2.gif

Now choose a two-colored gradient. I chose two colors of the sprite that I will use. Then smudge the layer.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210302_3.gif

Now take the sprite you want and put it in same place not so close to the center. I took a pokèmon bird.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210303_4.gif

So far, we have a simple smudged gradient, and a not so beautiful sprite yet, is not it? Therefore, we are going to add some cool effects with C4D effect renders. Using this is not so difficult, but request a little bit experience to do it right. Depends on the position, and the layer mode. I will say which layer mode I have used, but you do not have to use the same.
My first C4D is on linear Dodge, I removed some parts of the render. I also smudged some parts of the render the same way I did with the background. I smudged and erased on all layers of C4D I have added. Let those tools ready to any time you can use. When you add the C4D try to position around the sprite to give it a wind effect(in my case).
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210304_5.gif

Add a render C4D again, put in linear dodge with some smudges and erase some parts.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210305_6.gif

Add a render C4D again, but this time does not smudge, just erase.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210306_7.gif

Add a render C4D again, smudge a little and erase parts in linear dodge.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210307_8.gif

Add a render C4D again, smudge and erase some parts. Nevertheless, this time let in Corer Dodge.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210308_9.gif

Well, we have enough C4Ds, but you can always put more or less, if you think it is better for your sign. Some signs need more, others less. Try and you will see. x)
This time add a Color Balance layer, I will adjust the highlight midtones and the shadows. Look what configuration will be better for you.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210309_10.gif

Now make a new layer and apply image (image -> Apply Image) and go to Glass filter, in distort and play a little with the settings.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i2103010_11.gif

Make another layer, and apply image again. This time use Spatter and do not change the configurations and click OK. No erase almost the whole layer, just let some little parts to give and extra charm.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210311_12.gif

Do not forget to use the Clipping Mask in each layer as it was explained at the beginning. Make a new layer and apply image again. This time use a Gaussian Blur in 4 pixels. Do not use more than four. And use lighten.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210312_13.gif

Now add a gradient map. After this let in Soft Light and with brush tool( a default 100 pixel soft brush) brush it in black on gradient map. When you do this let 25% the opacity .
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210313_14.gif

Make a new layer and apply image. Now do a light effect (render/lighting effects).
Erase a bit to let dark and light areas, to create a farness sensation.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210314_15.gif

Now add wind effects, depending on your sign you can skip this.
Make a layer and a round selection, not so big. Paint it with white transparent gradient. Now unselect and press ctrl + t. Now with a right click select distort and do it until you get an effect similar with the sign below. I will do that to show you the main effect.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210315_16.gif

Let’s go to the border now: make a line with 2 pixels in white color and put it on top to sign.
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210316_17.gif

Repeat the white transparent gradient step in a little selected square. Put it wherever you want. Let it on soft light
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210317_18.gif

Now add the text, I will write in white. Do not make big letters.
Bird in the Sky > Arial
Pokèmon > Arial Black
Alias > Arial Black
http://www.imagefilez.com/out.php/i210318_19.gif

Your Sign is ready x).