Here's how I create a spellbinding magic portal effect in Photoshop

"The answer was simple: let's add a giant magic portal! It's a great way to have a clear focal point and bring additional colour diversity into the piece, while also blending it with the scene using some vegetation growing out of the edges. I also added a few lizards as a contrasting element to the scene to create a more playful, whimsical vibe, plus some plants and insects for a sensation of calmness."

"Every major element you see is in a state of near stillness, while almost all the movement is happening within the portal as it spirals, leaving the creatures in the scene transfixed. A running theme you can find in a lot of my artworks are these very centric compositions. I enjoy finding ways to guide the viewer's attention towards my main subjects. In my experience, the easiest way is using a variety of artistic techniques, including the shape design, colour, values, flow and so on."

The piece began as an older illustration expanded to create greater visual interest and occupy a larger space. A giant magic portal serves as a vivid focal point, introducing colour diversity and blending with surrounding vegetation. Lizards, plants, and insects provide playful contrast and a calming atmosphere. Most major elements remain nearly still while motion occurs within the spiraling portal, leaving surrounding creatures transfixed. Centric compositions guide viewer attention through shape design, colour, values, and flow, with Photoshop tools available to enhance effects. The starting palette was muted, with colours added for contrast and characters evolving from monks to wizards.

Read at Creative Bloq