Textures, Even I have flaws. Options

[anime-essence]

I have been wondering for a long time how to incorporate textures into my designs, however it has always been a mystery to me. The tutorials haven't help and I really need to improve my designs. I still can't seem to figure out the whole "texture" and "blending" thing.
EXAMPLES:






^The last one especially. Also, is there any other method, besides the tutorials, to improve the image's quality. Including: contrast, enhanced color, brightness without it being tacky, and making images stand out rather than be overlooked. Thanks.

EDIT: Sorry, I think I should have posted this in Graphics Help.

[freeflow]

Graphics help.

Basically with textures you apply them over images and you change the blending options thats how I use them. Pretty easy. Sometimes that dream effect thing with the glaussian blur can make your images stand out, image sharpening. If you have photoshop just go to image > adjustments and play around.

There are old topics on textures if you need to know more...

Do you need sites to find good ones?

[anime-essence]

Thanks Toya, I just need to do something different. I have been told my designs are too easy as in the images aren't unique and I would love to change them.

[freeflow]

You can work with grundge like brushes. Those tend to work well sometimes.

But here are some texture sites . Have fun:
http://www.createblog.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=142995

[Gypsy Eyes]

Yeah what toya said. It usually looks best on softlight, especially if it is a lighter texture.

Another way to do it is select a small area of texture that you like (with the pen tool. Make sure it's jagged looking, that usually looks best) and put it in between layers wherever it looks best.

[technicolour]

The light textures used in the 2nd example (which are located behind the chick) those are set to either Ligten or Screen (depends on which looks best)

And the texture used in the 3rd example was set to Lighten.