How To: Easy Abstract Wallpapers

I’m constantly on the lookout for good looking wallpapers for my (Android) smartphone, but most sites you visit just have terrible photos formatted to the correct size. I’m sorry, but I like to be able see my app icons on my home screens, not have them overshadowed by your laziness. I’ve come to realize that blurred/out-of-focus images and textures are the way to go and I’ve discovered a simple (if you have Adobe Illustrator) little way have as many as you want.

• Step 1: Find any photo that you want (generally, the more colorful, the better). I’ve been using photos from InterfaceLift, personally.
• Step 2: Import photo into Illustrator.
• Step 3: Under Object select Create Gradient Mesh. From there, mess with the settings Illustrator gives you to mess with until you come out with something you enjoy. 
• Step 4: Copy/Paste into a document with the correct dimensions for your device & adjust for the size.

(Ignore the subpar quality of the GIF)

"Next time someone says designers are unhappy people, explain that you’d be happier if the world didn’t need so much improving."

- Morgan Allan Knutson elegantly explains this plight of the designer.

(Source: articles.morganallanknutson.com)