Create a Colorful Retro Poster in Photoshop and Illustrator

Create a Colorful Retro Poster in Photoshop and Illustrator
Create a Colorful Retro Poster in Photoshop and Illustrator

Step 10

If you finished drawing the path. Convert it into a selection. Hit Ctrl + Enter or just right click on the path and choose Make Selection.

img(13)

Now use the selection to hide those strands of hair. Remember we already have a mask associated with the model. Now click on the Layer Mask. Set the foreground color to #000000 and hit Alt + backspace to fill the selection. That is the great thing about layer masks. We can hide or reveal as we need! totally non destructive.

img(14)

Step 11

One final step before we drag the model into our main document. Convert this layer into a smart object. Right click on the layer and choose Convert to Smart Object from the context menu. This is just a good practice with numerous benefits. we can transform smart objects freely and apply filters to them without destroying the original, can apply layer masks to them and all those good things. And at any point of time we can revert to our original image.

img(15)

Step 12

Ok we are done with the model and we are ready to go. Drag the model smart object layer into the main document. You need to resize her and position her properly on the canvas. We are not going to use the whole of the image. Hide the bottom portion of the image. Grab the Pen Tool and make the selection. Make it a bit organic with curves. It should look something like the below one.

img(16)

Ctrl + Enter to turn the path into a selection.

img(17)

Step 13

Add Layer Mask with the selection like earlier.

img(18)

Step 14

Here everything is going to happen. We are going to create the mood, you know that is a bit retro and set the tone for us. Add a Curves Adjustment Layer above the model layer. Modify the curve to get the below result with nice saturated tones. If you feel we are abusing it, don't worry it's going to be fine.

img(19)

Step 15

Not so brilliant at this point. But from now on everything we do is going to make the design come alive. We progressively add different elements to our design. Remember we are aiming for some organic look with a retro feel in terms of color and shapes. We are not after nice round smooth finishing. A mix of all those elements would do the job. So keep in mind our objective so we can abide by it.
Lecture is over, just grab the Pen Tool and draw this outline. This is going to serve her jacket. Remember don't make a perfect selection we are not looking for it.

img(20)

Convert it into a selection. Create a new layer above the model layer. Create this gradient in the gradients palette. Draw the gradient inside the selection.

img(21)

Step 16

Draw another shape with the Pen Tool.

img(22)

Convert into selection and fill color.

img(23)

Step 17

Draw this shape using the Pen Tool just above her jacket. Select the Shape Layers option on the Options Panel before you start drawing. Shape layer is defined a vector path, so it is vector. We can do lot of things with it.

img(24)

Double click on the shape layer thumbnail. Set the color to a nice pinkish red (#ff2847). This is one of those benefits comes with the shape layers.

img(25)

Step 18

Now Make the shape more interesting. Select the Direct selection Tool. Click on the Vector Mask of the shape layer. Now you can grab those anchor points and work with them. Pull some of the anchor points downwards until you got the desired look.

img(26)

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Luminar: AI Photo Editing
Sponsored

Luminar AI lets you turn your ideas into reality with powerful, intelligent AI. Download the photo editor and see how you can completely transform your photos in a few clicks.

41 comments on “Create a Colorful Retro Poster in Photoshop and Illustrator”

  1. Some good techniques I just learned here - thank you! I just wish Photoshop had some of Illustrators features so I don't need to go back and forth. I can copy and paste the illustrator elements into Photoshop CC but the problem is to get Illustrator, you need the full Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Most of my students can only afford the Lightroom and Photoshop plan.

    1. 1169x1654 pixels

      Although you can use any canvas size you like, it's best to use something similar while following the tutorial.

  2. Really covered a lot of different techniques and new shortcuts. It's cool seeing such seemingly "random creativity" captured and explained step by step.

    I also appreciated seeing vector art combining with textures in photoshop. Merges the gap for me that I have in my head.

    thank you!

  3. Awesome Post. Lighting is most beautiful.Thanks for sharing such informative post its help me to know deeply Photoshop work step by step.

  4. im trying to do this, but i have illustrator cs6 and i cant do it :x
    What version its this?
    cs5?
    Anny help?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

cross