Learn how to create this creative mixed-media composition in Photoshop! You will learn how to combine different graphic elements with extensive use of layer masks. This is a great tutorial for designers who want to experiment with a more modern approach to digital collages.


Preview of Final Results

final-results

Create a Mixed Media Style Design In Photoshop


Resources


Step 1

Let’s create a blank document similar to these dimensions.

img(1)

Step 2

A subtly textured background works well than a plain one. Locate the paint texture and bring it into Photoshop. Drag and drop it into the composition.

img(2)

Step 3

Desaturate the texture (Ctrl+Shift+U). You may need to resize the texture to fit the document.

img(3)

Step 4

Adjust the layer Opacity and blending to make it subtle. Double click on the layer thumbnail to load Blending Options dialog box.

img(4)

Step 5

We now need to create several shapes that will define the overall design and contain other graphic elements. Set the color to #000000. Let’s Start off from the middle by drawing a circle with the Ellipse Tool. Choose the Shape layers option on the Options panel. Working with shape layers is very productive and time saving. They are resolution independent and can transform them without losing any quality.

img(5)

Draw this shape using the Rectangle Tool. Edit the corner with the Direct Selection Tool.

img(6)

Step 6

Press Ctrl+T, rotate the shape by -45 degrees. Use the Info palette see to see the properties.

img(7)

Step 7

Reposition the shape. Duplicate the layer a couple of times. Stack the layers in this manner.

img(8)

Now construct the bottom side.

img(9)

Step 8

Create another circle outside the main circle. Duplicate the circle ( Ctrl+J ). Scale it approximately by 145%. Hold Alt+Shift while scaling to maintain the center point.

img(10)

Step 10

We need to punch a hole in the circle. Click on the Vector Mask thumbnail. Copy the path by pressing Ctrl+C and hit Ctrl+V to paste. Press Ctrl+T and scale it down to 80%.

img(11)

Select the inner circle, on the Options Panel click on “Exclude overlapping shape areas” button to punch hole in the circle.

img(12)

Step 11

We don’t need the whole circle but a portion of it. Hide the rest with a layer mask.

img(13)

Step 12

Create another circle bigger than the outer one. Just as before, duplicate the middle circle, place it below the rest.

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24 responses to “Create a Mixed Media Style Design In Photoshop”

  1. arturorapp28164 Avatar
    arturorapp28164

    There’s certainly a lot to learn about this issue. I really like all the points you have made.

  2. halim Avatar
    halim

    I have problem in step 11, can someone help me please?

  3. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    can someone help me plz

  4. Maidul Islam Avatar
    Maidul Islam

    Great, thanks for all the helpful info!

  5. Matth042 Avatar
    Matth042

    Hey, really nice tuto!!!!

    But too hard for me, could you let me the .psd by mail? :$

    Thanks you very much

  6. me Avatar
    me

    I should qualify that. Creating a shape in CC creates a vector mask on the Paths tab, just not on the Layers tab as you tutorial shows. I thought that was kind of curious.

  7. me Avatar
    me

    Thanks so much for this. Crystal clear. Loved it. Photoshop CC is behaving differently for me though. When I create a Shape, a vector mask isn’t automatically created with it. Hmmm…??? I did the whole thing with layer masks though with no problem. Thanks again :))

  8. xin Avatar
    xin

    i love your work is amazing. your good.

  9. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    Very got

  10. Andre Avatar
    Andre

    I’m stuck on step 31 and 32, i can’t figure it out

  11. sgfrdrgehwrth Avatar
    sgfrdrgehwrth

    confusing

  12. formams Avatar
    formams

    thanks body i have lerned so mush things

  13. Justin Avatar
    Justin

    The pathing is not mentioned nor being directed and probably its scrambled. I know this is not easy to process, but atleast consider the “detail by detail” rule in terms of making tutorials. But atleast you made it shorter so thank you!

  14. Nikki Avatar
    Nikki

    I love this tutorial but I always have trouble with step 24. I have done it a few times, but it always takes me a good chunk of time to do it. When I do the alt+delete it either turns it white or the color of the shape.

    Anyway you can go into a little more detail on that step?

    1. wiseman designs Avatar
      wiseman designs

      It simple add me on bbm 2861821c and i will tell u the majic about this

  15. Miles Avatar
    Miles

    Yes, I agree with the above comment. Smaller steps get skipped like “how to make a pattern” and the layer mask steps are very confusing.

  16.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    This tutorial is awful, I’m going crazy trying to figure it out.

    1. c3 Avatar
      c3

      Actually, this tutorial is wonderful if you’ve got some graphic design background. If you have trouble understanding it, just google it. That’s what I did. I never used masks before and with a few google searches this project came out great. Love it!

    2. jessica Avatar
      jessica

      me to I get lost to

  17. arif Avatar
    arif

    waw… this tutorial very good.

  18. Omkar Allaripillavadu Avatar
    Omkar Allaripillavadu

    Very Cool Dude, You Done Awesome Work.. :) :)

  19. eutim Avatar
    eutim

    video tutorial pls

  20. iqrom afra Avatar
    iqrom afra

    thanks for the tutorial, keep sharing

  21. SusieCC Avatar
    SusieCC

    Step 9 is missing, I am confused about step 8 as I don’t know what I’m supposed to be creating outside the main circle :(

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