Tutorial: Create a Dramatic Abstract Poster in Photoshop

In this tutorial, we will try to excite your creativity with simple layering, masking and texture to create, very easy, a fantastic abstract poster. The PSD file is available for download. So … if you are ready let’s get creative!

Resources:

Nebula

Crow

Clouds

Creating the background

Step 1

Create a new document 700 x 1000. Load the cloud image.

Step 2

Resize the image to get some more texture visible. Using Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) make a selection as showed.

Step 3

Right click the interior of the selection and select Layer via Copy this will create another layer. You can now delete the layer that includes the land.

Step 4

Keep the cloud layer selected in the layers panel and press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + B (this will bring the Black and white options) and use the following values:

Step 5

Duplicate the cloud layer Ctrl + J. We have to flip it so hit Ctrl + T, right click the selection and Flip it Vertically. Position it like showed:

Step 6

Now we will fill the bottom of the document with some more clouds. To do that select the Clone Stamp Tool (S), with a soft brush of lets say 300px and by pressing Alt key select a point that you will be cloning and fill the empty space. This step would have been easier if we repeated Step 5 but to keep the learning process going we used another technique.

Step 7

You can now merge the cloud layers. Select them both in the layers panel, right click and select Merge layers.  Reduce the opacity of the cloud layer to 70%. You could use a big white soft brush to light up the area where all the action will be.

Creating the shapes

Step 8

Select the Custom Shape Tool (U) and find in your list the Circle Frame shape. Draw the shape in your document. To adjust the thickness of the frame use the Direct Selection Tool (A), select all 4 points of the inner circle and transform it (Ctrl + T) to your desire.

Step 9

Apply on the newly created shape a Gradient Overlay Style (double click the shape layer to open the layer style menu)

Step 10

Duplicate the shape and transform it (Ctrl + T) to make it a little smaller so it will add some depth. Select both shapes and press Ctrl + G to group them.

Effects

Step 11

Bring the nebula image, re-size it to your needs. Set the blending mode to Linear Dodge.

From now on you can do everything the designer within wants. I didn’t finish the tutorial because we at Inspired Core want to promote creative thinking.  As you will see in the PSD file, I didn’t used any hardcore techniques.  Everything stands in blending modes, color contrast, geometrical shapes and masking. Although if you have some questions we will be happy to answer them!

As a final note, please share if you find this useful! Thank you!