Basic Photoshop Tutorial: Create A Soviet Style Constructivist Sports Poster

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a Soviet-style constructivist sports poster using Adobe Photoshop. It's designed for beginners, providing simple and concise instructions to help you achieve a visually striking design reminiscent of historical propaganda art.

Step 1: Gather Your Resources

To start creating your poster, you need to gather the necessary images and textures.

• Stock Image: Download a suitable stock image for your poster. For this project, you can use Son Heung-min's image from Footy Renders.
• Paper Texture: Obtain a vintage paper texture to give your poster an authentic feel. You can find one at Silvio Messina.

Step 2: Set Up Your Document

1. Open Adobe Photoshop.

Create a new document

• Set the dimensions according to your desired poster size (e.g., 24 x 36 inches).
• Set the resolution to 300 DPI for high-quality printing.

Step 3: Import the Background Texture

1. Import the vintage paper texture into your document.
2. Resize it to fit the entire canvas.

Adjust the layer settings

• Set the blending mode to "Multiply" to integrate the texture with the background.
• Lower the opacity if needed for a more subtle effect.

Step 4: Add the Main Image

1. Import the stock image of Son Heung-min.
2. Use the Quick Selection Tool or Pen Tool to cut out the background of the image.
3. Place the cut-out image prominently on the canvas.
4. Adjust the size and position to fit the overall composition.

Step 5: Create Constructivist Elements

Use the Shape Tool to create geometric shapes (rectangles, circles) in bold colors such as red, black, and white

• These will serve as backgrounds for text and to enhance the poster's visual appeal.
1. Arrange these shapes in a dynamic layout, overlapping them for an energetic look.

Step 6: Add Text to Your Poster

1. Select the Text Tool to add a headline and any additional text.
2. Choose a bold, sans-serif font to match the constructivist style.

Experiment with font sizes and colors

• Use contrasting colors for visibility.
• Place the text within the geometric shapes for better integration.

Step 7: Apply Finishing Touches

1. Consider adding additional elements like lines or stars to enhance the design.

Use adjustment layers to tweak colors and contrast

• Go to Image > Adjustments and use options like Brightness/Contrast or Hue/Saturation.
2. Review the overall composition, ensuring all elements are balanced and cohesive.

Conclusion

You've now created a Soviet-style constructivist sports poster using Adobe Photoshop! Remember to experiment with different layouts and color schemes to make the design your own. For further practice, explore more advanced tutorials or try creating other styles of posters. Happy designing!