Master the Airbrushed Film Poster Style in Photoshop

Master the Airbrushed Film Poster Style in Photoshop

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Classic Movie Poster Style
3. Getting Started with Photoshop
4. Applying the High Pass Overlay Filter
5. Using the Oil Paint Filter
6. Enhancing the Highlights with the Vivid Light Blending Mode
7. Adding Brushed Outlines with the Poster Edges Effect
8. Creating Highlight Strokes with Glowing Edges
9. Adding Grain Texture to Replicate the Film Poster Look
10. Overlaying an Old Paper Texture for an Aged Look
11. Conclusion

The Classic Movie Poster Style: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Hand Painted Look in Photoshop

Have you ever admired those classic movie posters from the 80s and wondered how they were created? The lifelike depictions of actors and characters, with subtle brush strokes and vibrant colors, give them a distinct hand-painted appearance. In this tutorial, we will explore how to replicate this retro airbrushed painted look using Photoshop filters and adjustments. Follow along as we transform a photograph into a stunning piece of art with a mix of techniques. So, let's dive in and learn how to create that iconic movie poster style.

Introduction

Before we begin, let's take a moment to appreciate the timeless charm of classic movie posters. These hand-drawn artworks by master artists like Drew Struzan are synonymous with the golden age of cinema. The attention to detail, the depth of the characters, and the vibrant colors all contribute to the allure of these posters. In this tutorial, we will learn how to recreate this style in Photoshop and bring that vintage magic to our own designs. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started!

Getting Started with Photoshop

To begin our journey into the world of classic movie poster styles, we need to open our chosen image in Adobe Photoshop. Make sure to select a photo with gruff details and plenty of grainy textures, as they work best for this effect. Once your image is loaded, let's dive into the first step of our transformative process.

Applying the High Pass Overlay Filter

To bring out the details in our image, we will begin by adding a High Pass overlay. Duplicate the background layer and go to Filter > Other > High Pass. Set the value to 2 pixels, allowing the image to emerge from the grey overlay. Change the blending mode of this layer to Linear Light to dramatically sharpen the image. Now that we have set the stage, let's move on to the next key ingredient of our vintage makeover.

Using the Oil Paint Filter

The first step in achieving our hand-painted look is to make use of the Oil Paint filter. This filter will help transform our photograph into a masterpiece. Go to Filter > Stylize > Oil Paint and adjust the Stylization option to 2, leaving the rest of the settings at 10. Duplicate this Oil Paint layer and change the blending mode to Overlay to darken the image and enhance the colors and contrast even further. With our foundation set, let's move on to the next step.

Enhancing the Highlights with the Vivid Light Blending Mode

To bring out the highlights and replicate the tones of a hand-painted image, we will create a selection of the subject's highlights. Switch to the Channels panel and hold the CMD key while clicking on the RGB thumbnail to load the selection. Return to the Layers panel, copy and paste this channels selection onto a new layer, and change its blending mode to Vivid Light. To achieve the desired effect, reduce the opacity of this layer to around 80%. We're halfway through our journey, so let's push forward.

Adding Brushed Outlines with the Poster Edges Effect

One of the key aesthetic elements of classic movie posters is the brushed outlines. To emulate this effect, head to Filter > Filter Gallery and navigate to the Poster Edges effect under the Artistic menu. Set the Edge Thickness and Edge Intensity to 0, and maximize the Posterization. This will add darker outlining marks to our image. Create a duplicate of this Poster Edges layer, desaturate it by going to Image > Adjustment > Desaturate, and then return to the Filter Gallery. This time, select Stylize > Glowing Edges and adjust the settings to 1 Edge Width, 2 Edge Brightness, and 1 Smoothness. Change the blending mode of this layer to Screen to render the black areas transparent, leaving only the white highlight lines. To achieve a balanced look, reduce the opacity of this layer to around 70%.

Creating Highlight Strokes with Glowing Edges

Another distinctive feature of classic film posters is the presence of highlight strokes. To recreate this effect in Photoshop, we will utilize the Glowing Edges filter. Duplicate the Poster Edges layer and go to Image > Adjustment > Desaturate to remove the color. Then, go back to the Filter Gallery and choose Stylize > Glowing Edges. Configure the settings to 1 Edge Width, 2 Edge Brightness, and 1 Smoothness. Change the blending mode of this layer to Screen to make the black areas transparent. Finally, reduce the opacity of this layer to around 70% for a more subtle effect.

Adding Grain Texture to Replicate the Film Poster Look

To provide our artwork with a grainy texture commonly found in classic movie posters, create a new layer and go to Edit > Fill. Set the drop-down menu to 50% Gray. Then, head to Filter > Noise > Add Noise and configure the settings to 20% with Gaussian and Monochromatic options checked. Change the blending mode of this layer to Overlay to allow the underlying artwork to show through.

Overlaying an Old Paper Texture for an Aged Look

To complete the transformation and replicate the aged look of real poster prints, we will overlay an old paper texture. Find a suitable paper texture image (you can explore free resources such as Pexels.com) and paste it into your document. Change the blending mode of this layer to Soft Light. With this final touch, our artwork now carries the essence of a vintage movie poster.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully recreated the iconic hand-painted look of classic movie posters using Photoshop. By following this step-by-step guide, you've learned how to apply filters, adjust blending modes, and add textures to achieve a stunning retro effect. Now, let your creativity soar as you apply this technique to your own projects. Thank you for joining us on this artistic journey, and remember to embrace the magic of vintage design.

Highlights

• Learn how to recreate the hand-painted look of classic movie posters
• Step-by-step guide with Photoshop techniques and filters
• Transform a photograph into a stunning piece of art
• Enhance details, highlights, and outlines
• Add grain texture and overlay an old paper texture for an aged look

FAQ

Q: Can I apply this technique to any photograph? A: While this technique works best with dark and low-key photos that have grainy details, you can experiment with different types of images to achieve unique results.

Q: Can I use other filters or adjustments to customize the effect? A: Yes, feel free to explore different filters and adjustments in Photoshop to add your personal touch to the artwork. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Q: Are there any alternative methods to achieve a similar hand-painted look? A: Yes, there are multiple ways to create a hand-painted look in Photoshop. This tutorial provides one approach, but don't hesitate to explore other techniques and find what works best for your desired outcome.

Q: Can I use this technique for commercial projects? A: Absolutely! Once you've mastered the technique, you can apply it to any project, including commercial ones. Let your creativity shine and create captivating designs.

Q: Where can I find more design resources and tutorials? A: Visit Spoon.Graphics, the website mentioned in the tutorial, to find more written tutorials, free design resources, and other helpful content.