Final Image
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Resources
Step 1
Create a new document in Photoshop, 8.5×11 inches, 300dpi (for printing), RGB color, (You can change the color mode to CMYK, after the image is finished and flattened). Begin with a radial gradient, by double clicking the background layer to activate the Layer Styles menu, then apply a Gradient Overlay.
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Color Codes:
#f25cf4
#570472
#01101b
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Step 2
Download and open the Lens Flare I created within Knoll Light Factory plugin, drag it above the gradient layer and change the blending option to screen at 21%.
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Open and drag the City.jpg above the lens flare layer and change the blending mode to Soft Light.
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Step 3
Open the Stock illustration: Planet drag it above the City.jpg layer, use a large, soft eraser bush and erase, the edges. Change the blending mode to Screen.
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Step 4
Duplicate the Lens Flare image and place the duplicate above the Stock illustration: Planet. Give the lens flare 5% Gaussian Blur at 83% Opacity. Make sure the blending mode is still set to Screen.
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Step 5
Now we will generate some Photoshop clouds to soften up the background a little more. Create a new layer and fill it with black. Generate the clouds by pressing Filter > Render > Clouds (make sure your colors are set to black and white). I also used a large soft eraser brush to erase the top of my clouds.
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Change the Blending Mode to Soft Light at 35% Opacity
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Step 6
Now we will create a subtle yellow glow. Create a new layer, draw a circle with the Elliptical Marquee Tool and fill it with yellow #fbc531.
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Apply a Gaussian Blur with a Radius of 114 pixels. Lower the Opacity to 45%
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Step 7
Open the Model Face Handsome from PhotoXpress, use the pen tool to cut out the model from the background. If you do not know how to use the pen tool, you can learn how by reading this tutorial .
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After you are done drawing your path with the pen tool. Create a selection from the path. Go to the Path tab in the layers menu and click the Load Path as Selection tool (Third symbol with the dotted lines).
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Copy the model and paste him inside your magazine document, above all the other layers.
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Use the Brush Border Pack -27 from Media Melitia to paint on some dust and scratches. I used brush number 15 in the package. Make a new layer above the model, then start painting the dust and scratches.
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Use a large soft eraser to erase the border of the dust and scratches. lower the opacity between 72%-82%. Duplicate the layer or paint other around the model.
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Step 8
Open the Stock illustration: Planet from Stock.Xchng again and drag it above the dust and scratches, use a large eraser brush and erase the planet from the middle.
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Change the blending mode to screen.
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Step 9
Now we will add some graphic flare to the cover for some extra pop! Create a new layer, use the Rectangular Marquee Tool to draw a rectangular selection. Add a gradient from white to transparent to the selection.
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Erase the edge of the gradient with a large soft eraser brush.
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Change the blending mode of the gradient to Overlay. Rotate the gradient and place it in selected areas over the model. I did this by duplicating the layer over and over again and placing them until I feel I had balance in the image.
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Add a color balance layer above all the current layers, with the settings below, this will help to brighten the image and tie all the colors together.
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Step 10
First drag in some margin lines at 0.25 inch to keep your text away from the edge. Create a Masthead for your magazine, (The term Masthead is often used to refer to the nameplate of a publication, its designed title as it appears on its front page..). I created a simple but strong masthead with Helvetica Inserat Roman Font. Place the Mast Head behind the model, this overlapping technique, helps to create depth. I also included the publication date and the mission statement of the magazine. (Before you create your Masthead, research some magazines for inspiration on design and placement.)
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Step 11
Create Several story line titles around and over the model.
- Main Story Title. Here I used a large font to pull the readers eyes.
- Secondary Story Title. Here I used a smaller font, but color and a transparent box.
- Here I used different size fonts to separate Title and Sub Titles.
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Step 12
Now we will finish up our magazine by adding a barcode. Download the Free Vector Barcode Graphics by Airopia.
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Final Image
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Conclusion
You can play a little bit more with color to achieve different moods for the magazine, I hope you enjoyed it.
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