Dynamo Energy Drink Poster

1. Step By Step Guide

Step 1

Create a new document with the appropriate size, in this case an A4 poster

FILE > NEW

Step 2

a. Place Model's picture on the canvas

b. Transform photo to required size to fit canvas

Step 3

a. Create a vector mask of the model's layer.

b. Set foreground colour to black and select brush tool.

Select the vector mask layer and then paint the undesired part of the model's picture.

This will cause the unnecessary part to be hidden without damaging the original picture.

(Note: Unlike the eraser tool, any damage caused by this technique can be undone by changing the foreground colour of the brush to white and painting on the damaged area.)

This is the result of the vector mask technique.

Before and after respectively

Step 4

A background is placed on a layer beneath the main picture (model)

The following result is created.

Step 5

The logo of the product is placed on the poster

FILE>PLACE

Step 6

Add text and text backgrounds

The texts are created using the text tool using the desired font and colour.

Effects are added to improve the text's appearance.

RIGHT CLICK ON THE TEXT'S LAYER AND SELECT BLENDING OPTIONS

USE THE FOLLOWING SETTINGS:

1. Bevel and Emboss

2. Drop Shadow

The following result is achieved.

The text is warped using the Warp Text tool

The following result is obtained

The text follows the curvature of a previously designed banner

The remaining products' photos are then placed on the canvas

The final output is displayed below:

2. Critically Analysing The Poster

The use of the different tools and techniques that have been adopted to reach such an outcome

has proved to be fundamental for the poster. From the initial image taken to the final layout of the

poster, Adobe Photoshop CS6 simplified the numerous effects implemented so as to scheme the

desired poster with regards to the message that the poster intends to convey. Essential techniques such

as “Layering” and “Masking” were of paramount importance for a decorous poster as any other

details concerning the initial image that were not required had to be removed as importance was given

to the commercial product (i.e. the energy drink).

3. Learning Outcomes

This part of the coursework was an educative experience as knowledge gained from the best

practices of Adobe Photoshop CS6 helped when designing such a poster. The different learning

objectives achieved are listed as below:

- The learning curve of Adobe Photoshop CS6 was significant to master basic features such

as layers, different selection tools, vector mask, fonts, quick selection tool and magnetic

lasso to cut only the required parts of an image.

- Videos on YouTube concerning energy drinks were also beneficial to determine the prime

elements that a good poster should contain. These elements were then applied in due time

as the poster was designed.

- Existing products such as Red Bull and Monster Energy were critically analysed. The

multitude of posters on the net was useful while the different concepts applied when

advertising an energy drink were studied as the message that the poster is intended to

communicate is of paramount importance as well as the targeted audience.