In this tutorial I'll show you how to create a Western themed wanted poster. First we'll draw the poster itself and convert it into a smart object, and then add a background with a tree.

Find more great Western designs on GraphicRiver.

1. Create a wanted ad

Step 1

Open the image with the old paper in Photoshop. This stock file is very convenient to work with, as it comes in two versions: solid and with torn edges. For better styling and saving time, we will take the second option with torn edges.

Double-click on the background layer to transform it into a simple layer, which we call “poster”.

By using MagicWandTool(W) (Magic Wand) select the white background and press the Delete key to delete it. Now we have a great base for the poster.

Step 2

Above, create a new layer, right-click on it and select CreateClippingMask(Create Clipping Mask) (Ctrl+Alt+G). Next, switch the blending mode of this layer to Multiply(Multiplication). Let's take it BrushTool(B) (Brush) with Opacity 1-50% and light brown color #966934 darken the edges of the paper.

Step 3

Paste the wanted character above the paper layer. I'll use a stock photo of a cowboy. Switch the blending mode of this layer to Multiply(Multiply) and at the bottom of the layers panel click on the button Addlayermask(Add Layer Mask) to add a mask to the layer.

Click on the mask in the layers panel and use RectangularMarqueeTool(M) (Rectangular selection) select the top and bottom borders of the photo. Fill the selected areas with black using PaintBucketTool(G) (Fill). This will free up more space for text.

Step 4

Let's move on Layer- NewAdjustmentLayer -Threshold(Layer - New Adjustment Layer - Isohelium). Install ThresholdLevel(Isohelium level) to 111 and switch the layer blending mode to SoftLight(Soft light). Reduce Opacity(opacity) to 54%, right-click on the adjustment layer and select CreateClippingMask(Create Clipping Mask) (Ctrl+Alt+G).

Add two additional adjustment layers: Hue/Saturation(Hue/Saturation) and Posterize(Posterization). Adjust them, then reduce the layer opacity Posterize(Posterization) up to 40%:

We also transform these layers into clipping masks (Ctrl+Alt+G) for the cowboy layer.

Step 5

Let's add some text! Let's take it TypeTool(T) (Text) and add the necessary inscriptions. We write all words in capital letters, and the word “Wanted” is underlined.

Experiment with different fonts to find the one that works best. I used Bell MT for the body text and Bookman Old Style for the reward amount.

Extra points for whoever comes up with the most absurd crime for our Billy!

Step 6

Right-click on the text layer and select BlendingOptions(Blending Options). Add Stroke(Stroke) with brown stroke #6d4a0e and ColorOverlay(Color Overlay) (color - #6a3f23) with the following parameters:

Note:

Stroke (Stroke)

• Size (Size): 16 pixels
• Position (Position): Outside (Outside)
• Blend Mode (Blend Mode): Overlay (Overlap)
• Opacit y (Opacity): 56%
• Fill Type (Stroke type): Color (Color)

Color Overlay (Color overlay)

• Blend Mode (Blend Mode):Normal (Normal)
• Opacity (Opacity): 17%

Right-click on the layer with layer styles and select CopyLayerStyle(Copy layer style), then right-click on the remaining text layers and select PasteLayerStyle(Insert Layer Style). We also apply these styles to the cowboy layer. Set the blending mode of the “Wanted” and “Billy the Bull” inscriptions to Overlay(Overlap), and the rest - on SoftLight(Soft light).

We get this result.

We finish the poster design by adding a crosshair on the word “dead”. To do this we take a tool LineTool(U) (Line), install on the top panel Weight(Thickness) by 20 pixels and draw two crossed black lines. Apply the same layer styles to them as for the text, and then merge them into one layer (Ctrl+E). Set the blending mode of the resulting layer to SoftLight(Soft light) and reduce Opacity(opacity) up to 75%.

We get this poster. Save (Ctrl+Alt+S) the work in PSD format and move on to the next section.

2. Preparing the background

Step 1

You can use any suitable background for your poster, but you will still have to edit the lighting of the scene. I chose a photo with a tree.

By using PolygonalLassoTool(L) (Rectangular lasso) select the part of the trunk next to the squirrel.

Copy (Ctrl+C) and paste (Ctrl+V) the selected area onto the squirrel to hide it. Merge the layers together (Ctrl+E).

Step 2

Press Ctrl+J to duplicate the background layer. Apply a mask to the copy and use a hard black brush (B) to paint over the mask without touching the wood. As a result, the tree on the mask should remain white, and everything else should remain black.

Next, add a new layer above the original layer and transform it into a clipping mask (Ctrl+Alt+G). Switch the blending mode of this layer to SoftLight(Soft light) and reduce Opacity(opacity) up to 58%. On this layer we apply a soft black shadow to better highlight the tree.

3. Add a poster on the tree

Step 1

First, open the poster file in Photoshop. Select all layers in the layers panel, right-click on them and select ConverttoSmartObject(Convert to Smart Object). Then right-click on the smart object and select ExportContents(Export Contents) and save the poster as a smart object.

Switch to the document with the tree. Let's move on File- PlaceEmbedded(File - Place Built-in) and insert the saved smart object with the poster above the tree layers.

Now, if you need to make adjustments to the poster, you can double-click on the smart object thumbnail in the layers panel to open it in a separate window.

Step 2

Select the layer with the poster, press Ctrl+T to switch to free transformation mode, right-click on the document and select Warp(Deformation). We have to deform the poster so that it looks like it is nailed to a tree.

When finished with the transformation, press Enter to apply the changes. After that, right-click on the layer and select BlendingOptions(Blending Options). Applying the style DropShadow(Shadow), click OK and temporarily hide the shadow by clicking on the eye icon next to the name of the layer style in the layers panel.

Note: The screenshot shows the following settings

DropShadow(Shadow)

• Blend Mode (Blend Mode): Multiply (Multiplication)
• Opacity (Opacity): 27%
• Angle (Angle): 120
• Distance (Offset): 37px
• Spread (Span): 8%
• Size (Size): 7 px.

Add a mask for the poster. Activate BrushTool(B) (Brush) and paint black on the lower right corner to hide it. Now the poster does not block the vegetation in the foreground.

Step 3

Right-click on the layer with holes and select BlendingOptions(Blending Options). Add two layer styles: Bevel& Emboss(Embossing) and DropShadow(Shadow) with the following parameters:

Note: The screenshot shows the following settings

Bevel & Emboss (Embossing)

• Style (Style): Inner bevel (internal bevel)
• Depth (Depth): 84%
• Direction (Direction): Up (up)
• Size (Size): 3pix.
• Soften (softening): 0pix.
• Shading (Shading)
• Angle (Angle): 120
• Altitude (Height): 30
• Highlight Mode (Modebacklight): Screen(Screen)
• Opacity (Opacity): 54%
• Shadow Mode (Modeshadows): Multiply (Multiplication)
• Opacity (Opacity): 29%

Drop Shadow(Shadow)

• Blend Mode (Blend Mode): Multiply (Multiplication)
• Opacity (Opacity): 30%
• Angle (Angle): 120
• Distance (Offset): 0px
• Spread (Span): 0%
• Size (Size): 32 px.

Step 4

By using PolygonalLassoTool(L) (Rectangular lasso) select the nail in the stock photo, copy and paste the selection onto the working document on a new layer. Place a nail at the top of the poster so that the sheet appears nailed to the wood.

Step 5

Now let's add falling leaves in the foreground. To do this using PolygonalLassoTool(L) (Rectangular lasso) select the leaf near the tree.

Then press Ctrl+J twice to duplicate the sheet. Apply a transformation (Ctrl+T) to each copy, rotate them, and then apply a filter Filter- Blur-MotionBlur(Filter - Blur - Motion Blur). Install Angle(Angle) 65 degrees, Distance(Offset) - by 15 pixels.

4. Adjust lighting and color

Step 1

Most of the collage is ready, so we can move on to finalizing the lighting and creating a more harmonious color palette. First, add an adjustment layer above the hole layer. Curves(Curves) and transform it into a clipping mask. Raise the curve higher to make the bullet holes brighter.

Step 2

Let's add more scuff marks to the poster. Create a new layer and fill it with brown color #704f25, then switch the blending mode to Multiply(Multiplication). Add a mask to the layer, but fill it completely with black.

Without removing the selection from the mask, draw a white brush (B) in those places where you want to add more abrasions and shadows. Don't forget to draw the shadow of the nail!

Step 3

Now let's move on to color correction! Add two adjustment layers ColorLookup(Color Search) and set them up as shown below. Reduce Opacity(opacity) of the Teal layer to 70%, and Sunset to 76%.

Next we move on Layer- NewAdjustmentLayer- GradientMap(Layer - New Adjustment Layer - Gradient Map). In the settings, select a black and white linear gradient and switch the blending mode to Saturation(Saturation). Reduce the opacity of the gradient layer to 35%.

Step 4

In this work, a little smoke from the shots will not hurt. Copy and paste the stock photo with smoke onto the working document and duplicate it (Ctrl+J). Place copies of the smoke on the bullet holes and switch the blending mode to Screen(Lightening).

Add a mask to each smoke layer and hide the edges to create a smoother transition.

Step 5

We return to the duplicate background layer, on which we left only the tree and hid everything else with a mask. Above, add a new layer and create a clipping mask (Ctrl+Alt+G). Let's take it BrushTool(B) (Brush) and on the right side of the tree draw a smooth black shadow. This will make the work more atmospheric.

Step 6

Making the layer style visible DropShadow(Shadow) that we applied to the poster layer. Above, create a new adjustment layer ColorLookup(Color Finder) to diversify your color palette and add sunset hues. Switch the blending mode to Darken(Darken) and reduce Opacity(opacity) up to 83%.

Step 7

Create a new layer and switch its blending mode to Overlay(Overlap). Using a soft round brush (B), paint highlights throughout the scene (color #b1a9a3). Add more highlights on the bullet holes, nail and leaves.

Our task is to create a lighting scheme that will direct the viewer's gaze directly to the poster.

Step 8

To increase the contrast, add a final adjustment layer. ColorLookup(Color Search) and reduce its opacity to 40%.

Step 9

I want to make the details of the poster clearer, but you can stop and save the version of the work that you have. To do this, we first merge all layers together (Ctrl+E). Then duplicate (Ctrl+J) the resulting layer and apply it to the copy Filter-Other-HighPass(Filter - Other - Color Contrast). Install Radius(Radius) by 4.5 pixels and click OK.

Switch the copy blending mode to Overlay(Overlap). After that we take eraserTool(E) (Eraser) and delete everything except the tree and the poster. The result should look much clearer now!

We're done!

Congratulations on completing the lesson! You can replace the cowboy photo with yours or your friends.

I hope you enjoyed the lesson. Feel free to leave questions or share your results in the comments below.

A particularly dangerous criminal, Vasily Kvakin, is wanted. Special features: a cat tattoo on the left shoulder.

1 year ago

[top of the day] [top of the week] [top of the month] [random joke]

A particularly dangerous criminal has escaped from prison in China. Based on the composite sketch, 140 villages were arrested.

They report on the radio that a dangerous criminal has escaped from prison, signs..., be careful.
The next day there was a message - the criminal voluntarily returned to prison in the morning.
Journalists came running and asked, how is this possible, why did you return and deprive yourself of your freedom?
Man:
- I saw this freedom in my grave! I spent the whole evening and half the night hiding from the cops, in the morning I made my way home, and my wife said to me from the doorway: “Where have you been, male, they said on the radio at six in the evening that you had escaped!”

Oh, what's that dent on your right shoulder?
- Yes, nonsense, I rested.
- What kind of tattoo is on your left shoulder?
- And he served it.

A sign of a superstitious pirate is a spit-stained parrot on his left shoulder.

The superstitious pirate is most easily recognized by the spit-stained parrot on his left shoulder.

Announcement: “A dog with three legs has disappeared. Special features: when it pees, it falls.”

Announcement. A valuable dog has gone missing.
Reward. Special features: barks only at his mother-in-law.

Do you remember the special features of the criminal?
- He had a thread sticking out on his sweater.
- This is a clue.

Attention!
A dog disappeared without one leg.
Special signs: when he pisses, he falls

A special feature of modern space programs is that the price of interplanetary spacecraft does not exceed 10% of the price of the yacht of the richest resident of the country!

Wanted ad: “A ten-year-old girl has disappeared. Dressed in a black skirt and lilac blouse. Two white bows. Special features - not yet grown.”

We recently hired a system administrator. Such a guy, he once served in the Navy - he has a tattoo on his shoulder: “Server Fleet”...

A drug addict calls the morgue:
- My grandfather went out for beer yesterday and didn’t return. They don’t have it in hospitals, maybe you can look at yours?
- Are there any special signs?
- Yes, he coughs constantly.

A woman turns to the police with a request to find her husband, who has not shown up at home for the third day. She is asked:
- Well, does the missing person have any special signs?
- No, but just let him show up at home - they will immediately...

Something is wrong with my body. When you see a sofa you want to lie down, when you see beer you want to drink, when you see food you want to eat. But the sight of work makes me want to sleep.

Vasily is digging potatoes, a neighbor comes running and shouts:
- Mother-in-law died!
Vasily:
- Work first, holiday later!

Petka came from England rich.
Vasily Ivanovich asked him how he could.
- I, Vasily Ivanovich, sat down to play with the gentlemen, and one said: “I have 21!” I told him: “If you’re lying, show me!” He was offended and said: “We gentlemen take our word for it!”
And how I got stuck here, Vasily Ivanovich!

Those suffering from aerophobia. The most dangerous part for life is not landing, not taking off, and especially the flight itself. The most life-threatening section is the route to and from the airport.

The director of a wholesale warehouse is accused of stealing extra-large bras in extra-large sizes.

What's your name?
- Vasily.
- Are there any children?
- Yes, son Vasily and daughter Vasilisa!
- Are there any animals at home?
- Vaska the cat!
- Unfortunately, we cannot accept you for the position of creative manager...

Vasily Ivanovich comes into Petka’s room and sees Petka writing something.
-What are you writing there, Petka?!
-I’m writing an opera, Vasily Ivanovich!
-Wow, will you write about me?!
-Oh, I told him to write about you and Anka about everyone!!!

Operatives are looking for a criminal who stole a Jaguar FX foreign car from the general director of Rambler Internet Holding LLC on Saturday night, a source in the capital’s law enforcement agencies told RIA Novosti on Monday.
let them ask Yandex
Yandex - everything can be found

Saylit: golf was probably invented a long time ago. And at first they played it with the head of a severed criminal
Alload: SEVERED CRIMINAL?? hahahahaha
Saylit: well, only the head was needed for the game - so the rest of the criminal was chopped off.

One very avid fisherman, finding himself at the crime scene, grabbed
criminal, but he broke free and ran away. Giving the police a description
of a bandit who had gone rogue, the fisherman claimed that he was three and a half
meters tall and weighing three hundred kilograms.

two misfortunes met:
On March 22, in Kachkanar (Sverdl region), a young man, who was trying to hand over a TV to a second-hand store, stole 3 cell phones, while forgetting his passport in the store, the criminal was detained 10 minutes later, the stolen phones turned out to be previously wanted as stolen, but now The police are interested in the store...

I’m probably a cynic: the announcement “a cat is missing, special features...” with a photograph of a fat, well-fed cat, not at all inclined to adventure, stuck on a shawarma tent, caused me to burst into a fit of idiotic laughter.

Detective series end at the most opportune moment - after
the arrest of the offender and until a judicial verdict is rendered.
Robert Orben. (b. 1927) humorist. USA.
www.kekelev.narod.ru/html/wrs_book_023.html

FROM THE LIFE OF A CRIMINAL DETECTIVE INSPECTOR...

At the very beginning of the 80s, Indian fate tore me from the cradle of two
revolutions and threw him into a remote rural police department of one of the Kazakh
regions. To strengthen. A short business trip - six months - no
allowed me to enjoy the spicy aromas of the East to my fill, but...

From what I remember.

Targeting an escaped prisoner “... HIGHER than average height... ON THE BACK UNDER THE BUTTON
an obscene ORGAN is impaled..."

Signs of the wanted person “...tattoo on the right forehead. Lisps because
absence of anterior molars on top..."

From the order “...to carry out a thorough combing of the area, in order
determining the location of the criminal. Use weapons to kill software
LEGS, LOWER THIRD OF THE SHIN..."

From the order “... to declare gratitude for COURAGEOUS REVENUE
AND Acomplicity in the search..."

From the criminal case “... THE bullet took off from the other side...”

From the title of the criminal case “... ABOUT THE MISTAKENESS OF THE CAMEL, ITS LOCATED AND
damage to a MOTORCYCLE during the search..."

Well, and household little things. Price tags in a village store.

“Manual suction” (plunger)

“Vodka from millet” (“Wheat”)

"Condom. Rubber. Male"
Major Tomin

Once a policeman caught a terrible criminal.
We held a press conference about this, because people should know their
heroes.
So journalists ask:
- How did you manage to detain him? He was dressed as a woman! How
You
guessed it?
- Yes, it’s very simple! This guy was walking down the street and didn’t stop in front of any