Week 12: Create Surreal Compositions in Photoshop

Creating a striking and unexpected Photoshop composition through the juxtaposition of a food and human/animal element.

Beginner

+

Use the donut and one of the model images from the link below and create one visual using Photoshop layers and layer masks. Make the donut look like it is a part of the image although there is an unexpected /surreal relationship between the 2 visuals. Add a uniform colour fill background to contrast or complement the composition.

Intermediate

+

Use 2 or 3 donuts and both a male and a female models, of your choice from Unsplash, ours are just a guide. Create two visuals using Photoshop layers and layer masks. You can use images of your choice - there needs to be a food element and a human/animal element to the composition. Make the donuts/food look like they are a part of the image although there is an unexpected/surreal relationship between the 2 visuals. Add a different colour fill background to each of the images to contrast or complement the composition.

Advanced

+

Create a campaign of 3 visuals using a food element juxtaposed with an animal or human image. You can use the images supplied in the links or images of your choice. There needs to be an unexpected /surreal relationship between the images in the composition. Add a different colour fill background to each of the images to contrast or complement the compositions.

Time Allocated

+

60 Minutes for Beginner: download image (or use your own), hand tint and add texture using downloaded brushes. Use image on a poster/postcard. 60-90 Minutes for intermediate: download image (or use your own), hand tint and add texture using downloaded brushes. Texturise a logo and add to the poster/postcard image. 60-240 Minutes for advanced: download image (or use your own), hand tint and add texture using downloaded brushes. Texturise a logo and add to the poster/postcard image. Create a series of posters/postcards using different images or different colour palettes.

Design Goals

+

Create an unusual composition of 2 contrasting elements in one image. The contrast in scale, texture or unexpected placement can be used.

Constraints

+

Use Photoshop Color Fill Layers to tint a black and white image. Use Brushes to add texture to the image. Make a vector logo look hand printed using Brushes and Masks in Photoshop.

Software

+

  • Adobe Photoshop

    Layers

Upload

+

Learn More About DEX

Who is this for?
+

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced level designer. There is a brief to suit you. Follow the instructions in the brief to the letter.

How do I submit my work?
+

Once you're done upload your image to share. We may upload your image to our new Instagram page, be sure to include your Insta handle (@username) so we can credit you. If you don’t have an Instagram account, you can just type in your name. Leave your details blank if you like.

What is a good size for the images?
+

Please make sure your image is of good resolution, it shouldn’t exceed more than 5mb or thereabouts. png, jpeg, svg all acceptable formats. By uploading your image you're giving us permission to publish it.

Can I subscribe to this awesome concept?
+

If you would like to receive an email from us each week with the brief and video, be sure to subscribe at the top right of this page. We won’t share your information or be spammy.

What if I want to go further?
+

If you love what we do, and think you would like to try your hand at becoming a designer. Check out our courses here.

Can I contribute?
+

If you would like to become a regular video contributor, let us know. Even though we offer them for free, we pay contributors. Or if there is a technique that you would really like to learn, email us a visual, and any ideas you may have.

Can I contact The Graphic Design School
+

Anything else you need or want to ask contact us at: info@thegraphicdesignschool.com

Can I be a voice of TGDS?
+

If you want to spread the good word to your design friends feel free to share this page on social media ;)

Acknowledgement of Country
The Graphic Design School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continued spiritual connection to land.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
Always was, always will be.
RTO Provider № 91706