Photoshop, Tutorials

Photoshop Tutorial – Color Matching a Graphic to a Logo

Posted on by Erik
02
Mar

The 2nd video in our series on color is how to match a color from a logo to a graphic in Photoshop. We are using the Reactor image from Aurora Graphics to demonstrate the color overlay.

Photoshop Tutorial: Color Matching a Logo to Your Design Using Sampling and Color Overlays

Achieving a cohesive look in your designs often requires color matching various elements, such as a logo, to the overall color scheme. Photoshop makes this process straightforward with tools for sampling colors and applying color overlays. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to ensure your logo blends seamlessly with your design.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Workspace

Begin by opening your design and logo files in Photoshop.

  1. Open Your Design File: Start with the main design file where you want to incorporate the logo.
  2. Import the Logo: Use File > Place Embedded to import the logo into your design. Position it in the desired location.

Step 2: Sampling Colors from Your Design

Next, sample colors from your logo to use in the design.

  1. Select the Eyedropper Tool: Select the Eyedropper Tool from the toolbar or press “I” on your keyboard.
  2. Sample Colors: Click on the areas of your logo to sample colors. These colors will be stored as foreground colors in the toolbar. Choose key colors that will help the logo integrate smoothly into the design.

Step 3: Applying Color Overlays to the Design

Now, apply the sampled colors to your design using color overlays.

  1. Convert Logo to Smart Object: Right-click on the logo layer and select Convert to Smart Object. This allows for non-destructive editing.
  2. Open Layer Style: Double-click the design layer to open the Layer Style dialog box.
  3. Add Color Overlay: In the Layer Style dialog, select Color Overlay. Click on the color swatch to open the Color Picker.
  4. Match Sampled Color: Use the Eyedropper Tool in the Color Picker to select one of the sampled colors from your design. Adjust the opacity and blend mode of the Color Overlay to achieve the desired effect.

Step 4: Fine-Tuning the Color Match

Ensure the logo color matches perfectly with the design.

  1. Adjust Blending Modes: Experiment with different blending modes (such as Multiply, Overlay, or Soft Light) for the Color Overlay to see which one blends best with your design.
  2. Layer Adjustments: If needed, use adjustment layers (such as Hue/Saturation or Color Balance) to fine-tune the color match. Apply these adjustments as clipping masks to affect only the logo layer.

Step 5: Reviewing and Finalizing

Make sure everything looks cohesive and polished.

  1. Check Consistency: Zoom in and out to ensure the logo color matches consistently across the design.
  2. Save Your Work: Save your project as a PSD file for future edits and export the final design in the desired format (such as PNG or JPEG).

Conclusion

Color matching a logo to your design in Photoshop enhances the overall aesthetic and ensures visual coherence. By sampling colors from your design and using color overlays, you can seamlessly integrate your logo into the project. This tutorial provides a clear and effective approach to achieving a professional look, making your designs stand out with harmonious color schemes. Dive into Photoshop and transform your designs into perfectly matched elements with your logo.

 

Reactor Image: https://www.auroragraphics.net/?product_cat=&s=Reactor&post_type=product

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg

Photoshop, Tutorials

Photoshop Color Changing Basics and Color Management

Posted on by Erik
02
Mar

This first video in our series on color is about how we setup our color management policies in Photoshop for wide format printing on vinyl with an inkjet printer. Plus we get into some basic ways to manipulate the color of your images.

Photoshop Color Changing Basics and Color Management: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering color changing and color management in Photoshop is crucial for creating vibrant and accurate designs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, understanding these fundamentals will enhance your ability to manipulate colors and ensure consistency across different media. This blog covers the basics of color changing and essential tips for effective color management in Photoshop.

Color Changing Basics

Photoshop offers several tools and techniques to change and adjust colors in your images and designs. Here are some fundamental methods:

  1. Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer:
    • Add an Adjustment Layer: Click on the Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and select Hue/Saturation.
    • Adjust Colors: Use the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to change the colors of your image. You can target specific colors using the dropdown menu.
  2. Color Replacement Tool:
    • Select the Tool: Choose the Color Replacement Tool from the toolbar.
    • Set Your Brush: Adjust the brush size and hardness in the options bar.
    • Replace Colors: Click and drag over the area where you want to change the color. The tool samples the color under the crosshair and replaces it with your chosen foreground color.
  3. Selective Color Adjustment:
    • Add an Adjustment Layer: Click on the Adjustment Layer icon and select Selective Color.
    • Refine Colors: Adjust the sliders for Red, Green and Blue to fine-tune specific colors in your image.

Color Management Essentials

Color management ensures your colors are consistent and accurate across different devices and media. Here are key practices for effective color management:

  1. Calibrate Your Monitor:

    • Use Calibration Tools: Utilize hardware calibration tools or built-in software to ensure your monitor displays colors accurately. Regular calibration is essential for consistent results.

  2. Work in the Right Color Space:

    • Choose a Color Space: Use RGB for all design work as the Rip program will convert to CMYK on the fly and will include more color variations. Adobe RGB is ideal for a wide color gamut.
    • Set Up Color Settings: Go to Edit > Color Settings to choose the appropriate color space for your project.

  3. Profile Your Printer:

    • Use ICC Profiles: Download and install ICC profiles for your printer and vinyl type. This ensures your printed colors match what you see on screen.
    • Print Proofing: Print a small sample of the full size image to see how colors will look when printed.

  4. Embed Color Profiles:

    • Save with Profiles: When saving your work, ensure to embed the color profile. This ensures color consistency when sharing files or sending them for printing.

Conclusion

Understanding the basics of color changing and color management in Photoshop is vital for producing accurate and visually appealing designs. By mastering tools like Hue/Saturation and the Color Replacement Tool, you can creatively manipulate colors to achieve your desired effect. Additionally, adhering to best practices in color management, such as calibrating your monitor and working in the right color space, ensures your designs look consistent and professional across various platforms. Dive into Photoshop, explore these techniques, and elevate your design projects with precise and vibrant colors.

Aurora Borealis: https://www.auroragraphics.net/?product_cat=&s=Aurora+Borealis&post_type=product

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg

Photoshop, Tutorials

Photoshop Tutorial – Cropping Panels for Vehicle Wrap Printing

Posted on by Erik
02
Mar

This Photoshop tutorial focuses on how to get your vehicle wrap cropped out into panels for printing on a 54″ Roland Printer.

How to Crop a Vehicle Wrap for Print Using Photoshop: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Creating a vehicle wrap involves meticulous design work, and preparing your design for print is a crucial step to ensure it fits perfectly on the vehicle. Cropping a vehicle wrap correctly in Photoshop guarantees that your design aligns with the vehicle’s contours and dimensions. This tutorial will guide you through the process of cropping a vehicle wrap for print using Photoshop.

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Begin by opening your vehicle wrap design in Photoshop.

  1. Open Your Design File: Open the Photoshop document containing your vehicle wrap design. Ensure it is in high resolution for the best print quality.
  2. Check Dimensions: Verify the dimensions of your design match the specifications provided by the printing company. This includes considering bleed areas for trimming.

Step 2: Using Guides for Precision

Guides help ensure your crop lines are accurate and your design is properly aligned.

  1. Add Guides: Drag guides from the rulers (View > Rulers) to mark the edges where you need to crop your design. This helps in maintaining precision.
  2. Align Elements: Ensure all critical design elements are within the safe zone, away from the crop lines. This prevents important parts of your design from being trimmed off.

Step 3: Creating Crop Marks

Crop marks indicate where the printer should trim the design.

  1. Select the Crop Tool: Choose the Crop Tool from the toolbar or press “C” on your keyboard.
  2. Set the Crop Area: Adjust the crop box to align with the guides/selection area you’ve placed. Make sure to include any necessary bleed areas to ensure the design prints edge-to-edge.

Step 4: Cropping the Design

With your guides and crop area set, proceed to crop the design.

  1. Use a Selection Area to Crop the Image: Use the marquee tool for selecting with guides, and the Load Selection Function when using a rectangle for selecting.
  2. Review the Cropped Area: Check the cropped design to ensure no important elements are lost and that your bleeds are correct.

Step 5: Preparing for Print

After cropping, prepare your file for printing.

  1. Saving Print Files: Create a new document for each file with a name that corresponds with the location of the vehicle and customer name.
  2. Save the File: Save your file in a print-ready format, such as TIFF, JPG, PNG or PDF. Ensure you include the appropriate color profile (Adobe RGB 1998) for printing. See our video on color management here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHOkgEHV5dI

Step 6: Final Checks

Before sending your file to the printer, perform a final review.

  1. Check Resolution: Ensure the resolution is at the resolution you created the image at for accurate prints.
  2. Proof the Design: Review the design for any errors or misalignments. It’s helpful to print a small test for color correction before cropping the images for print, if possible.

Conclusion

Cropping a vehicle wrap for print in Photoshop requires careful attention to detail and precise alignment. By using guides, creating crop marks, and preparing your file correctly, you ensure that your design fits perfectly on the vehicle and looks professional. This tutorial provides a clear pathway to achieve a flawless vehicle wrap ready for print. Dive into Photoshop, follow these steps, and create stunning vehicle wraps that stand out on the road.

Catalyst Image: https://www.auroragraphics.net/?product_cat=&s=Catalyst&post_type=product

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg
Photoshop, Tutorials

Photoshop Tutorial – Mirroring Your Layout

Posted on by Erik
02
Mar

In this video we are laying out one side of a vehicle wrap and showing how to mirror the other side and make it match perfectly. Plus we will be showing a few tricks to add a design element into a scene and make it look realistic.

Mastering Vehicle Wrap Design: Mirroring and Perfect Matching Techniques in Photoshop

Creating a seamless vehicle wrap design that perfectly mirrors one side to the other while maintaining consistency and realism is a crucial skill. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of laying out one side of a vehicle wrap, mirroring it to match the other side, flipping text and logos, and adding realistic design elements. Let’s dive into the steps to achieve a professional and cohesive vehicle wrap using Photoshop.

Step 1: Designing One Side of the Vehicle

Begin by designing one side of the vehicle with all the necessary elements.

  1. Open Your Design Template: Start with a high-resolution vehicle template in Photoshop.
  2. Create Your Design: Lay out your design elements on one side of the vehicle. Ensure that logos, text, and graphics are positioned correctly and are visually appealing.

Step 2: Mirroring the Design

Mirroring the design ensures both sides of the vehicle match perfectly.

  1. Duplicate the File: Under (Image Click Duplicate) This creates an exact copy of your design.
  2. Mirror the File: Click (Image>Image Rotation> Flip Canvas Horizontally)
  3. Save the Mirrored Design: Save as the opposite side using a PSD format.

Step 3: Flipping Text and Logos

To maintain readability, flip the text and logos separately.

  1. Select Text and Logo Layers: In the mirrored file, select the layers containing text and logos individually.
  2. Flip Text and Logos: Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal. They will maintain position automatically. If there is rotation of the logos from horizontal, that will need to be recreated. (See Video)

Step 4: Final Adjustments and Review

Ensure your design is polished and ready for print.

  1. Review Alignment: Double-check that both sides of the vehicle wrap are perfectly aligned and all elements match seamlessly.
  2. Final Edits: Make any necessary final adjustments to ensure everything looks cohesive and professional.
  3. Save Your Work: Save your project as a PSD file for future edits and export the final design in the appropriate format for printing.
  4. Cropping For Print Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PX2KaGr4dM

Conclusion

Mirroring a vehicle wrap design and ensuring it matches perfectly while flipping text and logos requires precision and attention to detail. By following these steps and incorporating realistic design elements, you can create a professional and cohesive vehicle wrap. This tutorial equips you with the skills to produce stunning, high-quality wraps that stand out on the road. Dive into Photoshop, apply these techniques, and elevate your vehicle wrap designs to the next level!

Shop Lawn Related Images: https://www.auroragraphics.net/?product_cat=&s=lawn&post_type=product

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg

Photoshop, Tutorials

Photoshop – Pattern Overlay Techniques

Posted on by Erik

This Photoshop tutorial will be focused on isolating an area of a graphic in order to place a pattern overlay onto a portion of the image. We are using the American Muscle Partial Wrap and the Bushwolf Digital Marine Camo.

Using Pattern Overlays in Photoshop

Patterns can add depth and texture to your designs, transforming a simple image into something more dynamic and professional. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use patterns as overlays in Photoshop by isolating areas with the Lasso and Pen tools, and using blending options and the Levels tool to achieve a polished look.

Step 1: Isolating the Area

Begin by isolating the area where you want to apply the pattern.

  1. Open Your Project: Start with your open project in Photoshop.
  2. Select the Lasso Tool: Use the Lasso Tool (L) to create a freeform selection around the area. For more precision, you can use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to click and create straight lines around the area.
  3. Refine with the Pen Tool: For complex shapes, use the Pen Tool (P) to create a path around the area. Once your path is complete, right-click and choose “Make Selection” to convert the path into a selection.

Step 2: Applying the Pattern Overlay

Apply the pattern within the selected area to add texture.

  1. Create a New Layer: With the pattern layer above your base image.
  2. Fill the Selection with a Pattern: Use your selection area to mask off the pattern.

Step 3: Using Blending Options

Blending options help integrate the pattern seamlessly into your design.

  1. Open Blending Options: Right-click the new pattern layer and select “Blending Options.”
  2. Select a Blending Mode: Experiment with different blending modes like Overlay, Soft Light, or Multiply to see which integrates the pattern best with your image. Adjust the layer opacity for a more subtle effect.

Step 4: Enhancing with the Levels Tool

Use the Levels tool to adjust the brightness and contrast of the pattern.

  1. Open the Levels Tool: With the base layer selected, go to Image > Adjustments > Levels.
  2. Adjust Levels: Move the sliders to adjust the shadows, midtones, and highlights. This enhances the pattern’s appearance, making it look more professional and cohesive with the underlying image. Switch Blending Modes to achieve the desired effect.

Step 5: Refining the Pattern Overlay

Fine-tune the pattern overlay to achieve the best result.

  1. Add Layer Masks: Apply layer masks to control where the pattern appears, using a soft brush to blend edges seamlessly.
  2. Use Additional Adjustments: Experiment with other adjustment tools like Curves or Hue/Saturation to further refine the pattern’s look.

Conclusion

Using patterns as overlays in Photoshop can elevate your design by adding texture and depth. By isolating areas with the Lasso and Pen tools, applying patterns, using blending options, and enhancing with the Levels tool, you can achieve a polished and professional result. Experiment with these techniques to discover new ways to enhance your projects and create visually stunning designs. Dive into Photoshop and transform your images with these powerful pattern overlay techniques.

 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg

Tutorials

Print/Cut Tutorial Part 3 – Printing and Laminating Using a Roland 54 Inch Printer

Posted on by Erik
02
Mar

In part 3 of our Print/Cut Tutorial series we will be printing our newly designed image on a Roland VS-540i, laminating on a Royal Sovereign cold laminator, and then using the Roland to cut the final decal.

Printing and Cutting a Graphic with a Roland 54-Inch 8-Color Printer

Creating a stunning graphic isn’t as difficult as it seems. This tutorial will guide you through the process of printing and cutting a graphic using a Roland 54-inch 8-color printer. We’ll cover adding registration marks in VersaWorks, laminating the vinyl, and cutting the laminated design.

Step 1: Preparing the Print/Cut File

Ensure your print/cut file is ready for the Roland printer.

  1. Open Your Print/Cut File: Open the print/cut file you previously prepared in Flexi Sign. Ensure all elements, including the bleed and cut contours, are accurately set.
  2. Save in the Right Format: Export the file in a format compatible with VersaWorks, such as EPS, AI or PDF.

Step 2: Adding Registration Marks in VersaWorks

Registration marks are crucial for accurate alignment during the cutting process.

  1. Open VersaWorks: Launch VersaWorks and import your print/cut file.
  2. Add Registration Marks: In VersaWorks, go to the Job Settings and select the Marks tab. Choose to add registration marks that your Roland printer can recognize. This ensures precise alignment when cutting.

Step 3: Printing the Design

Print your design on the Roland 54-inch 8-color printer.

  1. Load the Vinyl: Load the vinyl material into the Roland printer. Ensure it is correctly positioned and secured.
  2. Print the Design: Send the file to print from VersaWorks. The Roland printer will produce vibrant, high-quality prints thanks to its 8-color ink system, capturing every detail of your design.

Step 4: Laminating the Vinyl

Laminating the vinyl protects the print and enhances its durability.

  1. Remove and Laminate: Carefully remove the printed vinyl from the printer. Laminate the vinyl using a cold laminator to avoid damaging the print.
  2. Ensure Smooth Application: Make sure the laminate is applied smoothly, without bubbles or wrinkles, for a professional finish.

Step 5: Cutting the Laminated Vinyl

Return the laminated vinyl to the Roland printer for cutting.

  1. Reload the Vinyl: Load the laminated vinyl back into the Roland printer, ensuring it is properly aligned with the registration marks.
  2. Cut the Design: In VersaWorks, set up the cutting parameters. Ensure the cut contour lines are correctly identified, and send the job to cut. The Roland printer will use the registration marks to align the cuts precisely.

Step 6: Final Review and Application

Inspect the cut vinyl and prepare it for application.

  1. Inspect the Cut: Carefully inspect the cut vinyl to ensure all elements are accurately cut and ready for application.
  2. Weed the Vinyl: Weed out the excess vinyl, leaving only the design elements that will be applied to the vehicle.

Conclusion

Printing and cutting a graphic using a Roland 54-inch 8-color printer involves several critical steps to ensure a flawless finish. By adding registration marks in VersaWorks, laminating the vinyl, and accurately cutting the design, you can achieve professional-grade results. Follow these steps to streamline your workflow and produce high-quality graphics that stand out on the road. Dive into the process with confidence and elevate your projects to new heights.

Rattle Snake Image: https://www.auroragraphics.net/?product_cat=&s=Rattle+snake&post_type=product

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg

Flexi, Tutorials

Print/Cut Tutorial Part 2: Creating A Cutcontour With Flexi

Posted on by Erik
02
Mar

In part 2 of our print/cut tutorial we will be using Flexi to create a cutcontour for our “Don’t Tread On Me,” Snake.

Creating a Perfect Cut Contour With Flexi Sign Using Our Previously Made Print File With Bleed

Preparing a print file with a bleed in Photoshop is the first step towards a flawless cut contour for your design. Flexi Sign, a powerful vector editing program, is ideal for refining and creating precise cut contours. This tutorial will guide you through using the previously made print file with a bleed in Photoshop, generating a rough work path, and refining it in Flexi Sign to create a perfect cut contour.

Step 1: Preparing the Print File in Photoshop

Begin with your print file that includes a bleed.

  1. Open Your Print File: Open the Photoshop document with your print file that includes the bleed.
  2. Create a Rough Work Path: Use the Load Selection Tool (P) to create a rough work path around the main elements of your design. This doesn’t have to be perfect, as we will refine it in Flexi Sign.

Step 2: Exporting the Work Path

Export the rough work path from Photoshop for use in Flexi Sign.

  1. Save the Path: Once your rough work path is created, save it by selecting the path in the Paths panel and choosing “Save Path.”
  2. Export the Path: Export the path by going to File > Export > Paths to Illustrator. This will save the path as an AI file.

Step 3: Importing into Flexi Sign

Bring the rough work path into Flexi Sign for refinement.

  1. Open Flexi Sign: Launch Flexi Sign and open a new document.
  2. Import the Print File: Go to File > Import and select the Print file you saved from Photoshop. This imports your Print File into Flexi Sign.
  3. Import the AI File: Go to File > Import and select the AI file you exported from Photoshop. This imports your rough work path into Flexi Sign.
  4. Align The 2 Images: Select both images and align both centers.

Step 4: Refining the Path in Flexi Sign

Use Flexi Sign’s powerful vector editing tools to refine the path.

  1. Edit Path Nodes: Select the path and use the node editing tools to adjust and refine the path. Ensure the path closely follows the edges of your design elements.
  2. Smooth Curves: Use the curve smoothing tools to eliminate any rough edges and create a smooth contour that will cut cleanly.

Step 5: Creating the Cut Contour

Finalize the cut contour for your design.

  1. Define the Cut Contour: Convert your refined path into a cut contour by assigning a specific color or layer that your cutting machine recognizes as a contour cut.
  2. Add Registration Marks: Add registration marks if necessary to help align the cut contour with the printed design during the cutting process.

Step 6: Saving and Exporting

Save your refined cut contour for the cutting process.

  1. Save the File: Save your Flexi Sign document with the cut contour defined.
  2. Export for Cutting: Export the file in the format required by your cutting machine (e.g., EPS, AI).

Conclusion

Using Flexi Sign to refine and create a cut contour for a print file with bleed enhances the precision and quality of your final product. By generating a rough work path in Photoshop and refining it in Flexi Sign, you ensure that your cut lines are accurate and smooth, resulting in a professional finish. Follow these steps to streamline your workflow and produce flawless cut contours for your designs. Dive into Photoshop and Flexi Sign, and elevate your vehicle wraps and other print projects to the next level.

Rattle Snake Image: https://www.auroragraphics.net/?product_cat=&s=Rattle+snake&post_type=product

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg

Photoshop, Tutorials

Print/Cut Tutorial Part 1: Creating The Print File

Posted on by Erik
02
Mar

In part 1 of our print/cut tutorial we will be creating a bleed on our print file using Adobe Photoshop.

Creating a Bleed on a Print File for a Cut Contour Using Adobe Photoshop

When preparing a print file for a cut contour, ensuring a proper bleed is crucial for a professional finish. A bleed allows for slight inaccuracies during the trimming process and prevents unwanted white edges. This tutorial will guide you through creating a bleed using a blurred version of the image and stacking layers to create a stroke that matches the color of the outside edge pixels.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Document

Begin by opening your print file in Photoshop.

  1. Open Your Image: Start with the high-resolution image you want to prepare for print.
  2. Create a New Document: Make sure the document size includes the bleed area. For instance, if your final print size is 8.5 x 11 inches with a 0.125-inch bleed, set your document size to be a couple inches larger than the final image.

Step 2: Duplicating and Blurring the Image

Create a blurred version of the image to use for the bleed.

  1. Duplicate the Layer: Select your image layer, right-click, and choose “Duplicate Layer.”
  2. Apply Gaussian Blur: Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Set the radius to create a smooth blur that extends the colors of the image.

Step 3: Duplicating the Blurred Layer

  1. Position the Blurred Layer: Move the blurred layer behind the original image layer.
  2. Transform the Blurred Layer: Duplicate the blurred layer until the opacity is at 100% all the way to the edge of the bleed.

Step 6: Final Adjustments and Saving

Ensure everything is set up correctly before saving your file.

  1. Check Alignment: Ensure the original image aligns perfectly with the blurred bleed and merge the layers into one.
  2. Save for Print: Save your file in a print-ready format (such as PNG or JPG) with the appropriate color profile (Adobe 1998 RGB).

Conclusion

Creating a bleed for a cut contour in Adobe Photoshop ensures your print file is ready for professional trimming. By using a blurred version of the image and matching the stroke to the edge pixels, you can achieve a seamless and polished finish. Follow these steps to enhance your print projects with precise and effective bleeds, ensuring a flawless final product. Dive into Photoshop, apply these techniques, and prepare your designs for perfect prints.

Rattle Snake Image: https://www.auroragraphics.net/?product_cat=&s=Rattle+snake&post_type=product

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRsfztWGjUIzM3hIz5ITcg