how to make a space-themed business card in photoshop

22/05/12 How to Make a Space-Themed Business Card in Photoshop

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PARTNERSPARTNERS

AUG 2 4 2 0 1 0 2 4 COMMENT S

BY T OMAS LAUR INAV IC I U S

In this Photoshop tutorial, I am going to demonstrate to you how to

design an alluring spacethemed business card that is out of this world.

With this tutorial, you will learn how to create a space backdrop with

stars and stardust (all from scratch), utilize great light effects within your

work, and how to stylize text. You will be surprised to find out that we

will only use basic Photoshop tools and techniques.

Author: Tomas Laurinavicius

Tomas Laurinavičius is a blogger and designer from Lithuania. He's interested in web design,

Photoshop and WordPress design. You can follow him on Twitter or add him as a friend on

Facebook. Get in touch with him if you have interesting projects you want to collaborate on.

How to Make a SpaceThemed Business Card in PhotoshopHow to Make a SpaceThemed Business Card in Photoshop

Preview

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Click the image below to see the business card in full size.

Tutorial ResourcesFont: Nevis Typeface

Step 1: Create a New Photoshop DocumentOpen a new Photoshop document that is 3.75 x 2.25 inches. Make the Resolution to 300 pixels/inch and set the Color

Mode to CMYK Color – 8 bit so that it will be ready for print.

The standard size of a business card is 3.5 x 2 inches, but to prepare the business card for printing, there needs to be

a 1/4 inch margin along the edges — referred to as a bleed — that will be trimmed off so that the artwork extends to the

edge of the business card without gaps when it is printed and cut. (Read more about preparing your files for print.)



Step 2: Add Some GuidesWe will use Photoshop guides to delineate our bleed area versus live area. We will add guides at all sides of the

canvas to show where the bleed area is. To add guides, select View > New Guide.

Add the following 4 guides:

Orientation Position

Vertical 0.125 in (left guide)

Vertical 3.625 in (right guide)

Horizontal 0.125 in (top guide)

Horizontal 2.125 (bottom guide)



Note: you must change your units from pixels to inches whenever you are working with print materials because thisabsolute unit of measurement is a standard for printers. Change your units of measurement by going to Edit >

Preferences > Units & Rulers. Alternatively, you can rightclick on your ruler (View > Rulers) as shown below.

Step 3: Create the Gradient BackgroundNow we are going to add the bluepurple color gradient background using some different tools. First, choose the

Gradient Tool (G) from the Tools Panel and then set the style to Linear Gradient in the Options Bar.

Then set the gradient to go from blue (#4580c2) to purple (#91469b) and then fill the Background layer using the

Gradient Tool by dragging from the righttop corner to the leftbottom corner of your canvas, making a diagonal color

gradient.

Step 4: Make Some Stars in PhotoshopTo imitate outer space, we need stars. Create a new layer for your stars (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + N), name it "Stars" so that

we are maintaining the organization of our business card document, and then make sure this new layer is above the

gradient layer.

Next, fill the "Stars" layer with black (#000000).



After that, go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise and set the Amount option to 400%. Then choose the Uniform and

Monochromatic options and click OK to apply the filter.

Now we will use a blur filter to soften the noise layer. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and change the Radius to 0.7

pixels, then apply the filter.



After that, click Image > Adjustments > Levels and play with the Input Levels values a bit to achieve less frequent and

more spacedout stars.

When you are happy with the spacing of your stars, reduce the layer’s Opacity to 50%.

Step 5: Add Some Stardust Using the Clouds FilterTo give our work another space theme, we will create stardust. To do that, first create a new layer for our stardust (you

may name this layer as "Stardust").

Next, set the Foreground color to white (#ffffff) and Background color to purple (#4d008f) in the Tools Panel.

With your Foreground/Background colors set, go to Filter > Render > Clouds.



Step 6: Adjust the Stardust’s VividnessWe will use an image adjustment to enhance the color of our image. Go to Image > Adjustments > Levels and play

around with the Input Levels values to make your clouds more vivid.

Step 7: Smudge the StardustNext, we will smudge our stardust with the Smudge Tool (R) to create a more fluid and blended effect. For the Smudge

Tool, choose the Soft Mechanical Brush tip and set the Master Diameter option to 500 pixels (you can set both brush

options in the Options Bar).



With your Smudge Tool ready for action, smudge your "Stardust" layer to make it look like stardust.

Step 8: Finishing Touches on the StardustSet the Blend Mode of the "Stardust" layer to Overlay and also reduce the Opacity to 60%.

Remember our background with the bluepurple color gradient? Duplicate it (Ctrl/Cmd + J) and then place the

duplicate over the "Stardust" layer.

Press Ctrl/Cmd + T (Free Transform) and then scale the width of the background object to 100.0%.

After your free transform, set the layer’s Blend Mode to Color.



Step 9: Create a Diagonal StripNext, we will create diagonal strips to stylize our business card and give it a nice design element. To begin, set your

Foreground color to white (#ffffff) and then pick up the Ellipse Tool (U) from the Tools Panel. Then draw a big circle and

move it partially outside of the canvas.

Now change the layer’s Blend Mode to Soft Light and reduce the Opacity to 8%.



After that, make two copies of the circle layer (Ctrl/Cmd + J). Then move them below the first one.

Make sure that your Foreground color is set to white (#ffffff) and then pick the Brush Tool (B), setting the brush tip to

Soft Mechanical at 500 pixels Master Diameter.

Click once on the canvas to apply your brush stroke, making a big, white circle.

Then use the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) to make a selection as shown below.

Delete the selected area. Afterwards, press Ctrl/Cmd + T (Free Transform), and in the Options Bar, set the Angle to 30

(then apply the transformation).



Move the diagonal stripe left using the Move Tool (V).

Then blend it better with its background by changing the layer’s Blend Mode to Soft Light and Opacity to 40%.

Step 10: Create More Diagonal StripsDuplicate (Ctrl/Cmd + J) the diagonal strip layer 6 times and move the copied layers to the right.

Step 11: Create Colorful Lighting EffectsCreate a new layer (name it "Colors").

Use the Brush Tool (B) to make some colorful circles with a softtipped brush.

Now change the "Colors" layer’s Blend Mode to Overlay and reduce the Opacity to 30%.



Step 12: Enhance the Colors with a Gradient MapNow add a Gradient Map adjustment layer by clicking on the Create new fill or adjustment layer icon that is located at

the bottom of the Layers Panel; choose Gradient Map from the menu that shows up when you click the icon.

Set the Gradient Map’s gradient such that it goes from black (#000000) to white (#ffffff).

Change the Gradient Map’s Blend Mode to Pin Light.



Step 13: Business Card TypographyLast but not least is the text to be placed on our business card.

I used a free font called Nevis (by Ten by Twenty).

Start by setting your Foreground color to white (#ffffff). Then use the Horizontal Type Tool (T) to write your name (or

your company’s name).

After that, select the text layer from the Layers Panel and then go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options. Add a

Gradient Overlay using the following settings.

Next, write a description under the name and repeat the styling actions.



We’re finished with the front side. Create a new layer group (Layer > New > Group) and call it "Back".

Place the text for the back side of the business card inside the "Back" layer group. Add some text describing your work,

skills, and contact information. You can put your photo here as well to personalize your business card.

Tutorial SummaryCongratulations, we have finished our business card! This tutorial showed you an easy way to create a business card

design that will surely attract the attention of those you hand it to. We made a spacethemed background that has stars

and stardust. We also designed a cool set of diagonal strips to accent the business card, and then finished it up with a

nice Gradient Map adjustment layer. Then the Horizontal Type Tool came to our aid as we placed our name and other

business card information on it.

Before heading out to the printer to get your business card printed, be sure to read the tutorial called A Guide to

Preparing Files for Print.



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24 Comments (Add yours)

DmitriyAUG 24 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Very nice!thanks!

ScydowAUG 24 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Very nice, thank you!

RichieAUG 24 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Hey Tomas, nice to see you here….

Good work! This is a a very helpful tutorial because everything has been

done from scratch, Bravo!… But, I feel you overused the diagonal strips :)

Too many elements in a biz card might spoil the overall feel IMHO.

However, I have a doubt : Illustrator has specific options for Bleed and

crop margins, right and so does InDesign. These programs are made for

professional print media applications. So, I think it is wise if you choose the

right program for the right purpose. This qualifies more as a ‘Design a

Space Themed poster/background’ tutorial rather than a business card

tutorial.

But of course, this is very helpful for those who do not own those

programs(like me) :)

Just a thought…

Jacques vanHeerdenAUG 24 2010

I tend to disagree with you regarding the Program used.

We design everything in Photoshop, Business Cards, Posters etc..

It then gets transferred to Indesign where it gets set up for print.

Designing in Photoshop is great. Printing straight out of it is also

Download Source Filesspacethemed_business_card (ZIP, 5.80 MB)

Me gusta 19



REPLY TO COMMENT

fine, but you gotta know what you are doing then.

Nice card, I do agree with the overuse of diagonal lines

though..other than that its great.

Keep it up mate

TomasAUG 24 2010Contributor

REPLY TO COMMENT

Thank you Richie for being active and commenting on my tutorial. I

appreciate that. I have created my first printed business card in

Photoshop and it looks great, so I think that Photoshop is good tool

for creating print graphics.

mcdonaldOCT 14 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

could any one help me with the kind of cards to print this

kinds of cards on

what texture should it be

what type of cards should it be or even the name of the

cards and espectially to have a sleek texture printing on the

card

Jacob GubeAUG 24 2010Editorial Team

REPLY TO COMMENT

After seeing a lot of designs created in various ways, I’ve stopped

thinking in such strict terms like “this is the tool that you need to use

for this job.” After seeing web designs created entirely in Illustrator,

books laid out using Photoshop, amazing photography editing

using Fireworks, and comics done entirely in Windows Paint, I’ve

come to the conclusion that you should use the tool that gets you

what you want.

In this particular case, business cards can be printed by sending

your printer a PSD file; I know there are a lot of online printers that

support — and even prefer — PSDs over InDesign or AI/EPS files.

You should definitely know the fundamentals. You should definitely

know which tool has traditionally been used to create what. But

once you know that — you can make educated decisions to go

another route and use another process.

My $0.02.

Jack ColeSEP 23 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

As a print designer, I’d have to agree with the OP. Printers I

job with *hate* receiving PSDs, preferring standards

compliant PDF formats instead. Certainly working up your

background design in PS is the way to go, but importing it

into a layout program like ID – designed for crisp type, and

proper rasterizing (to avoid images corrupting type layers,

for instance) – makes more sense. Make your printer happy,

and you end up with a better end result.

I pity anyone who has to lay out a book in PS or edit photos

in Fireworks. I’m sure people can dig ditches with

tablespoons, too, but *should* they? Choose the proper tool

for the job, and your job is halfway done.

климатициAUG 24 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Nice tutorial! But I think that visit cards with face in it are more appropriate

for big corporations… Watever! Great tutorial :)



SimonaAUG 24 2010Contributor

REPLY TO COMMENT

Nice background effect. I agree with Richie, but nevertheless, good

tutorial. Thanks for sharing.

ViorelAUG 24 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

This is a great and straight forward tutorial! Thanks!

WillAUG 25 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

The space theme is cool. I get it. But as a business card what is it saying

visually? I feel a good business card visually says something about

you,your company or what you do, before they even read it. Concept is

king. Use the as many of the elements and principles of design to back this

concept and you will get an overt visual design that hits the mark. Good tut

if you think space or the design fits what you do.

RafiAUG 25 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Hey thomas. This is a nice tut of business card man. I specially like how

you created the backgrounds. It’s so good, macbased. Anyway, simple yet

wonderful!

Eric VasquezAUG 25 2010Contributor

REPLY TO COMMENT

I also enjoyed this tut and think it has a really nice color scheme. My own

personal opinion is that if you do the same thing more than once in the

same design it can take away from it at times as far as the use of diagonals

goes…BUT it does make the design more dynamic.

As for the software used, I would have to say that Photoshop does a pretty

nice job for business cards, just as long as you remember to include some

extra room on all of the sides to account for the bleed.

There are some useful techniques in here such as creating the stars

through use of the noise filter, and also smudging the ’stardust’ is a nice

spin on the often overused clouds filter. Overall I think you did a nice job!

kids gamesAUG 25 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Great post! Nice information

RobertAUG 27 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Nice design and cool concepts, but just like a web site, business cards

need to convey information (mostly contact info), first and foremost. Email

address? Web address? These things are vital on a modern day business

card. With this design most of the real estate is taken up by your name,

position (role in company), and picture. Phone number is large, but I prefer

to email for initial contact. These are just my opinion. Nice design tho!

Bill ChambersAUG 29 2010Contributor REPLY TO COMMENT

Nice job Tomas! Thanks for sharing and keep it up!

Kevin NgawhauSEP 05 2010

Thanks for the tutorial Thomas! I like your use of the blending modes, but I

would have to agree with a couple of the others here regarding the

diagonals. They work well, but a little too predominant. If you were able to

fade the lines another 4050% without losing the color dynamics, I think

you’d be onto a real winner. Nevertheless, that’s just my opinion and

otherwise I think you did a good job.



REPLY TO COMMENT

Also, using pixelbased software (eg:Photoshop or Fireworks), as opposed

to vector (eg:Illustrator or Freehand), only really becomes an issue if

you’re resizing the artwork. In other words, if you designed the business

card using a vectorbased application, then you could easily resize the

artwork to go on a large billboard while maintaining its integrity. Not that

you would do that, but I think you know what I mean.

Just one more thing for Robert, graphic design is all about visual

communication, it doesn’t necessarily need to be crammed full of

information to convey a message.

fairoozaSEP 07 2010

REPLY TO COMMENT

Nice design!Thanks for sharing….

AxelFEB 20 2011

REPLY TO COMMENT

Nice man I learned so much from this. I have a question for you. How do I

know where to put all my words? Can I pass the two lines on the bottom or

I have to keep everything in the middle?

himshikhaNOV 09 2011

REPLY TO COMMENT

really very clear tutorial…it is..!!

Amazing..really appreciative…

waheed hashmiNOV 21 2011

REPLY TO COMMENT

nice style. i like it. i think you are a good disiner in the world.

Mike Sol CruzFEB 02 2012

REPLY TO COMMENT

Thanx bro for the tips surely could use style for someone who is not that

good in computer !

amir jooonMAY 01 2012

REPLY TO COMMENT

دت رم ره

thank you

i;m from iran

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