How To Create a Vintage Postcard Design (Illustrator & Photoshop Tutorial)

Summary

In this tutorial, viewers learn to create a vintage 'large letter' postcard design, a nostalgic style popular in the mid-20th century. The video demonstrates how to use Adobe Illustrator for crafting bold, 3D text and Adobe Photoshop for applying textures and images to achieve a retro effect. Key steps include outlining and coloring the text, integrating landscape images within the letters, and using blending modes to create a cohesive vintage look. The tutorial encourages engagement and provides additional resources for those interested in further exploring vintage design techniques.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vintage postcards, particularly in the 'large letter' style, feature bold typography and images of locales within the letters.
• 🖌️ Adobe Illustrator is used for vector text editing, while Adobe Photoshop handles raster images and textures.
• 📐 To create the postcard design, start by converting text to outlines in Illustrator and apply 3D effects for a dimensional look.
• 🌈 Multiple colors can be applied to the text to replicate the vibrant style of original postcards.
• ✏️ The 'Greetings from' phrase can be added using a brush script font to enhance the vintage feel.
• 📸 Textures can be sourced from free resources, like Spoon Graphics, to give a worn appearance to the postcard.
• 🖼️ When working in Photoshop, blending modes like Multiply can help integrate images with textures effectively.
• 🔍 Layer masking techniques allow for precise control over the visibility of images, creating a polished look.
• 🎨 Clipping masks enable the incorporation of landscape images within individual letters, adding depth and interest.
• 💡 Color adjustments in Photoshop, such as using Match Color, help achieve a cohesive vintage aesthetic throughout the design.

Q & A

What is the 'large letter' postcard design style?

The 'large letter' postcard design style features bold, faux 3D lettering with the name of a location, often surrounded by images of that locale clipped within the letters. This style became popular in the mid-20th century.

Which software tools are used in creating the vintage postcard design?

The tutorial uses Adobe Illustrator for vector text editing and Adobe Photoshop for working with raster images and applying textures.

What font is recommended for the text in the postcard design?

The recommended font for the postcard design is Futura Condensed Extra Bold, with tracking set to -50 for better visual impact.

How is the 3D effect applied to the text in Illustrator?

The 3D effect is applied by selecting the text, going to Effect > 3D > Extrude and Bevel, and configuring the settings to 1 degree for both the X and Y axes, setting the Z axis to 0, and an Extrude Depth of 1000pt.

What is the purpose of using a layer mask in Photoshop?

A layer mask is used in Photoshop to refine the edges of the background photo, allowing for a border around the postcard while creating a smoother transition with the texture.

How do you achieve the vintage postcard effect on the colors in Photoshop?

To achieve the vintage postcard effect on colors, you can use the Image > Adjustments > Match Color feature, adjusting sliders for luminance and contrast to achieve a more muted, nostalgic look.

What is the significance of using clipping masks for each letter?

Clipping masks are used to ensure that landscape images only appear within the boundaries of each letter face, enhancing the design's integration of imagery and text.

How can additional text elements enhance the postcard design?

Adding additional text elements, such as 'Greetings from,' in a complementary font can provide context to the postcard, creating a more cohesive and appealing design.

What characteristics make the 'large letter' postcard style iconic?

Key characteristics of the 'large letter' postcard style include bold colors, warped lettering effects, and the integration of local images within the letters, which together evoke a sense of nostalgia.

What resources are suggested for finding landscape images?

The tutorial suggests using high-resolution, free photo sites like Unsplash and Pexels to find landscape images suitable for the postcard design.