• Create a Screenprint Effect in Photoshop

    In this tutorial, we will be creating a screenprint effect from a photo. This look works well with bright colors and simple images. The effect can be applied to a number of projects (print and web), but for the purposes of this tutorial, I’ve made a mock gig poster. If you follow along, you will end up with a finished product that looks like the image below. (Download the support folder to get all the assets needed for this tutorial).

    File Setup

    STEP 1
    Create a new file (COMMAND N). Specs below will vary depending on the project. For this tutorial we will be making a 5”x7” image. Keep in mind that the image resolution should always be set at 300dpi for print and 72 dpi for use on the web.

    STEP 2
    With your new file already created, open the sneakers image file (sneakers.jpg).

    STEP 3
    Next, turn the sneaker image grayscale. (IMAGE > MODE > GRAYSCALE)

    STEP 4
    We will now sharpen the sneaker image. Go to FILTERS > SHARPEN > SMART SHARPEN.

    The "Smart Sharpen" dialog box will pop up. Leaving the size at 100%, adjust the AMOUNT and RADIUS, until the darkest parts of the photo are entirely or approximately 100% black. The smart sharpen increases the contrast in your image while simultaneously making it more crisp.

    STEP 5
    Now that the Smart Sharpen has been done, we’ll repeat the effect. Re-open the smart sharpen dialog box. Adjust the AMOUNT and RADIUS again, this time making sure the image looks roughly like a photocopy. We are creating as much contrast as possible while still retaining some texture. This will help create a substantial halftone effect.

    CREATING A HALFTONE IMAGE

    STEP 6
    Next, go to IMAGE > MODE > BITMAP. The Bitmap dialog box will open. Make sure you put 300 pixels/inch in the OUTPUT box. Also make sure to select "Halftone Screen" from the USE drop-down menu.

    The Halftone Screen dialog box will open up immediately. Make sure you select "Round" from the SHAPE drop-down menu. Inputting a lower number in the FREQUENCY box will make the halftone circles appear larger (or less "frequent"). Inputting a higher number will make the circles appear smaller (or more "frequent"). Play around with the ANGLE setting for different results. I've selected a frequency of 20 (make sure "lines/inch" is selected in the drop-down menu), and an angle of 45 degrees.

    Here is the halftone result.

    PREPARING TO ADD COLOR

    STEP 7
    Go back to the file you've created and fill the background with a color. Let’s pick an orange color #e08e18.

    STEP 8
    Paste your halftone image onto the background. Select the entire image (Command A) and copy (Command C). Then go back to the other file and paste (Command V). Adjust the size of the image in the new file to fit your preference.

    STEP 9
    Next, name your layer. Go to your layers palette and double click on the layer with your image. Then type in a name for your layer. In this case, I've named mine "Shoes". Make sure "Shoes" is selected and go to the drop-down menu that currently says Normal. Select Multiply from the drop down. Your image should now "blend" with the background color.

    STEP 10
    Begin to clip out parts of the image you don't want in the final composition. In this case, I ONLY want the shoes and socks in the final comp. Use the lasso tool to clip out your image. The clipping does not have to be perfect, you can play around with your selection depending on how particular you want your design to be. An uneven clip-out may be desirable for a grungy look.

    I've also decided to re-position the shoes. Feel free to move things around as you're working. Resizing will not be a problem after you’ve created the halftone effect because the image is a bitmap file.

    CREATING COLOR AREAS

    STEP 11
    Add some color and type to your image! To color parts of the shoe, simply create new layers (SHIFT COMMAND N), and using the lasso tool, select which parts of the image you want colored. Let’s make the socks a pale yellow color. Create a new layer, (SHIFT COMMAND N) and use the lasso tool to select an area you want to color. Feel free to be a bit messy with this, it does not have to be perfect.

    STEP 12
    Next, select a color and fill the marquee area with that color (make sure you're still on layer 1). Let’s pick a pale yellow #f7f4c7.

    STEP 13
    Change the layer order. Drag the color layer below your halftone image layer (in this case "shoes"). Your image should now look like this.

    STEP 14
    Keep adding color until you are satisfied with the result. Make sure you create a new layer for each area you plan on coloring, that way if you want to edit it later, you won't have to interact with any of the other color areas. You can keep it minimal (2-3 colors) for a simple silkscreen look. Or experiment with adding more. For this tutorial, we’ll be using three colors.

    Here is a summary of all the colors we’ve used for reference:
    Orange: #e08e18
    Yellow: #f7f4c7
    Purple: #7c4d8d

    STEP 15
    To finish off the piece, add some type and an effect on the letters. I’ve used Poplar Std as the typeface. You can create the screenprint effect on the letters by copying and pasting the screenprint texture from the sneaker image onto the letters.