design guide
Create A 90s Magazine Look
What you'll need
- Any editing software that handles layers
- We use
Adobe XD which has a free version
- A portrait photo or two
The 5 steps in this guide
Create a photo cutout
Add text
Add a grainy layer
Add a warm layer
Add a gradient overlay
1. Create a photo cutout
So we are biased, but we love using our
own removal app from the menu bar of our Macs. But frankly, any app will work for you, just avoid using removal websites as you lose control of your photos and you might be surprised what others could use them for.
Avoid removal websites
By uploading your photos to unknown websites, you lose control over your rights and what others might use your photos for. Instead, use a dedicated app or an in-app function.
2. Add text
Let's add that magazine text. We used ITC Garamond, a font used by Apple in the 80s and 90s and which is gaining in popularity recently.
Settings
Font: ITC Garamond Book
Spacing: -40
3. Add a grainy layer
Now let's add a bit of texture to get that magazine look. We used a grainy photo with the "lighten" overlay setting. But feel free to play around to get the look that suit your style.
Settings
Layer Appearance: Lighten
Opacity: 29%
→ Download the noise texture for free
here
4. Add a warm layer
Now, let's add a bit of warmth to the image. We simply added a warm colour on top with the "colour burn" setting.
Settings
Warm Colour HEX: #FFF9BD
Layer Appearance: Colour Burn
Opacity: 28%
5. Add a gradient layer
And lastly, to add that final magazine touch, we used a gradient layer to add a bit of variance to the image.
Settings
Layer Appearance: Overlay
Opacity: 30%
→ Download the gradient photo for free
here
Result
And there you go. A magazine look in just a few clicks. Recreate it for collages on socials or ad campaigns to reach a new audience.
We hope this guide has been helpful and feel free to send us an
email on which guides you'd like to see us do next!
