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Create Professional Mockups in Photoshop (Beginner Tutorial)

BY qo4it
July 9, 2025
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Private
7277 views

Mockup Techniques for Odd Objects Tutorial

Learn how to master mockup techniques on unconventional surfaces to make your designs look realistic anywhere.

Key Steps

Initial Setup

  • Objective: Apply designs onto odd objects like cans, cardboard, and newspapers.
  • Preparation:
    • Duplicate your layer to preserve the original.
    • Use Adobe Firefly for design creation or import your own.

Mockup on Cans

  1. Select and Prepare the Object:

    • Use the object selection tool to select the cans.
    • Exclude non-design areas (e.g., straw) using a mask and brush tool.
  2. Create Smart Objects:

    • Duplicate and convert layers into Smart Objects to keep track of changes.
    • Use the rectangle tool for alignment and convert it to a Smart Object.
  3. Warp and Adjust Design:

    • Use warp to adjust design alignment.
    • Use Control/Command Key for precise shape adjustments.
    • Apply lighting effects using separate layers for shadows, midtones, and highlights.

Design on Cardboard and Newspapers

  1. Preparation:

    • Use the lasso tool and Content-Aware Fill to remove existing elements.
    • Follow the similar steps as above for creating rectangles and converting them.
  2. Perspective Adjustment:

    • Utilize 'distort' and 'warp' options to align the design with object contours and perspectives.
  3. Blending Options:

    • Use blend modes like multiply, screen, and gradient masks to seamlessly integrate designs.

Final Touches

  • Address lighting and shadow issues with blending options.
  • Use feathering on masks for softer edges.
  • Adjust fill levels to control the intensity of different layers.

Conclusion

  • The tutorial covered design applications on various surfaces using warp tools and blending techniques.
  • Factors like perspective, masking, and smart objects enhance the realism of mockups.

Additional Tips

  • Pay attention to the original light direction to better place shadows and highlights.
  • Use masks and smart objects to non-destructively edit and refine your designs.

Next Steps

  • Experiment with different objects and surfaces.
  • Explore more intricate designs and techniques in future tutorials.

Thank you for watching. Share your design suggestions for future tutorials in the comments!

    Create Professional Mockups in Photoshop (Beginner Tutorial)