Learn how to create a striking typographic portrait poster in Adobe Photoshop, transforming a standard photo into an artwork where text defines the contours of the subject’s face. You’ll practice essential techniques: precise subject selection, background preparation, thoughtful text integration, and subtle refinements to enhance legibility and visual impact.

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Video by Blue Lightning. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips for Text Portrait Posters in Photoshop

  • Desaturate your base image to black and white early in the process, as this simplifies the contrast adjustments and prepares the image for monochromatic text integration.
  • Refine the edges of your subject, especially around intricate areas like hair, using the Refine Edge tool to ensure a clean separation from the background.
  • Adjust image levels to enhance contrast, making shadows pure black and highlights bright, which creates clear areas for text application and improves overall definition.
  • Blend hair edges into the background using a Layer Mask and a soft brush set to reveal the black background, ensuring a seamless transition and avoiding harsh cutouts.
  • Use the Dodge Tool and a low-opacity brush to selectively brighten areas where text might be difficult to read, improving word legibility without overexposing the portrait details.

Explore more techniques and creative approaches to text-based designs and portrait effects.

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