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Graphic Design
Christmas Banner
A nice and simple one this month and just in time for Christmas. Really this banner is just put together with downloaded Photoshop brushes. The background is a gradient from dark to light and then I used the brushes of the clouds, stars, moon, trees and snowflakes to build up the background of the scene itself. I wanted the whole piece to feel as 'Christmassy' as possible but without hitting every cliche on the way and hopefully the banner has achieved this aim. It took quite a while to get the picture composition just right that there was something to draw the eye across the whole image.
The Santa on his sleigh image is another brush that I originated on a separate blank background. I then used the 'Magic Wand' tool to select the image and layer it. This enabled me to add a gradient onto Santa and then move him onto the background I had created. I wanted a shadow of Santa to just be visible across the moon so I created this by adding a drop shadow and then separating the layers. I was then able to simply rub out the shadow that did not cross the moon to create the effect.
The font for the text is a favourite of mine. It's called 'A Charming Little Font' and it certainly is! It reminds me quite a lot of the 'Nightmare Before Christmas' look so I felt that it would compliment this banner perfectly. I added a bright blue glow to the edge of the text and then embossed the body of the Christmas message.
Click on image to view large version (Lightbox)
I hope you like my Christmas Banner. If you are viewing this in December 2008 then the chances are it is still featured at the top of my website. If you are reading this in June...I guess not.
Have a Corrosive Christmas Everyone!
