Wednesday, July 27, 2016

adobe photoshop - How to make a graphic with long shadow?


I want to make a long shadow just like in this image.


I can create this shadow with shapes and by deleting the unwanted shadows after rasterizing the layer. But it's not very reusable. I can't resize the layer after rasterizing it.


Is there any easy way to make a long shadow like in the image below?


example graphic with a long shadow



Answer



Dinesh, I have a solution for you, but it will require Photoshop CS 6 Extended or preferably, Photoshop CC. First, you'll need your vector artwork for the Man Of Steel logo. I grabbed (copy to pasteboard) mine from within Abduzeedo's source files for the following tutorial: http://abduzeedo.com/man-steel-symbol-illustrator-and-photoshop



I created a new document in Photoshop then made a rounded rectangle (vector shape) and then pasted the "S" logo as a shape layer... Logo and Rounded Rectangle


I'd then right-click on the shape layer and at the bottom of the list choose Make 3D Extrusion from Layer. You can also use the 3D panel for the conversion.


Layers panel


Next merge the two 3D layers. 3D Layers Merge Layers


You'll need to position the "S" logo in front of the rounded rectangle after merging as the extrusion of the "S" logo isn't as deep as the rounded rectangle extrusion.


Adjusted Logo 3D panel


Your scene should look something like this (which infinite light selected): Sample rendering


Select and move the Infinite light to give the "S" logo the long shadow. Positioned Light Rendering


I next removed the materials/textures from the extrusions shapes and changed the diffuse to the red and blue. I also added a bevel to the "S" logo, adjusted the lighting and rendered: Rendered Logo


Here's another example just moving the light. Rendered Logo Variation



Remember that this is all CG and no raster data (until the final rendering), so you can change the "S" logo (edit source and edit the path), play with bevels, materials and textures, lighting and light shape/color and whatever else you'd like till you're happy with it. You can also change the image size without loosing detail, you'll just need to render the 3D layer. I hope this helps. Cheers and good luck!


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