Offline or print advertising remains one of the main promotional resources in the advertising world. Currently, its production and printing have become much more accessible thanks to widely available software and platforms specializing in printing all types of documents and formats.
Although there is an infinite variety of alternatives ranging from outdoor advertising such as billboards to information products such as catalogs and trade magazines, the most popular format continues to be the flyer.
Thanks to their versatility, lightness, mass distribution possibilities, and infinite creative potential, flyers continue to be the most in-demand option for all types of businesses and events.
Programs for creating flyers
Would you like to learn how to design one? Below, we share a super practical tutorial to help you create an attractive, professional, and effective composition. We’ll be using Adobe Photoshop, though we’ll occasionally use Illustrator to slightly modify some vector elements. Pay attention!
Configure the document and the working environment
Create a new document and set the dimensions. In this case, we’ll work with a format of 14 centimeters wide and 21.5 centimeters high. However, when defining our measurements, we must add a bleed area.
In this case, it will be 1 centimeter, so the final dimensions will be 15×22.5 cm. Finally, we must select the CMYK color mode because the destination will be offline (printing) with a resolution of 300 pixels per inch and a Coated FOGRA39 color profile (specifically for printing with a satin finish).
Don’t forget the guides!
For greater precision, it’s recommended to use rulers and guides. To activate them in Photoshop, press Control (or Command if you’re using a Mac) + R.
By dragging our guides from the vertical and horizontal rulers, we’ll mark the bleed of five millimeters. To ensure they stay in place, click on the View menu and select the “Lock Guides” option.
The main image and the background
Add the first image. In this case, we’ll use a PNG image of tacos with a transparent background. We’ll center it and then add a green background. Using the pen tool, we’ll create a curved white shape to divide the space and create a color contrast. Next, we’ll add a grunge aesthetic effect using a layer mask and a distressed brush.
It creates a simple lighting effect
Create a new layer above the background named “lighting”. Choose a soft brush and select a lighter shade of green to create a radial gradient that adds a sense of greater volume.
The text
Add text, for example, “Try our tacos” in an earth tone, choose a professional font, and adjust the size to create harmonious proportions. Place it in the upper region, below the main photograph layer.
The available offer
Add the remaining images to the bottom half, showing the different types of tacos available. Select all the images and group their layers to center them. Then, add the title of each taco in white.
Work with shadows
Use the pen tool and create a circular shape below the main image layer. Use a dark brown color. Name it “shadow” and right-click to select “rasterize layer”.
Now you can apply a blur effect by going to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and setting its value to 26.1. You can create a layer mask and use a soft brush to improve its integration and give it a more realistic effect.
The foot of the composition
A call to action can help emphasize persuasive messaging. You can include it by adding an earth-toned band at the bottom to create greater color balance. Then, add white text and center it. Include a phrase that encourages potential customers to take action, for example: “Visit our store!”
Patterns to add more dynamism
To make it look more appealing, you can use a free pattern (there are thousands online). In this case, we’ll use a Mexican-style one. Add it to the background and adjust its opacity and intensity from the Settings > Hue and Saturation menu.
Corporate identity
The business’s identity should be a top priority. Make sure it’s in vector format and place it in Adobe Photoshop above the main title, over the image.
Prices
What about the prices? Include them with a splash shape for a more creative look! You can download a vector from the internet and modify its color using Adobe Illustrator. Place each shape over each taco and finally add the price of each one in white.
