How I Start
To kick off each project, I create a mood board for inspiration. For this particular one featuring Lionel Messi, I aim to capture his artistic essence and incorporate Parisian elements due to his recent transfer to PSG. I'm drawn to the colour palette and artistic themes from the opera, which ties into Messi's artistry on the field. I'll also revisit the use of repetition as seen in my previous graphic.
Composition
While piecing the graphic together, I experiment in Photoshop after initial sketches and notes. I settled on this composition, incorporating the golden ratio as my guide. Image retouching is pivotal, using my personalised techniques. I also introduced 3D text I created and utilized PSG's kit font for coherence.
The Next Steps
After finalising my composition, I experimented with various backgrounds. Initially, I considered Paris' city and PSG colors, but they didn't match the desired vibe. Then, inspired by the Palais Garnier Opera, I found it fitting, providing a subtle Parisian touch with neutral colours, making the 3D text pop. I explored different iterations, including one with Palais Garnier in a PSG logo shape, but the brush stroke background fit best with the artistic concept.
Spicing it up
Although visually pleasing, the graphic lacked depth. To address this, I introduced an art museum-style frame, emphasizing Messi as the centerpiece of the artwork. While the background hinted at a touch of Paris, I felt the need to intensify it by including the Eiffel Tower. Placing it behind Messi, emerging from the frame, not only added balance but also amplified the Parisian aspect.
Finito!
When satisfied with the design, I typically incorporate minor elements and effects to enhance it. In this case, I introduced a canvas texture for a subtle painting-like feel. The final crucial step involves color correction, which significantly enhances the graphic's vibrancy and impact.
Thank you for taking a look at my creative process, I really hope this has been an educational read and if you're a designer I hope this has inspired you to create something!
*All images used for the graphic are owned by their rightful owners*