Digital Post-it & Pushpin
I. Creating the Post-it Note
New Document: Open Photoshop and create a new document (File > New). A square document around 1000x1000 pixels at 72 dpi is a good starting point.
Rounded Rectangle:
Select the "Rounded Rectangle Tool" from the toolbar (it might be nested under the Rectangle Tool).
In the Options bar at the top, set the "Radius" to around 30-50 pixels for a subtle curve.
Click and drag on your canvas to draw a square-like shape for your Post-it. Fill it with a typical Post-it yellow color (e.g., #FBF87B).
Inner Shadow (for depth):
With the rounded rectangle layer selected, go to Layer > Layer Style > Inner Shadow.
Adjust the settings to create a subtle illusion of depth:
Blend Mode: Multiply
Color: A slightly darker yellow or light brown.
Opacity: 10-20%
Angle: -90 degrees (or whatever gives a natural light source)
Distance: 5-10 pixels
Choke: 0%
Size: 10-20 pixels
Drop Shadow (for casting a shadow on the background):
While still in Layer Style, check "Drop Shadow."
Adjust for a soft shadow:
Blend Mode: Multiply
Color: Black or dark grey.
Opacity: 20-30%
Angle: 120 degrees (or opposite of your light source)
Distance: 10-20 pixels
Spread: 0%
Size: 20-40 pixels
Folded Corner (Optional but effective):
Create a new layer above your Post-it note layer.
Using the "Polygonal Lasso Tool," select a small triangular corner where you want the fold to be.
Fill this selection with a slightly darker shade of your Post-it yellow (e.g., #E0D96C).
Apply a very subtle "Inner Shadow" to this folded corner layer to give it more dimension.
Merge this fold layer down onto the Post-it layer (Ctrl/Cmd + E).
Texture (Optional):
You can add a subtle paper texture. Search for "paper texture" images online, place one above your Post-it layer, and set its Blend Mode to "Multiply" or "Overlay" with reduced opacity. Clip it to the Post-it layer (Alt/Option + click between the layers).
II. Creating the Push Pin
Pin Head (Circle):
Create a new layer.
Select the "Ellipse Tool."
Hold Shift and draw a perfect circle for the pinhead. Fill it with a color like red (#FF0000) or a metallic grey.
Shading for the Pin Head:
Right-click on the pinhead layer and choose "Blending Options" (or go to Layer > Layer Style).
Inner Shadow: To give it a rounded, concave look.
Blend Mode: Multiply
Color: A darker shade of your pinhead color.
Opacity: 30-50%
Angle: 90 degrees
Distance: 5-10 pixels
Choke: 0%
Size: 10-20 pixels
Bevel & Emboss: For more 3D effect.
Style: Inner Bevel
Technique: Smooth
Depth: 100-200%
Direction: Up
Size: 5-10 pixels
Soften: 0-5 pixels
Adjust "Highlight Mode" and "Shadow Mode" opacities to your liking.
Gradient Overlay (Optional, for metallic look):
Set a metallic gradient (e.g., light grey to dark grey).
Adjust angle and scale for best effect.
Pin Body (Cylinder/Needle):
Create a new layer below the pinhead layer.
Use the "Rectangular Marquee Tool" to draw a thin, short rectangle extending downwards from the center of the pinhead. Fill it with a dark grey or black color.
Drop Shadow: Apply a very subtle "Drop Shadow" to this layer to indicate it's slightly raised from the surface.
Shadow on Post-it (from the pin):
Create a new layer above the Post-it note layer but below the pinhead layer.
Using a soft, round black brush with low opacity (10-20%), paint a subtle shadow directly beneath where the pinhead would press onto the Post-it. This helps integrate the pin.
Positioning:
Select both the pinhead and pin body layers (Ctrl/Cmd + click).
Go to Edit > Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmd + T) to resize and rotate the push pin as needed, positioning it over a corner or edge of your Post-it note.
III. Final Touches
Background: Add a simple background layer, perhaps a subtle wood texture or a solid color.
Text: Add some placeholder text to your Post-it note using the "Type Tool."
Arrangement: Make sure the push pin layers are above the Post-it note layers in the layer panel.
Experiment: Play with different colors, layer styles, and opacities to achieve your desired look.
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