QUICK TIP
One of the reasons that computer-generated images end up looking sterile is that the computer works
out perspectives mathematically and the eye just does not view in perfect perspectives. Next time, even if
theoretically the perspective is wrong, if it looks right visually then stick with it!11
TOWER CRANE
Place the crane in the water in front of the
buildings to create a sense of perspective and depth.
Select the crane’s layer and make a copy of it. Flip
the layer vertically (Edit>Transform>Flip Vertical) and
apply a Motion Blur (Filter>Blur>Motion Blur). Do not
be tempted to set the distance of the blur too high.
Turn down the opacity until the blurred object looks
like a reflection of the second tower crane.12
BILLBOARD
Draw a rectangle, fill it in using a dark colour and start designing your billboard. Play with the
perspective to create depth by using the Transform option (Edit>Transform>Perspective). Even though the
words on the billboard will form part of a greater sentence in the composition, try to make them relate to the
product that it is promoting.10
SITE CONTEXT
Create the cityscape behind your buildings by piecing together elements from various cities. Keep the
silhouettes dark and ethereal by turning down the opacity; they are only there for context and should not
compete with the buildings in front for the viewer’s attention.09
ENVIRONMENT
I’ve chosen to create a night-time scene for
various reasons. First, the darkness will make the
neon signs and the lighting shine more brightly and
will capture the sense of rapture of being in the city.
Second, and more importantly, night-time scenes
are more forgiving, providing a veil of darkness for
edges to disappear and fade into the background.3D AND PHOTOSHOP