If you choose to use this tutorial, credit is more than required. This layout technique was created on Corel Paint Shop Pro 10 but can be translated onto other programs very easily.
Click Here To See What You'll Be Making!
For this tutorial I will be instructing you on how to make a layout primarily using the pen tool. With this technique you will be learning my style, however, you will find that putting your own creativity and imagination is important to get a great result. Feel free to adjust anything you like, the settings below are merely suggestions and nothing more. Alright, lets get started!
#1 (Getting Started)
Start out by opening up a new image sized 800x500. Fill
it with any color you'd like; I will be using
#f4e2bc (a dark tan).
#2 (Using the Pen Tool)
Create a New Raster Layer and select the
Pen Tool 
. Match the settings to mine below:
Pick a color (my color pallet is shown below, you can use this too if you'd like) and start designing swirl/ribbon designs coming out of a corner or side. To have better control, you might want to try zooming in on the area you're putting the design. I like to create each piece on a different layer, this way if something doesn't look right I can easily remove it.
#3 (Transparent Effects)
Make sure you create a new raster layer before doing this;
Make another pen tool design over the others and set this layer to
Opacity 50%. Do this as many times as you like.
#4 (Adding Text)
Now it's time for the text - We are going to add some "Curved Text" - If you don't know how to do this, follow
this tutorial.
I will be using
Georgia 7px with the Kerning set to 200. (In Caps)
This is my result:
#5 (Details)
The base of your layout is pretty much done! Now you can be really creative and add your own details such as brushes, more pen tool lines, textures, etc- & If you need to remove a line that you think doesn't fit, remove it. Perfect things =) (I'm actually removing the blue line, just because it made the layout look a bit sloppy...)
#6 (Texture Lines)
Pick two textures/stock images you like; I will be using some from
here.
Create a new layer, select the selection tool and select a rectangle shape over your layout. Fill it with the textures/stock images. Do this once more...like this:
Finishing Off
Lastly add some text & you're finished!
I also suggest using this technique with a dark colored background as well. It creates a more "bold" effect.
I am going to use this as my final result, same layout- just a different background color (
#2c2c2c)
FINISHED PRODUCT:
Another Layout
Here is another layout made using this same technique:
