◆ Photoshop · retouch

Two-Hour Poster Mock

The campaign lead needs a poster-style landing mock in two hours that mixes a product still, a hero type lockup and an…

1height
1tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More retouch workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
CDecide — “help me choose”The campaign lead needs a poster-style landing mock in two hours that mixes a product still, a…+
The campaign lead needs a poster-style landing mock in two hours that mixes a product still, a hero type lockup and an illustrated flourish. I’m nervous about doing something the creative director will reject and wasting my time. Give me two distinct directions I can mock fast — one typographic-first, one image-first — and the exact element priorities so I don’t build the wrong thing.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Smart Objects

Smart Objects preserve an image's source content with all its original characteristics, enabling non-destructive editing.

  1. 1

    Select one or more layers in the Layers panel.

  2. 2

    Choose Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.

    NoteThis embeds the selected layers into a new Smart Object.

  3. 3

    Alternatively, right-click the selected layer(s) and choose Convert to Smart Object.

  4. 4

    To place a new file as a Smart Object, choose File > Place Embedded.

  5. 5

    Select the desired file and click Place.

  6. 6

    To edit a Smart Object, double-click its thumbnail in the Layers panel.

    NoteThis opens the Smart Object's content in a new window.

  7. 7

    Make your desired edits to the content in the new window.

  8. 8

    Choose File > Save to apply changes to the Smart Object.

    Best practiceUsing Smart Objects from the start saves edits and time by preserving original image data.

  9. 9

    Close the Smart Object window to return to your main document.

Smart Objects allow you to apply transformations, filters, and other edits non-destructively, always preserving the original image data.

Photoshop's scripting capabilities can automate the creation and placement of Smart Objects, especially for templated workflows.

Glossary

words on this page
Convert to Smart ObjectEmbeds layer content as a non-destructive object, allowing scalable transformations without losing quality.ExampleYou Convert to Smart Object before resizing a logo multiple times to avoid pixelation.
Place EmbeddedTo insert an image file directly into the current document, making it part of the file.ExampleYou insert a client's image directly into your poster design, making it part of the file.
Smart ObjectsLayers that contain raster or vector image data, preserving source content with all its original characteristics.ExampleScaling a Smart Object up and down multiple times won't degrade its image quality.
AdjustmentsNon-destructive edits applied to an image to change its color, tone, or other visual characteristics.ExampleYou can use Adjustments to brighten a dark photo or change its color balance.
AutomateTo perform a sequence of predefined tasks automatically, often using recorded actions.ExampleYou can automate the process of converting a folder of images to a different file format.

The real tasks

1 of them
I have two hours to mock a poster for the landing page review

Who does this

1 roles
Motion / Multimedia Artist

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Start by identifying the most noticeable issues that distract from the main subject, like dust or scratches. Focus on blemishes that draw attention, such as large spots or distracting background elements, especially for press photos. Less obvious flaws, like minor paint flecks, can wait or be left untouched if they add texture.

see alsoDistracting Background Element →

Over-retouching happens when skin looks unnaturally smooth or features lose their natural texture. For press images, it's best to subtly soften skin tone without erasing all texture. Maintain details like pores or fine lines to keep the personality of the subject, especially if the photo’s tactile feel matters.

see alsoSoften Skin Tone →

Use adjustment layers like 'Curves' or 'Selective Color' to correct flaws without flattening textures. Apply layer masks to target specific areas, and save your work with non-destructive techniques. This way, you can fix dust, background, or skin issues while preserving the tactile feel.

The biggest mistake is applying the same fix across all images without considering differences. For example, removing a distracting background element in one photo might not be needed in another. Tailor your retouching to each image’s unique flaws to avoid overdoing it.

see alsoDistracting Background Element →

A photographer or retoucher typically makes those choices, especially during the editing phase, to keep the image natural but polished. A photo editor might also review these decisions before final approval.

AI tools can quickly remove dust or smooth skin, saving time. However, they may also remove fine details or create an unnatural look. Always review AI edits closely and make manual adjustments to keep the image authentic.

Selective retouching targets specific flaws like dust, background distractions, or skin imperfections, often using masks or local adjustments. General cleanup might involve broader corrections, such as leveling exposure or cropping, which affect the entire image.