How to Create a Matchbook Print Effect in Photoshop
Matchbooks and matchboxes became popular as advertising vehicles in the 1950s. This was largely in part due to Diamond Match Company salesman Henry Traute's insight that consumers would see the advertisements on them multiple times a day.
As a result, an entire subculture of beautiful, eye-catching matchbook art was created.
I'm going to show you exactly how you can achieve this classic effect using a few textures and Photoshop filters. Be sure to download your freebies by clicking the button below. Then just follow along with the video!
16 Responses
Dirk
Hello, is it still possible to get the Freebie pack? It looks like the link is broken now… Thank you!
Lanita
Maybe I am the only one that cannot see the video? I have refreshed the page and still nothing.
Suzanne at RetroSupply
Hi Ryan! The freebie is still available, just click the orange button above the video!
Jason Recker
Love this tutorial. Thanks so much Dustin and keep up the great work.
Ryan Statz
The freebie pack appears to no longer be available.
Suzanne at RetroSupply
We are so happy to hear everyone is loving this tutorial and the Matchook Print Machine!
To answer your question Angus, I personally think Lynda.com has great instructional videos and courses on general Photoshop stuff. Also, checkout Brad Woodard’s (aka Brave the Woods) Skillshare classes- they’re awesome!
Angus
This is great. I’m new to PS so struggle a bit using layer masks but I’ll get it I’m sure. Sorry this is off topic but just wondering if you can recommend any good online Photoshop courses – udemy look to have some good ones?
Tate DeLoach
Great effects tutorial. Working in offset printing in my early years, I loved being able to apply some of the “Human Error” effects with the distressed vintage look. Thanks
Cory Guccione
This takes a little knowledge of how to use Layer Masks. But not to worry. Ready the next headlines! One of my favorite parts about matchbooks is the registration errors. We’ve built the product so it will offset any black in the image. But if you don’t want the offset, no problem, you can toggle it off with one click. Control is good.
Gilbert Medina
Great stuff Dustin, one quick Photoshop tip: Select the layers you want grouped and then click on the new group icon, it automatically places the selected layers within the group folder you just created.
Josh
Dustin,
I got this kit the other day and I love it! I did some playing around with the effects before I watched this video. The kit is awesome (as always) but this video gave me some help that will make my use the kit and my artwork even better. The video was a huge help. Thanks for making all these great things for us. You are super awesome!
Cheers!
Josh
Dominacus
Thanks for the free gimmies and the tuts. And the fizzlestock plug was a solid. Can’t get enough of that type of artwork!
Dustin Lee
Thanks for the comments and feedback everyone! Linda, it does ask you to enter your information – but if you’re already subscribed it will just send you an email with the link. Jimmy, these characters are awesome! You can check out more of them at www.fizzlestock.com.
Thank you, Jessica! I’m glad you like the tutorial!
Vanessa Plaster
This was a win, win video. It was fun to watch and create to the same time. Thanks for creating it.
Linda
For some reason I can’t seem to get the tutorial stuff. It keeps asking me to subscribe which I have already done. I didn’t see a login button. Am I doing something wrong?
jimmy Knuckles
Hey Dustin – Great tutorials! Very easy to follow, understand and taught with a easy, comfortable pace – As well as providing some really interesting, inspiring work, you are also a natural teacher. Bravo!! (or as Jimmy Knuckles would rather say “Right On Brother!!!”. I can’t get enough of these cartoon character guys that all have a very distinct style to them – as if they were created by the same artist. I’ve been able to find a few on my own and through some of Retro Supply products, but I think it would be great to curate a complete vector / PNG set of these characters – they’re just so fun and awesome to work with. (I’ve also seen edits of some of these very characters used in modern / retro-looking products too).
JR
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Tutorials
Creating a Retro Wine Poster with Black Magic Halftones
How to Illustrate a Modern Plant Composition with a Nostalgic Flare in Procreate
How to Use the Perspective Grid Tool for Logo Design
Emir Ayouni (AKA Growcase and one-third of Forefathers) was one of my first design heroes. I remember this Inappropriate Factory logo he did (see above) just blew my mind.
So when we did the Responsive Branding Training with Emir Ayouni I was thrilled when he shared how he created factories, warehouses, and other building in Adobe Illustrator.
Dustin Lee
Author