Project Introduction
Your task for this challenge is to recreate a movie poster from scratch using your own photography, typography, and Photoshop compositing skills. You’ll be expected to match the layout, lighting, fonts, composition, and visual tone of the original as closely as humanly possible — without ever using the original assets. This project is a serious creative test, and you’ll have three weeks to complete it. The end result should look professional, clean, and nearly indistinguishable from the source — but built entirely by you.
⚠️ Important: You must choose a movie poster that is K–12 appropriate. Nothing graphic, offensive, or adult-themed. If you’re unsure, check with me first — poster selections are subject to instructor approval.
Creative Focus
This project is a full-spectrum challenge designed to push your Photoshop and photography skills to the next level. You’ll need to think critically about how every part of the original poster was constructed — from the lighting of the photo to the exact placement and styling of the typography. This isn’t just about copying; it’s about recreating a complex design using your own tools and creativity. You’ll be analyzing and solving visual problems, making choices about lighting setups in the studio, directing your own shoot, and replicating layout, branding, and compositing effects with precision. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your ability to blend layers seamlessly, match tone and mood, and find clever substitutes for props or textures — all while working within the limits of what you can photograph, build, or create from scratch. The final result should feel like it belongs in a theater lobby — not as a tribute, but as your own professional-grade recreation.
Project Requirements
Your final submission must be published as a Portfolio Post on your WordPress site and include the following:
Poster Design:
- Recreate a movie poster of your choice (subject to approval)
- Use your own photography (studio lighting recommended)
- Rebuild all typography from scratch — do not copy/paste text or logos
- Use only royalty-free or self-created textures, elements, and resources
- Create two final versions:
- Web Optimized: 72dpi, resized for screen (for display on your site)
- Print Optimized: 24×36 inches at 300dpi, PDF format
- Host this version in Google Drive and include a download link on your Portfolio Post
Documentation & Portfolio Post:
- Use appropriate Tags, Featured Image, and Categories
- Include a 150–250 word write-up describing your process
- Include at least 5 step-by-step images showing your progress (layers, edits, setup, etc.)
- Embed your final web version on the post (JPG/PNG)
- Provide a link to your print version via Google Drive (make sure link-sharing is ON)
Project Grading Rubric
Here is how your project will be graded.
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio Post Complete | Clear intro, embedded poster, step-by-step images, download link | 15 pts |
| Studio Photography Execution | Good lighting, subject setup, well-composed original photo | 25 pts |
| Typography Recreation | Fonts and layout are closely matched and built from scratch | 20 pts |
| Photoshop Compositing Skills | Blending, masking, layer work, and visual tone match the original | 20 pts |
| Documentation & Process | Steps clearly shown with progress images and explanation | 10 pts |
| File Prep & Exporting | Both web and print versions prepared correctly | 10 pts |
| Total | 100 pts |
OCP & Standard Alignments
01.02 – Demonstrate knowledge of project-based workflow (Students must plan, execute, and complete a complex visual design using multiple tools and stages)
01.05 – Demonstrate use of file formats and output settings appropriate for web and print (Students prepare both 72dpi and 300dpi versions of their poster)
02.03 – Use principles of layout and design in the development of a creative project (Poster layout, text alignment, and composition must closely follow the original)
03.01 – Use photographic equipment and lighting techniques to capture digital images (Students are required to stage and shoot their own photographs for use in the design)
03.05 – Apply photo manipulation techniques using industry-standard software (Photoshop is used to blend, composite, and recreate complex visual effects)
04.02 – Prepare digital media projects for peer, client, or instructor review (Students document their process and present their print-ready files professionally)
Digital Media & Multimedia Design 