PS I Love You: Create Your Own Post Layout Templates

(Blog Photo Layouts Part 9: #1)

Have you noticed that more and more style blogs are moving towards a super-blog format called the blogazine? Blogazines usually have editors, multiple contributors, regular features, and distinctive photo layouts with creative use of color and text, all of which makes me think of good ol’ print magazines — which I LOVE! Another great thing about blogazines is the frequency and variety of posts on a daily basis… A busy blogazine offers all-day inspiration. Woo-hoo!

Now, even if most of us don’t run blogazines, we can still make use of a consistent look for those regularly scheduled features on our blogs. You may have already noticed that Design for Mankind has a special layout for bookmarks posts, and that Cassie of The Veda House has a specific layout for her regular contributions on Emma Dime. Most blogs have a featured post that could benefit from a signature look. One thing, though. Even if a layout looks simple, it can still be a hassle to recreate each time. One solution is to create a template for your feature post. I’m going to show you an example of how to make your own simple photo layout as a template using basic Photoshop tools: the shape tool and the clipping mask!

You can also check out my catalog of free/extra layouts here. I’ve made new designs to accompany this post and if you’re a member, you can download the layoutshere. If the ones I’ve made don’t float your boat, you can make your own — it’s fun! And who knows, one day when your blog grows into a blogazine, your post layout templates will come in handy. :D

Step 1: Create a shape

1. Create a new document
2. Choose the shape tool from the toolbar
3. For this example, choose Rectangle (or any shape you like, for that matter!)
4. Drag it across your document

Step 2: Turn the frame into a clipping mask

1. Create a new layer and select it
2. Click on Layer Palette Options (see diagram)
3. Click ‘Create Clipping Mask’
4. Anything you insert between will be contained within the shape you made.

Step 3: Rotate some photos for variety

1. Create another shape + clipping masks (repeat Steps 1 and 2)
2. Make sure the new shape is selected in the Layers Palette
3. Click on Edit >> Free Transform
4. Rotate any way you like.

Step 4: Add more shapes

1. Add more shapes in different sizes.
2. Save your template as a PSD file and that’s it! ♥