In this tutorial we'll learn how to create a sleek Calender Icon in Photoshop. We'll be using Photoshop tools like the Shape Tool, Blending Options and other little tricks to create an eye catching Calender Icon. Photoshop is a great Graphic Design tool for creating little icons that need to have a realistic look.
A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years. A calendar is also a physical device (often paper). This is the most common usage of the word. In this tutorial we'll be creating a paper calender. Our Calender Icon will be complete with paper and binder folder. We hope you enjoy How to Create a Calender Icon in Photoshop!
1. Create a new document that's 550×550 pixels. Using the rounded rectangle tool, draw a shape like below. Double click on the layer to go into Blending Options and put in the setting below:
2. While holding down the CTRL key, click on the layer thumbnail (circled below) to highlight the shape. Create a new layer and using a soft edged brush, brush on some dark tones on the bottom with a dark grey color. Repeat the process for the lighter tones in a light grey.
3. Using the rectangle tool, draw a square like below for the pages, double click the layer to go into Blending Options and put in the settings below:
4. Like step 2, highlight the page shape. Create a new layer and with a soft edged draw a dark line like below for the shadow.
5. Duplicate the page layer by dragging it to the new layer icon (or right click and press duplicate layer). On the duplicated layer press ctrl+t and shorten the bottom of the page until the shadow appear.
6. Highlight the new layer (using the method in step 2 again), create a new layer and draw a shadow again like below.
7. Duplicate the second page layer & press ctrl+t on the duplicated layer. While holding down the ctrl key, move the bottom right corner slightly up so the shadow you made is seen.
8. Again highlight the duplicated layer, go into Select > Modify > Contract and contract by 6 pixels. Create a new layer and brush on some light grey tones on the contracted shape.
9. Create another new layer, get the Polygonal Lasso Tool and select the edge of the page like below. Brush on a white colour to make the corner of the paper look folded.
10. Next draw a top bar using the rectangle tool. Double click to go into Blending Options and put a gradient colour of your choice.
11. Create another new layer, using the rectangular marquee tool, draw a thin shape like below. Fill the shape in the colour white and using a soft edged eraser brush, erase the edges so it fades out.
12. Using the font Bebas Neue write out a number. Double click to go into Blending Options and put in the settings below:
13. For the binder holes draw a small circle using the Ellipse Tool (make sure to hold down the shift key to keep the shape perfect). Double click into Blending Options and put in the following settings:
14. Using the rounded rectangle tool, draw the binder ring. Double click into Blending Options and put in the following settings:
15. While holding down the ctrl key, select the 2 binder layers & right click > duplicate layers (or drag to new layer icon). Do this again, and place each one along the top of the calender.
16. Lastly create a new, using the Elliptical Marquee Tool draw a thin oval shape on the bottom of the calender and fill it black. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and put in 6.3 pixels.