Firstly, let’s examine the cell phone that we will be constructing in this tutorial, inspired by a Nokia product.
In order to create a convincing digital product, maintaining consistency with light sources is crucial. Thus, prior to any drawing, it is essential to establish the light source’s position, as it will influence the detailing, coloring, and shading of your work.For this tutorial, we will position the light source in the top right corner of the canvas.This placement results in shadows forming on the bottom left of the object. Additionally, with the light source on the right, the object will appear darker on its left side.
Let’s commence the drawing process. Begin by creating a new document in Photoshop (Ctrl/Cmd + N) with a Width of 500px and a Height of 1000px.Initiate by sketching the primary shape of the cell phone.Typically, it is simpler to start with a predefined shape like a rectangle, ellipse, or star, and then refine it using the Pen Tool (P). In this instance, the fundamental shape is a rounded rectangle. Utilize the Rounded Rectangle Tool (U) to draw a rounded rectangle with a Radius of 10px and a Color of gray (#acacac).
Using the Pen Tool (P), add four extra anchor points by clicking on the shape’s path at the center of each side.
Adjust the top corner anchor points by pulling them down to form a hump at the center top of the shape.
Press Ctrl/Cmd + T to activate the Free Transform command for the selected points.Press and hold Alt while moving them inward.
Apply the same technique to the lower part of the base shape.
Important: This technique will be used frequently throughout this tutorial, so it is best to become proficient with it now.Once the base shape is created, we must apply layer styles to it to achieve a lifelike appearance. We will add an Inner Shadow, an Inner Glow, and a Gradient Overlay to give the shape a 3D effect.Double-click the layer in the Layers Panel to apply layer styles, which will open the Layer Styles dialog window.
Utilize the Rounded Rectangle Tool (U) and the Free Transform command to draw the inner shape. Follow the same technique used for the base shape. Ensure that the fill of this shape is removed by right-clicking within its path on the canvas, selecting Blending Options from the contextual menu, and then under Advanced Blending, lowering the Fill Opacity to 0%.
The inner area will appear as if it is pressed into the base shape.Accomplish this by adding a Bevel and Emboss layer style and a Gradient Overlay to the layer.
Duplicate the shape we just created by selecting it in the Layers Panel and pressing Ctrl/Cmd + J. Scale it down to 95% of its original size using Edit > Transform Path > Scale, or manually with Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmd + T) for a more precise adjustment.
Apply an Outer Glow and a Gradient Overlay to the duplicated inner shape (you are familiar with this process by now).Ensure that the layer styles’ options align with the direction of our light source.
Duplicate the shape layer (Ctrl/Cmd + J) we just created. Use the Pen Tool (P), switch to Paths mode, and employ the Intersect path areas option in the Options Bar (this prevents the need for precise accuracy along the inner shape’s edges).With the Pen Tool, draw a path that represents the right button on the most recently duplicated layer.
Apply an Outer Glow, a Bevel and Emboss, and a Gradient Overlay to the button shape.
Transform the duplicated button using Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmd + T) by right-clicking inside the transform control box and choosing Scale from the menu. Reduce the size of the duplicated button to 95%.
Apply an Outer Glow layer style and a Bevel and Emboss layer style to the scaled-down button.
Refer back to the first inner layer we created and duplicate it.Utilize the Pen Tool (P) to draw an arched path, and ensure that the Intersect path areas option for the Pen Tool is selected.
Apply an Outer Glow layer style and a Bevel and Emboss layer style to the second inner area.
duplicate the previous shape and scale its size down to 99%. Set its fill color to black (#000000) and lower its Fill Opacity to 40% to make it appear darker than the background while still allowing the gradient overlay of the shape below to be visible.
Apply a Bevel and Emboss and an Outer Glow to the duplicated shape.
Next, we will create an area at the bottom of the second inner shape for the main mobile phone buttons. First, duplicate the shape from the previous step.Use the Rectangle Tool (U) to create a rectangular path at the bottom (remember to select the Intersect path areas option).Set the color of this path to black and ensure it has 100% Opacity and 100% Fill.
Apply a Bevel and Emboss layer style to this shape.
Use the Rectangle Tool to draw the shape of the screen. It should not have a fill color.
Apply three layer styles: Bevel and Emboss, Inner Shadow, and Color Overlay to the screen shape.
