Why PSD Mockups Are a Game-Changer for Branding Projects

The world of branding is all about visuals. Compelling designs’ power to lift brands from fading into obscurity into one that packs a punch has stood the test of time.

The PSD mockup, the layered Photoshop file enabling designers to preview and refine their ideas, has revolutionized the way projects are conceptualized and executed. Today we are going to get into these design gambits, how they work, and how to get the most out of them.

The Advent of PSD Files and How They Changed the Game

After Fauvre Matisse first commercially offered programs featuring layers, it was Adobe Photoshop that popularized the technology in its version 3.0, which it released in 1994. Previously graphic design had relied on static flat images and physical prototypes. All mockups had to be edited manually or using rigid, rudimentary tools. The ability to work with multiple layers of content in PSDs (Photoshop Documents) forever transformed the industry, allowing designers to manipulate elements independently without affecting other details of a shot, such as:

• layouts;
• colors;
• textures.

This landmark substantially accelerated workflow, allowed for faster iterations, and enabled more precise work to be done. Then in 2005, Photoshop launched Smart Objects, which further allowed: 

• resizing;
• rotation;
• filtering of objects.

Designers were now liberated beyond mere pixel-based manipulation. Companies could use photorealistic visualizations of logos, packaging, and websites, allowing clients to truly envision the product before having to launch production. PSD files emerged as the cornerstone of what would become the decision process of the present day. This was not previously possible when all editors had at their disposal were simple JPEG and PNG files.

Examples of Branding Elements Enhanced by PSD Mockups

Branding elements could be toyed with to test how they’d appear in real-world applications, giving businesses a clear vision of their brand assets in context. Here are some key branding elements PSD mockups enhance.

• Logos and brand designs on merchandise: whether it’s a t-shirt hat, or mug, designers can use PSD mockups to visualize how a logo will appear. This helps designers make adjustments to ensure the brand logo maintains its integrity and visual appeal in different formats. This also helps show whether the logo is scalable and recognizable in different sizes.
• Packaging designs: a crucial element as it often serves as products’ first impression. PSD mockups offer a powerful way to test this first glimpse. These range from product boxes to bottle labels to bag designs. Being able to see first the way, say, a shampoo bottle will look, including under varying lighting or on a store shelf is a significant advantage. The same applies to decals and wall art for instance.
• Digital marketing assets: the way people react to email templates, online ads, social media posts, and banners on different digital platforms will affect the conversion rate significantly. They have to be made consistent with the brand’s identity as well. Smart objects provide a way to make lots of tests and quick adjustments.
• Stationary and office materials: business cards, envelopes, and letterheads should combine for a cohesive, professional representation of a brand’s identity, with all other office materials featuring the same style
• Website and app interfaces: presenting the end result of software or app development along with the app screens and dashboard layouts. This will show the client whether it will be user-friendly, visually appealing, and consistent with the brand’s identity.
• Event and trade show materials: for events providing companies marketing opportunities, companies get to create a suite of event collateral like banners, booth displays, flyers, and posters. Mockups show how well these elements are aligned and the brand’s message is being communicated as well as how these look in a selected environment.
• Job seeking: Psychology Today noted that PSD mockups have long since been used to improve job seekers' resumes too.

Success Stories with PSD Files

This has substantially facilitated apparel shops’ and advertisers’ ability to personalize their products to suit the whims and deepest desires of their customers. Now, when companies discover the need to reinvent their image, they have all the tools they need at their disposal to see how the market is reacting to the change. Let’s take a look at some recent examples.

2019: Slack reinvents its image

The popular teams messaging platform endeavored to change its visual presentation to better reflect its evolving role in the workplace and enhance its position in the crowded enterprise software market. It changed its logo, typography, colors, and graphic styles to gain a broader appeal. 

It was a massive undertaking managed by Pentagram, which did away with the previous hashtag they used and opted for a speech bubble conveying the idea of communication and collaboration while the color palette was simplified. Now Slack has proclaimed itself the go-to medium for brainstorming and presenting design iterations for team and client approval.

Logan Paul’s Rises and Falls

Originally building his initial following on Vine, Paul achieved true prominence when he transitioned to YouTube, where he made use of graphic design and digital tools to enhance the appeal he was known for in his over-the-top videos. By the mid-2010s, Paul and other YouTubers as well started to use attention-grabbing thumbnails featuring bold text, action shots, and exaggerated facial expressions. Paul had to rely on editing the layers in these thumbnails to optimize the engagement of his audience.

This became doubly handy when he ventured into merchandising through his brand Maverick Apparel. He’d already relied on these bold recognizable styles. His team made iterative adjustments based on Logan, his team, and the online community. He conducted a lot of merch drops every now and then which he promoted in social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and his site, which relied on top-notch, professional graphic design.

At one point, Paul was embroiled in controversy after he showed the image of a suicide victim in Aokigahara Forest. He faced significant backlash, and in order to make a comeback he decided to tone down the provocative tone of his content and reflect this new online persona, along with his thumbnails, marketing materials, and videos.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of PSDs

Getting the full benefit out of PSDs requires some learning and maximizing strategic tools. Here are some pointers to do just that.

Organize layers and folders

Designs grow cluttered and difficult to navigate the more elements that are added, such as text, images, and UI components. Using clearly labeled groups or folders helps navigate them.

Master smart objects

This is a must in order to make non-destructive edits.

Use layer styles and effects sparingly

Often, less is more when it comes to crowding the field of view. Highlight key elements, but try to stay subtle. Use gradients and subtle texture overlays.

Take advantage of adjustment layers

These help make global changes to your design, adjusting things like color balance, brightness, and contrast across the design. 

Save multiple versions and backups

You’ll sometimes need to revert back to earlier stages as there will be certain edits you’ll regret, and you don’t want data loss. Use clear timestamps or version numbers.

Use Actions for repetitive tasks. 

This will help save time and effort especially when working with multiple mockups or design elements.

Keep your PSD files optimized

Large PSD files can quickly become sluggish the more you add lots of layers, smart objects, and images. Delete unnecessary layers, merge similar layers, and use the Save As feature to compress your PSD file without sacrificing too much quality. 

Optimize for web and print outputs

Flatten and save your PSD files in a web-friendly format like PNG or JPEG. For print, make your colors CMYK.