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How one can create an 80s VHS cowl

March 15, 2025 10:28 pm   Graphic Designing   Poetic   Comments

Let’s roll again the years with this 80s cowl artwork! Learn to design an actual 80s VHS cowl in Adobe InDesign. This vibrant 80s cowl artwork captures the daring, nostalgic aesthetic of the period. We’ll obtain an genuine retro look that appears like one thing that got here straight out of a basic video retailer shelf. Let’s get began!

For those who’re quick on time, remember to take a look at some VHS cowl artwork concepts from Envato, the place you may discover loads of 80s VHS field fonts and 80s Photoshop results. 

What you may study on this tutorial

On this tutorial, you may study:

  • How one can arrange an InDesign file with grids and margins
  • How one can use the Gradient Software
  • How one can use the Step and Repeat Software

What you may want

For this tutorial, you may want entry to InDesign and the next fonts:

1. How one can arrange an InDesign file

Step 1

In InDesign, go to File > Create New Doc. Within the pop-up window, set the Width to 10.2 cm and the Peak to 18.7 cm. Set the Items to Centimeters and uncheck Dealing with Pages. Click on Create. 

Create a new file in InDesignCreate a new file in InDesign

Step 2

Go to Structure > Margins and Columns. Within the pop-up window, set the Margins to 0.75 cm. Click on OK.

Add margins to the VHS case documentAdd margins to the VHS case documentAdd margins to the VHS case document

Step 3

Go to Structure > Create Guides. 

Within the pop-up window, set the Rows to 8 and the Columns to 5. Set each Gutters to 0. Underneath Choices, set the choice Match Guides to: Margins. 

Add guides to the 80s VHS caseAdd guides to the 80s VHS caseAdd guides to the 80s VHS case

2. How one can design a VHS cowl artwork background

Step 1

Utilizing the Rectangle Software (M), create a rectangle that covers the entire floor space of the VHS cowl. Set the Fill Coloration to Black. 

Create a black rectangle to cover the surface of the VHS caseCreate a black rectangle to cover the surface of the VHS caseCreate a black rectangle to cover the surface of the VHS case

Step 2

Utilizing the Line Software (/), create a horizontal line on the high of the VHS cowl that bleeds out of the web page. 

Set the Stroke Coloration to White. Set the Stroke Thickness to 0.15pt and the Opacity to 38%. 

Add a stroke lineAdd a stroke lineAdd a stroke line

Step 3

Go to Edit > Step and Repeat. Within the popup window, set the Rely to 121. Underneath Offset, set Vertical to 0.15 cm and Horizontal to 0. Click on OK.

Multiply the stroke on the whole VHS caseMultiply the stroke on the whole VHS caseMultiply the stroke on the whole VHS case

Step 4

Utilizing the Rectangle Software (M), create a rectangle protecting the final three rows of the VHS cowl. 

Create a rectangle to cover the lower part of the VHS caseCreate a rectangle to cover the lower part of the VHS caseCreate a rectangle to cover the lower part of the VHS case

Step 5

Go to the Layers panel. Create a brand new Layer and lock Layer 1.

Create a new layerCreate a new layerCreate a new layer

3. How one can design an 80s VHS cowl

Step 1

Utilizing the Rectangle software (M), create a skinny rectangle that matches the peak of a single row.

Create a thin rectangleCreate a thin rectangleCreate a thin rectangle

Step 2

Utilizing the Rectangle software (M), create about 14 extra rectangles that progressively change in thickness. Choose all of the rectangles and group them by urgent Command-G.

Multiply the rectangle a increase the width progressivelyMultiply the rectangle a increase the width progressivelyMultiply the rectangle a increase the width progressively

Step 3

Choose the Gradient Swatch Software (G) from the Instruments panel. Click on and stretch the gradient swatch throughout the grouped rectangles.

Within the Properties panel, double-click the Fill swatch. Underneath Gradient, add completely different colours. In my case, I added six colours starting from yellow to blue.

Use the gradient tool across the group of rectanglesUse the gradient tool across the group of rectanglesUse the gradient tool across the group of rectangles

Step 4

Duplicate the grouped rectangles by urgent Possibility and dragging the group beneath the primary group. Duplicate the group once more to replenish the third row. 

Utilizing the Rotate Software (R), rotate the center group 180°.

Mulitply the group of rectanglesMulitply the group of rectanglesMulitply the group of rectangles

4. How one can add textual content to the VHS case

Step 1

Utilizing the Textual content Software (T), create a textual content field and add ‘120’. Underneath the Properties panel, set the Font to Neuething Sans Black, and set the Measurement to 123 pt.

Utilizing the Rotate Software (R), rotate the textual content field 90°. Place the textual content field on the higher left nook of the VHS cowl.

Create a text box to add content and rotate itCreate a text box to add content and rotate itCreate a text box to add content and rotate it

Step 2

Repeat the identical course of because the earlier step. This time add ‘SG,’ setting the Measurement to 50 pt.

Utilizing the Rotate Software (R), rotate the textual content field 90°. Place the textual content field on the higher left nook of the VHS cowl.

Create a text box and rotate the boxCreate a text box and rotate the boxCreate a text box and rotate the box

Step 3

Utilizing the Polygon Software from the Instruments panel, create a triangle. Utilizing the Rotate Software (R), rotate the triangle to have a straight edge on the backside.

Using the Polygon tool create a triangleUsing the Polygon tool create a triangleUsing the Polygon tool create a triangle

Step 4

Utilizing the Textual content Software (T), create a textual content field and add ‘6.’ Set the Font to Neuething Sans Black, and set the Measurement to 70 pt. Set the Fill Coloration to Pink.

Add a text box and color the content pinkAdd a text box and color the content pinkAdd a text box and color the content pink

Step 5

Utilizing the Textual content Software (T), create a textual content field and add ‘HRS.’ Set the Font to Neuething Sans Common, and set the Measurement to 22.7 pt. Set the Fill Coloration to White.

Add a text box to accompany the last text boxAdd a text box to accompany the last text boxAdd a text box to accompany the last text box

Step 6

Utilizing the Textual content Software (T), create a textual content field and add ‘ULTRACOLOR HIGH GRADE TAPE.’ Set the Font to Neuething Sans Daring, set the Measurement to 10.2 pt. Set the Fill Coloration to White.

Add another text box for more detailsAdd another text box for more detailsAdd another text box for more details

Step 7

Utilizing the Textual content Software (T), create a textual content field and add ‘VHS.’ Set the Font to Ultramax Imaginative and prescient Common and the Measurement to 24 pt. Set the Fill Coloration to White.

Add a text box for the content VHSAdd a text box for the content VHSAdd a text box for the content VHS

Step 8

Utilizing the Rectangle Software (M), create a rectangle to suit the textual content field created within the final step. 

Within the Properties panel, set the Stroke to 2.5 pt and choose the Thick-Thick stroke model. Set the Nook to Rounded and to 2.3 cm.

Using the rectangle tool add a border to the last text boxUsing the rectangle tool add a border to the last text boxUsing the rectangle tool add a border to the last text box

Step 9

Utilizing the Textual content Software (T), create a textual content field and add ‘VIDEOCASSETTE’ and on the second line ‘VIDEO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK.’ Set the Font to Neuething Sans Daring, and set the Measurement to 10.5 pt and 5.2 pt. Set the Fill Coloration to White.

Add a text box for more detailsAdd a text box for more detailsAdd a text box for more details

Step 10

Utilizing the Textual content Software (T), create two textual content containers, and add ‘MADE IN GERMANY’ within the first and ‘LIFETIME WARRANTY’ within the second. Set the Font to Neuething Sans Black and the Measurement to 5.5 pt. Set the Fill Coloration to White.

Add two text boxes for the lower part of the VHS coverAdd two text boxes for the lower part of the VHS coverAdd two text boxes for the lower part of the VHS cover

Step 11

Utilizing the Rectangle Software (M), create a skinny rectangle on the high of the VHS cowl. Use the Gradient Software (G) so as to add the identical gradient because the group of rectangles. 

Add a rectangle at the top of the cover and use the gradient tool to color itAdd a rectangle at the top of the cover and use the gradient tool to color itAdd a rectangle at the top of the cover and use the gradient tool to color it

Rewind and design!

By following this tutorial, you realized about key instruments and find out how to correctly arrange an InDesign file. Now you may have the talents to design an genuine 80s VHS cowl that captures that daring, minimalist, and nostalgic really feel of the period. Hold experimenting and perfecting your retro designs! 

Want extra 80s inspiration? Take a look at some 80s graphic design fonts and extra 80s inspiration traits.

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