Mockups are essential tools for designers. They aid in the visualization of the future product, the presentation of the outcome to the client, and the saving of time and money on error correction.
We’ll explain where you may obtain ready-made mockups and what they’re used for in this post.
What is a mockup
A mockup is a pre-made image in which you place your design. Have you ever seen similar T-shirts with different patterns or lips with varied lipstick hues on websites? Mockups are when different typefaces, logos, and backgrounds are superimposed on a single item (which can be anything: a T-shirt, a mug, a business card, lips, a book cover, or a coffee cup).
A mockup allows you to see how a design or picture will appear on an object, such as a street billboard, a phone screen, a notepad, socks, or mugs. You may use it to provide the buyer a visual and realistic representation of the future product. Consider this: is it preferable to create a logo and transmit it as a file, or to place it on a “ready” bottle or business card and illustrate how it will look in real life?
Mockups save you money and give you more flexibility. Rather than employing a photographer and retoucher, paying a model to shoot a complete collection of T-shirts, and starting over if you want to alter something, obtain one universal model of abstract T-shirt, on which you can add multiple prints, and post straight on the site.
What types of mockups are there
Some mockups may be created by novices, but for more complicated options, you must be able to operate several graphic editors at the same time. To learn how to create your own mockups, you must first grasp their varieties:
- 3D model. This is a “pure” object that was developed from the ground up. To create such a mockup, you must be familiar with 3D editors such as Blender, 3DS Max, Cinema 4D, and others. If there is no time to learn a new trade, the model might be purchased from a professional;
- Photo mockup. You may select an object, photograph it, edit it, or discover a ready-made image on stock, and then apply printing, logos, and inscriptions in Photoshop. To test out ideas on mugs, t-shirts, and business cards, for example, take one shot of each product without a print;
- Downloaded mockups. You may discover free mockups on the Internet. These are Photoshop-ready PSD files that you may use to overlay your photographs. If the ready-made mockup suits the shape, it is convenient. If your product has a distinctive design, you cannot do without 3D modeling or photographs;
- Mockups created on websites. There are several paid and free sites available where a novice who has never even opened Paint may create his own mockup. It is sufficient to select a template and upload your image to it.
Conclusion
Making a professional mockup is not an easy endeavor. Everything in this job is dependent on the specifications of a certain customer. True masters in this field are extremely precious, as they are the foundation of the whole contemporary world. However, with dedication and hard work, anyone will master this job.
