This tutorial demonstrates how to convert a simple, greeting card style 2D image into a pretty damned impressive 3D magazine cover.

1. Start with the artwork for the cover of Web Design Library’s “Magazine Beginner’s Guide,” having an image size 300 pixels wide x 385 pixels height

Don’t worry! You’ll go from the image above to the image below in a few simple layers.

2. Create a new document 1024x768, fill in your background color, and insert you artwork.

3. Go to Edit - Transform – Distort. Left click and hold your mouse on the Top Right corner to distort the image. Then proceed to the Bottom Left and Bottom Right corners in the same manner.

The top cover should look like this when you are finished.

4. Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to create the left side cover. Copy layer, paste, and fill in. I used a gradient color fill.

Left side view. Made with Polygonal Lasso Tool.

Bottom view. Made with Polygonal Lasso Tool.

Fill in gradient or color on the left and bottom layers. You can add shadow and reflection.

Now the chosen image will look like this.

To make the shadow seen below the cover, create a similar shape using the Polygonal Lasso Tool. Fill in with the color black.

Add filter - gaussian blur.
Then soften. Go to Layer - Layer Style - Blending Options – Opacity.

5. To add reflection copy and paste 1/3 of the cover left and bottom images as one image. Go to menu edit - transform - flip vertical.

Add gradient white to transparent then the Layer Style - Blending Options - Opacity 20%.

Full size. You’re finished. Enjoy ;)