Creating Realism

Creating banners, link bait or any media rich content is a fun and challenging task. Adobe and other applications are making it easier and easier to add that touch of class to your files.

You are only limited by your imagination and own creativity. Adding realism, interaction and other ways of increasing your chances of a click through is all about creativity.


One of my favorite concepts in creating online materials is giving items a touch of realism.

A very simple to apply but very effective effect is simply achieved by adding slight movement in an image.

The movement can be interactive or self standing, the point is creating a touch of realism itself. It doesn't really matter how you do it, just do it.

Just by adding a simple concept like making animated water in the below picture makes it visual more interesting and also creates a sense of awe to the viewer.

There are many possible ways that can increase the sense of realism.

Break the image in to obvious sections in photo shop. Separate the clouds, trees, water, cars, or any imagery that usually has some movement and exploit. Importing in to flash and playing around the layers can instantly increase the images appeal.


Over powering an image will detract from the point. I find that subtly works better. If its slight and un apparent at first glance, then usually the viewer wont grow a distaste for it. Keeping it simple and aun obtrusive will increase its shelf life.

Your images should be more unique and original. perfect link bait material. The web should be a showcase for your own work, so challenge it....


In this case I have added a simple water effect to make the water look like its moving.



"Roll your mouse over the pool near the steps!!"

Click here for Full sized image example


If we look at the image , we notice certain discrepancies that need to be considered.

The water under the bridge for example has the same attributes applied to the overall body of water.
Along the pools edge some of the ripple effect spills over and creates the illusion that the actual concrete is rippling like water.

The rain effect act at the WRONG angle for the image.

All of these are issues that I have left in purposely to demonstrate how an image can appear wrong if small imperfections are left.


"Roll your mouse over the pool near the steps!!"

Click here for Full sized image example

As opposed to animating the clouds, I have opted for a blue sky (all be it a badly done one to save on both file size and time for the example of this presentation.