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How to Create the Justice League Logo With Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator

In this shield logo tutorial, we'll learn how to draw the Justice League logo using Illustrator and Photoshop. We'll also explore top shield logo designs!
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Mohammad Jeprie
• 14 min read
English
Graphic Design Logo Design Add-Ons Overlays & Textures Adobe Photoshop
Final product imageFinal product imageFinal product image
What You'll Be Creating

In this shield logo tutorial, we are going to recreate the logo of the Justice League movie. In the movie, the logo was probably made using 3D software. But that won't stop us from recreating it using Photoshop and Illustrator.

We'll learn how to make a logo in Illustrator for the logo's vector shapes, and then we'll see how to make a logo in Photoshop to enhance its appearance. 

As you'll see, this is a complete Justice League symbol tutorial. But if you don't have the time to learn how to draw the Justice League logo from scratch, we've got a solution for you. Visit the huge library of logo templates on Envato Elements. There you'll find hundreds of shield logos to choose from and customize in minutes.

This shield logo from Envato Elements is ready to download and customize.This shield logo from Envato Elements is ready to download and customize.This shield logo from Envato Elements is ready to download and customize.
This cool shield logo from Envato Elements is ready to download and customize.

Scroll down after this tutorial to find some top shield logos like this one!

What You'll Learn in This Justice League Logo Tutorial

  • How to draw a vector outline in Illustrator 
  • How to export vector paths to Photoshop
  • How to apply textures
  • How to add lighting to the background
  • How to add lights and reflections

What You'll Need

The following assets were used in this Justice League symbol tutorial:

1. How to Draw a Vector Outline in Illustrator

Step 1

First, we will draw the logo in vector software, Adobe Illustrator. You can draw it directly in Photoshop, if you want to. But personally I prefer Illustrator since it has better control for vector editing. In Illustrator, make a New Document (File > New). Any size is acceptable.

Create a new documentCreate a new documentCreate a new document

Step 2

Activate the Rectangle Tool and then click once on the empty canvas. A dialog box will pop up asking for the dimensions of the rectangle we want to make. Set it to 13 cm x 12 cm. Click the OK button to make the rectangle at exactly that size.

Draw a rectangleDraw a rectangleDraw a rectangle

Step 3

Make sure you have activated the Smart Guides (View > Smart Guides). Select the rectangle shape. Using Pen Tool, click on the center of its lower edge to add a new anchor point.

Add new pointAdd new pointAdd new point

Step 4

Pull the new anchor point down using the Direct Selection Tool while holding the Shift key.

Pull down the new pointPull down the new pointPull down the new point

Step 5

While the shape is selected, click Object > Path > Offset Path. Set a negative offset size until we have made the frame shape. Make sure the Preview option is selected, which will allow you to see the result in real time.

Offset pathOffset pathOffset path

Step 6

Using the Direct Selection Tool, select the two anchor points on top. Add a small amount of radius corner from the Option Bar.

Add corner radiusAdd corner radiusAdd corner radius
Add corner radius result Add corner radius result Add corner radius result

Step 7

We're done building the frame, so let's move on to building the letters. You can try searching for a font type that matches the original letter shape, but in this tutorial we'll draw them from scratch. We start with a rectangle shape as the base for the J letter.

Add a rectangleAdd a rectangleAdd a rectangle

Step 8

Duplicate the shape (Control-C, Control-V) and then Rotate it 90°. Attach it onto the lower part of the J letter. Duplicate another shape and use it for the upper part of the J letter.

Add another rectangleAdd another rectangleAdd another rectangle
Resize the pathResize the pathResize the path
Add another pathAdd another pathAdd another path

Step 9

We need to move some anchor points using the Direct Selection Tool. Check out the following pictures for references.

Move the pointMove the pointMove the point
Move the point for the letter JMove the point for the letter JMove the point for the letter J

Step 10

Once you're happy with the result, we need to combine all the shapes into a single letter J. Select the shapes and then click Unite on the Pathfinder panel.

Select all shapes and then click uniteSelect all shapes and then click uniteSelect all shapes and then click unite
J characterJ characterJ character

Step 11

Select all the anchor points and then add a Radius Corner.

Apply corner radius to all pointsApply corner radius to all pointsApply corner radius to all points

Step 12

Add bigger Radius Corners to the two anchor points at the bottom of the J letter.

Add bigger radiusAdd bigger radiusAdd bigger radius

Step 13

Using a similar approach as in the previous steps, draw the L letter. We start with a rectangle. Make sure the rectangle shape has the same thickness as the one used in the J letter.

Draw L characterDraw L characterDraw L character

Step 14

Drag its right edge upward using the Direct Selection Tool.

Draw L character with direct selection toolDraw L character with direct selection toolDraw L character with direct selection tool

Step 15

Add another rectangle.

add rectangle to letteradd rectangle to letteradd rectangle to letter

Step 16

Select both shapes and Combine them into a single L letter.

Combine the shapesCombine the shapesCombine the shapes
L character resultL character resultL character result

Step 17

If you look closely at the vector path, you'll notice that there are some unneeded anchor points, such as the two points shown below. It's a good practice to always keep your path clean and free from unused anchor points. Click both points with the Pen Tool to remove them.

Remove unneeded pointsRemove unneeded pointsRemove unneeded points
Remove more unneeded points Remove more unneeded points Remove more unneeded points
Remove the last unneeded pointsRemove the last unneeded pointsRemove the last unneeded points

Step 18

Here are some more anchor points we want to remove.

Remove unneeded points on JRemove unneeded points on JRemove unneeded points on J
Remove points on letter JRemove points on letter JRemove points on letter J
Result after removing pointsResult after removing pointsResult after removing points

Step 19

Add a star shape using the Star Tool. Place it in the middle of the letters.

Draw star shapeDraw star shapeDraw star shape
Place star shape in the middlePlace star shape in the middlePlace star shape in the middle

Step 20

Select the star and then Copy it (Control-C). Then, select both the star and a letter. From the Pathfinder panel, select Subtract.

Subtract character using star shapeSubtract character using star shapeSubtract character using star shape
Result after subtracting starResult after subtracting starResult after subtracting star

Step 21

Hit Control-F to Paste the star object that we have copied earlier in the same place. Select the star and the remaining letter and then Subtract it from the Pathfinder panel.

Subtract other side of the starSubtract other side of the starSubtract other side of the star
result after both star shapes subtractedresult after both star shapes subtractedresult after both star shapes subtracted

2. How to Export Vector Paths to Photoshop

Step 1

We are done with the vector shapes, so let's transfer them to Photoshop. Select all the shapes we have made and hit Control-C.

Copy paths from Illustrator and paste them into PhotoshopCopy paths from Illustrator and paste them into PhotoshopCopy paths from Illustrator and paste them into Photoshop

Step 2

Let's open up Photoshop. Make a New File (Control-N).

Make new canvas in PhotoshopMake new canvas in PhotoshopMake new canvas in Photoshop

Step 3

Click the Add Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel to add a Solid Color. In the next dialog box, select a dark color (#0e0f16) for the canvas background.

Set its background color to dark graySet its background color to dark graySet its background color to dark gray
Empty canvas in PhotoshopEmpty canvas in PhotoshopEmpty canvas in Photoshop

Step 4

Hit Control-V to Paste the vector path we made earlier in Illustrator. Paste it as a Shape Layer.

Paste paths into Photoshop as shape layerPaste paths into Photoshop as shape layerPaste paths into Photoshop as shape layer
Pasted shape resultPasted shape resultPasted shape result

Step 5

Double-click the layer shape thumbnail and change its color to a dark shade of gray (#414650).

Change the shape layer colorChange the shape layer colorChange the shape layer color

Step 6

Now, we want to move the letters and the frame onto separate layers. This step will ease the editing process. Select the letters' paths and then hit Control-Shift-J.

Move the character into its own layerMove the character into its own layerMove the character into its own layer
Separate the layersSeparate the layersSeparate the layers

Step 7

Change its color to a lighter shade of gray (#78757b).

Change the character colorChange the character colorChange the character color
Result after changing the colorResult after changing the colorResult after changing the color

Step 8

Repeat the process for its frame, and move it onto a separate layer. Keep in mind that now we have three shape layers: one for the JL letters, another for their frame, and another one for the pentagon shape background.

Change the frame colorChange the frame colorChange the frame color

Step 9

Make sure the letters' layer shape is selected and then double-click the layer to add some styles. We want to add Bevel & Emboss to add a bit of a 3D appearance to the letters' surface. Inner Glow and Gradient Overlay will help to add lighting to their surface. And a Drop Shadow will lift the letters off their background.

Apply Bevel Emboss into the character layer shapeApply Bevel Emboss into the character layer shapeApply Bevel Emboss into the character layer shape
Apply styles into the character layer shapeApply styles into the character layer shapeApply styles into the character layer shape
Apply Inner Glow into the character layer shapeApply Inner Glow into the character layer shapeApply Inner Glow into the character layer shape
Apply Gradient Overlay into the layer shapeApply Gradient Overlay into the layer shapeApply Gradient Overlay into the layer shape
Apply styles into the character layer shapeApply styles into the character layer shapeApply styles into the character layer shape
Apply Drop Shadow into the layer shapeApply Drop Shadow into the layer shapeApply Drop Shadow into the layer shape
Apply styles into the layer shapeApply styles into the layer shapeApply styles into the layer shape

Step 10

We also need to add styles to the frame layer. For the frame, add a large Inner Glow with a sharp white to black Gradient to add metallic lighting on the surface.

Apply bevel and emboss layer stylesApply bevel and emboss layer stylesApply bevel and emboss layer styles
Apply inner glow stylesApply inner glow stylesApply inner glow styles
Add gradient overlay to the logo elementsAdd gradient overlay to the logo elementsAdd gradient overlay to the logo elements
Gradient EditorGradient EditorGradient Editor
Add styles to the logo elementsAdd styles to the logo elementsAdd styles to the logo elements
Apply a Drop ShadowApply a Drop ShadowApply a Drop Shadow
Result after the layer styles are appliedResult after the layer styles are appliedResult after the layer styles are applied

Step 11

We also need to add styles to the logo background.

Add inner shadowAdd inner shadowAdd inner shadow
Inner shadow resultInner shadow resultInner shadow result
Add inner glowAdd inner glowAdd inner glow
Inner glow resultInner glow resultInner glow result
Add Satin Layer StyleAdd Satin Layer StyleAdd Satin Layer Style
Add Color Overlay Add Color Overlay Add Color Overlay
Result after layer stylesResult after layer stylesResult after layer styles

3. How to Apply Textures

Step 1

The logo appears three-dimensional, but still too flat. To fix this, we need to add texture. Grab the metal texture number 4. Place it above the letters shape layer. Reduce its layer Opacity to 60%, and then hit Control-Alt-G to convert the texture into a Clipping Mask.

Add metal textureAdd metal textureAdd metal texture
Apply metal textureApply metal textureApply metal texture
Set as a clipping maskSet as a clipping maskSet as a clipping mask

Step 2

Add another metal texture, this time number 8. Place it above the letters shape, and just like the previous texture, convert it into a Clipping Mask.

Add metal texture 2Add metal texture 2Add metal texture 2
Apply metal texture 2Apply metal texture 2Apply metal texture 2

Step 3

Let's add another texture, this time a marble one, to add random wavy lines across the letters. Hit D to reset the background and foreground colors to their default settings, white and black. Make a New Layer and then make a new Selection covering the letters. Click Filter > Render > Clouds.

Add marble textureAdd marble textureAdd marble texture

Step 4

Click Filter > Render > Difference Clouds.

add the difference clouds filteradd the difference clouds filteradd the difference clouds filter

Step 5

Hit Control-F a few times to apply another Difference Clouds Filter. Once you get some interesting shapes, hit Control-Alt-G to convert it into a Clipping Mask and put the texture inside the letter shapes. In the Layers panel, change its Layer Blend Mode to Overlay and reduce its Opacity.

Create more difference cloudsCreate more difference cloudsCreate more difference clouds
Apply the textureApply the textureApply the texture

Step 6

And, of course, we need to add texture to the frame. This time, use a concrete texture. Place it above the frame, reduce its Opacity, and convert it into a Clipping Mask.

Add concrete textureAdd concrete textureAdd concrete texture
apply the concrete textureapply the concrete textureapply the concrete texture

Step 7

Add another metal texture, place it above the frame with low Opacity, and then convert it into a Clipping Mask.

Add metal textureAdd metal textureAdd metal texture
apply metal texture as clipping maskapply metal texture as clipping maskapply metal texture as clipping mask

Step 8

Don't forget to add texture to the logo background.

Add concrete texture to the logoAdd concrete texture to the logoAdd concrete texture to the logo
Apply concrete texture with a clipping maskApply concrete texture with a clipping maskApply concrete texture with a clipping mask

4. How to Add Lighting to the Background

Step 1

Add a New Layer and place it above the Justice League logo. Activate the Brush Tool. Right-click to open the list of available brushes. Select a Scatter Brush. Paint white inside the logo background.

Add subtle highlight inside the logoAdd subtle highlight inside the logoAdd subtle highlight inside the logo
Paint highlights with scatter brushPaint highlights with scatter brushPaint highlights with scatter brush

Step 2

Soften the brushstroke by applying a Gaussian Blur filter from Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Use a big Radius Size until the stroke is completely blurred. In the Layers panel, reduce its Opacity and set its Layer Blend Mode to Overlay.

Blur the brush strokeBlur the brush strokeBlur the brush stroke
Apply the highlightApply the highlightApply the highlight

Step 3

Add another white brushstroke to add more lighting to the scene.

Repeat the lightingRepeat the lightingRepeat the lighting
Set the blend mode to overlaySet the blend mode to overlaySet the blend mode to overlay
Result after lighting applicationResult after lighting applicationResult after lighting application

Step 4

We still need to add stronger shadows to the letters manually. Add a New Layer and place it underneath the letters shape layer. Control-click the thumbnail of the letters layer to make a new selection based on its shape.

Make a selection of the lettersMake a selection of the lettersMake a selection of the letters

Step 5

Fill the selection with black. Then hit Control-D to remove the selection. Using the Move Tool, move the shadow a few pixels down. Keep the shadow soft by applying a Gaussian Blur filter (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) and reducing its Opacity.

Create a shadow behind the lettersCreate a shadow behind the lettersCreate a shadow behind the letters
Blur the shadowBlur the shadowBlur the shadow
Lower the shadows opacityLower the shadows opacityLower the shadows opacity

Step 6

Let's add another texture to the logo. Make a New Layer and draw a selection covering the logo. Click Filter > Render > Clouds.

Add clouds textureAdd clouds textureAdd clouds texture

Step 7

Click Filter > Render > Difference Clouds a few times until you get an interesting texture.

Add more textureAdd more textureAdd more texture

Step 8

Click Image > Adjustments > Levels or hit Control-L. In the Levels dialog box, drag the white triangle until we have nice contrast inside the selection.

add a levels adjustmentadd a levels adjustmentadd a levels adjustment

Step 9

To isolate the texture in the letters and its frame, we'll need masking. Control-click the letters thumbnail layer and then Shift-Control-click the frame thumbnail layers. Add a Mask to the shape layer and then set its Layer Blend Mode to Darker Color with 30% Opacity.

isolate the textureisolate the textureisolate the texture
Set blend mode to darker colorSet blend mode to darker colorSet blend mode to darker color

Step 10

We want to add depth to the scene. Paint white on a New Layer using a Soft Round Brush. If you want it to be softer, just apply a Gaussian Blur filter (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur). Reduce its layer Opacity and use Overlay for its Blend Mode.

Paint white onto a new layerPaint white onto a new layerPaint white onto a new layer
Set the blend mode to overlaySet the blend mode to overlaySet the blend mode to overlay

Step 11

Repeat this step to add another soft highlight to the scene.

Add more soft highlightsAdd more soft highlightsAdd more soft highlights

Step 12

Don't forget to add the dark area. In the top left corner, paint a random black spot and keep it subtle by making it transparent. Add some Gaussian Blur if needed.

Paint dark pixel on the backgroundPaint dark pixel on the backgroundPaint dark pixel on the background

Step 13

Let's add a grainy background to create a dark mood for the overall scene. To do this, add a New Layer and then Fill it with white. Click Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Make sure Monochromatic is selected. Click OK. Change the Layer Blend Mode to Multiply to preserve all the dark pixels and hide the white pixels from sight.

Add noiseAdd noiseAdd noise
Set the blend mode to multiplySet the blend mode to multiplySet the blend mode to multiply

Step 14

We want to add a blue shade to the background. From the Layers panel, add a Photo Filter and select Blue for its color. By default, the Photo Filter Adjustment Layer will affect every pixel underneath it. To confine it to the background, select its Layer Mask and paint over the logo with black.

Apply Photo Filter to the backgroundApply Photo Filter to the backgroundApply Photo Filter to the background
Paint on the photo filter maskPaint on the photo filter maskPaint on the photo filter mask

5. How to Add Lights and Reflections

Step 1

Make a New Layer. Control-click the letters' shape layer to make a new selection based on the letters shape. Click Edit > Stroke. In the dialog box, set white as its Stroke Color with a 1 px Width. Click OK to accept the result.

Add stroke Add stroke Add stroke
Apply the strokeApply the strokeApply the stroke

Step 2

Using the Eraser Tool with 0% Hardness, erase most parts of the stroke and leave some on the letters' corners.

Add light reflectionAdd light reflectionAdd light reflection

Step 3

Duplicate the stroke and then apply the Gaussian Blur filter to soften the line. Reduce its layer Opacity to keep it subtle.

Apply a blur to the lineApply a blur to the lineApply a blur to the line

Step 4

Repeat the same procedure for its frame.

Add more light to the frameAdd more light to the frameAdd more light to the frame

Step 5

Zoom in on the center of the letters, right on the empty star area. Using a Soft Round Brush, dab once on a New Layer using light yellow as its color.

Use the brush tool to apply highlightsUse the brush tool to apply highlightsUse the brush tool to apply highlights

Step 6

Hit Control-T to Transform the brushstroke.

Transform the brush strokeTransform the brush strokeTransform the brush stroke

Step 7

Hold the Control key and then drag its corner to skew the brush stroke. Hit the Enter key to accept the transformation result.

Transform the lightTransform the lightTransform the light
Result after transformationResult after transformationResult after transformation

Step 8

Repeat the previous steps, adding a quick dab of a brushstroke and then skewing it. Repeat this a few times until we have enough light reflection to fill the gap.

Repeat the light reflectionRepeat the light reflectionRepeat the light reflection
Light reflectionr esultLight reflectionr esultLight reflectionr esult

Step 9

Behind the star reflection, paint white for a fill light on the logo background.

Fill the star background with lightFill the star background with lightFill the star background with light
Result after lightingResult after lightingResult after lighting

Step 10

We can add another light reflection on the other part of the logo where the light hits it. In this scene, the imaginary light source was placed in the top right corner. One of the best places for our next reflection is in the lower left part of the logo. Just like in the previous steps, we just need to paint a soft light yellow over the area.

Draw glow on the frame edgeDraw glow on the frame edgeDraw glow on the frame edge

Step 11

Make it more realistic by painting over it again using a smaller brush with white or another light color.

Add another light reflectionAdd another light reflectionAdd another light reflection
Add more reflectionAdd more reflectionAdd more reflection
Light resultLight resultLight result

Step 12

Using the same techniques, another light reflection is added to the top right corner. Considering this is where the imaginary light source was placed, the reflection should be bigger and stronger.

Add big light reflection on top right cornerAdd big light reflection on top right cornerAdd big light reflection on top right corner

Your Justice League Logo Design Is Ready!

This is our final result. As you can see, we did a lot of manual painting and added some subtle highlights to keep the scene realistic. We also relied on textures to easily add realism to the shape.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you've learned some useful techniques from this simple tutorial. If you do follow along, please make sure to upload the result in the comments below—I'd love to see it.

Justic League Logo Photoshop and Illustrator TutorialJustic League Logo Photoshop and Illustrator TutorialJustic League Logo Photoshop and Illustrator Tutorial

5 Top Shield Logos From Envato Elements

Now that you've learned how to draw the Justice League logo from scratch, we'll explore some ready-to-use alternatives.

These awesome shield logos are available on Envato Elements. You can download as many as you wish with a subscription. Let's take a look!

1. Blue Shield Logo Design With Wing (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)

Blue Shield Logo Design with Wing (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)Blue Shield Logo Design with Wing (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)Blue Shield Logo Design with Wing (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)

Blue shield logos are a popular and multipurpose choice. This logo with a shield features a nice blue gradient and a wing. You can use it for a variety of brands, and you can edit it without losing quality.

2. Excellence Shield Logo Template (AI, EPS)

Excellence Shield Logo Template (AI, EPS)Excellence Shield Logo Template (AI, EPS)Excellence Shield Logo Template (AI, EPS)

This is an elegant logo with a shield that also features a monogram and a clean design. If you want to take the Justice League logo design to a more elevated and clean look, this is a great option.

The shield logo template is 100% scalable vector, and you can fully customize it in Illustrator now that you know how to make a logo in Illustrator.

3. Blank Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS)

Blank Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS)Blank Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS)Blank Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS)

This shield logo design works perfectly as a blank shield logo, because you can easily replace the icons and text with your own design.  The blank shield logo would be great for branding, stationery, packaging design, and more. Customize it in Illustrator!

4. Car Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)

Car Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)Car Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)Car Shield Logo Design (AI, EPS, JPG, PDF, PNG, PSD)

Looking for a modern logo with a shield for a car brand? This one can be a sleek car shield logo. The shield logo could also be a Justice League logo alternative—you can customize it with your own design!

5. Blue Shield Logo With Gradient (AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, PSD)

Blue Shield Logo with Gradient (AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, PSD)Blue Shield Logo with Gradient (AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, PSD)Blue Shield Logo with Gradient (AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, PSD)

This is another fantastic option if you're looking for blue shield logos. The design features a modern blue gradient surrounding the shield. The logo with a shield is suitable for many industries, and it's 100% vector based.

Discover More Awesome Logo Design Tutorials and Resources

You now know how to make a logo in Photoshop that's inspired by the Justice League movie. Now, you can keep practicing your skills and discover more cool logo design resources in these articles:

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Maria Villanueva. Maria is the Associate Editor of the Tuts+ Design channel.

Graphic Design Logo Design Add-Ons Overlays & Textures Adobe Photoshop
Mohammad Jeprie By