In this chapter, you will learn how to make type characters look as if they’re carved into granite, embossed into leather, stamped onto a cracker, illuminated, spray painted, scratched off a surface, cut out of paper, printed on porcelain, screened back, and written in the sky. To accomplish these feats, you’ll use a variety of Photoshop features, such as layer styles, filters, masks, and gradients. You can use these methods as a springboard for developing a personal repertoire of type treatments.
Note: This chapter requires familiarity with the basic typesetting features of Photoshop, which we cover thoroughly in our Photoshop CS4, volume 1: Visual QuickStart Guide.
• Think thematically. Choose a font—be it formal, casual, high-tech, calligraphic, historical, simple, or ornate—that relates to the background image.
• Chubby is good. Chunky letters will give you more surface area to alter or apply effects to.
• Make sure the type is legible, and not a struggle to decipher.
• For a sophisticated, cohesive look, take your color cues from the background image. You can sample a type color from the image with the Eyedropper tool.
• Improvise with Photoshop features in unconventional ways. For example, to create informal “hand” lettering, such as spray paint or chalk, instead of using the Type tool, you could draw the letters by hand with the Pencil or Brush tool (preferably with a graphics tablet and stylus).
• Be concise. To create more than a few words or a short phrase for print output, export your Photoshop image to a page layout program and typeset the text there instead.
• Keep your type treatments editable, if possible, by using flexible features, such as layer effects.
• Keep records. Take notes of your editing sequences and settings, for future reference. Save your favorite layer style settings to the Styles panel, for future use. Or record your successful editing steps in an action (see Chapter 14).
A layer style encompasses all the settings that you can apply via the Layer Style dialog (A–B, next page), including Blending Options, such as layer opacity and fill opacity, and layer effects, such as a Drop Shadow or Inner Glow. Although layer effects can be applied to any kind of layer (image layer, shape layer, Smart Object, etc.), we feature them in this chapter because they work magic on type. They’re easy to apply and edit, singly or in combination, and will transform automatically if you transform the layer they’re applied to.
• As you’ll see from many of the exercises in this chapter, our experience has been that applying layer effects in twos, threes, or more produces the best results. And don’t be afraid to use non-default settings. For example, you can lighten the shadow for a bevel by changing the mode.
One way to modify the edges of a layer effect (except for Overlay or Stroke) is by choosing a different contour in the Contour preset picker.
To choose a contour for a layer effect:
1. On the Layers panel, double-click a layer or an effect name to open the Layer Style dialog.
2. Apply one of the first six effects, and click the arrowhead next to the Contour thumbnail (or for the Bevel and Emboss effect, click the Gloss Contour arrowhead) to open the Contour preset picker.
• For the Bevel and Emboss effect, you can also click the nested Contour option on the left side of the Layer Style dialog to add an extra contour.A–D
3. Click a contour thumbnail.
4. Click away from the picker to close the menu.
• When applying multiple layer effects, we recommend using the following strategy. Change the contour in just one or two of the effects. If Bevel and Emboss is applied, change its contour first; if Inner Glow is applied, change its contour next; if neither of those effects are applied, change the contour in one of the other “Inner” effects. The contours for Drop Shadow and Outer Glow control how the “Outer” effects follow the edge of an object; change the contour for only one of the two effects.
You can conveniently store any collection of Blending Options and layer effects (Layer Style dialog settings) for future use as a layer style on the Styles panel. A saved style can be applied quickly to any layer in any document. To acquaint yourself with this panel, apply a preset style first.
To apply a style to a layer:
1. Show the Styles panel.
• From the panel menu, choose a thumbnail size or a list display mode for the panel.
2. Do either of the following:
Click a layer (not the Background) on the Layers panel, then click a style on the Styles panel.A–C
Drag a style name or thumbnail from the Styles panel over any selected or unselected layer on the Layers panel.
• Styles can also be applied via the Layer Styles dialog (click Styles at the top of the dialog).
• Normally, when you apply a style, it replaces any existing effects on the current layer. To add a style without replacing existing effects, Shift-click or Shift-drag the style. Whether you hold down Shift or not, if the new and existing effects have the same name, the new effects will replace the old.
As you save a layer style to the Styles panel, you have the option to include the layer effects and/or Blending Options settings (such as layer opacity, blending mode, and fill opacity) that are currently applied to the selected layer.
To save a style to the Styles panel:
1. Optional: To give yourself a head start, apply an existing style to type, then modify the settings or apply additional effects.
2. Do either of the following:
On the Layers panel, click a layer that contains the desired layer style settings (layer effects, layer opacity, blending mode, fill opacity, etc.), then click a blank area on the Styles panel or click the New Style button.
On the Layers panel, double-click a layer that contains the desired layer style settings. In the Layer Style dialog, click New Style.
3. In the New Style dialog, type a Name for the new style, check whether you want to Include Layer Effects and/or Include Layer Blending Options in the style, then click OK. If the Layer Style dialog is open, click OK to exit that dialog. Your new style will appear as the last listing or thumbnail on the Styles panel.
• You can load other style libraries from the bottom of the Styles panel menu or from the Styles menu in the Layer Style dialog. To create a library of style presets, see page 112. The preset styles that are supplied with Photoshop are stored in Adobe Photoshop CS4/Presets/Styles.
• To remove a style from a layer (including reverting the layer blending mode to None and the layer Opacity to 100%), right-click/Control-click the layer and choose Clear Layer Style.
Next, we’ll show you ways to use layer effects to add depth and volume to type, to make it look three-dimensional. For good-quality print results, choose a resolution for your file of 250–300 ppi.
To create beveled type:
1. Create editable type.
2. From the Add Layer Style menu on the Layers panel, choose Drop Shadow.
3. In the Layer Style dialog, Drop Shadow is selected; choose Drop Shadow settings.A Keep the dialog open.
4. Click Bevel and Emboss. Choose Style: Inner Bevel and Technique: Chisel Hard, and choose Depth, Size, and Soften settings.B
5. Click Inner Glow and choose settings (A, next page).
6. Click OK. If desired, you can also apply a gradient to the Background, as we did (B–D, next page).
Now that you know how to apply layer effects, you can explore some variations. You’ll need to adjust the settings for your document dimensions and resolution, the colors on the Background, and the font, font size, and type color. The type images in this chapter have a file resolution of 300 ppi.
Note: If you followed along with these steps, save your file and keep it open for the instructions on the following page.
As a variation on the previous task, we’ll show you how to fill the type characters with a texture by using a clipping mask, and intensify the texture by applying the Lighting Effects filter in a texture channel.
1. Save a copy of the file from the exercise on the preceding two pages, and make sure RGB Color is chosen on the Image > Mode submenu. Under the Effects bar, drag the Inner Glow listing to the Delete Layer button.
2. On the Layers panel, reset the Fill value to 100%.
3. Duplicate the Background (Ctrl-J/Cmd-J), then restack the duplicate layer above the type layer.
4. Click the Background. Choose a new Foreground color, then press Alt-Backspace/Option-Delete to fill the Background with the current Foreground color.
5. Alt-click/Option-click the line between the top two layers to create a clipping mask.A
6. Click the Background copy (topmost) layer, then choose Filter > Render > Lighting Effects.
7. In the Lighting Effects dialog, choose Style: 2 O’clock Spotlight and Texture Channel: Blue, then click OK.
8. To roughen the edges of the type, click the mask thumbnail on the type layer, then choose Filter > Distort > Glass. Adjust the sliders, set the Texture option to Frosted, then click OK.
9. Double-click the Effects bar for the type layer. For Drop Shadow, lower the Opacity to around 55% and increase the Size to 85 px. For Inner Shadow, set the Distance to 7 px and the Size to 16 px. For Outer Glow, set both the Spread and Size to 7. Also apply the Bevel and Emboss effect (A–C, next page). Click OK.
1. Open an image to serve as a background, then create editable type.A
2. To create the metal texture, open a photograph of metal and then, with the Rectangular Marquee tool, select all or most of the image.
3. Choose Edit > Define Pattern.
4. In the Pattern Name dialog, enter a descriptive name, then click OK.B
5. Click in the image that contains the type, and click the type layer. Apply the Drop Shadow, Emboss, and Pattern Overlay layer effects (settings shown below).C For the Pattern Overlay effect, choose your custom pattern from the Pattern preset picker. Click OK.
6. To create one of the grommets, click the type layer, then create a new blank layer. With the Elliptical Marquee tool, Shift-drag to create a small circle. Choose a Foreground color (we chose a deep russet), then press Alt-Backspace/Option-Delete to fill the selection with the current Foreground color. Keep the circle selected!
7. With the Move tool (V), Alt-drag/Option-drag as many copies of the selection as you need. To copy it on the same axis, also hold down Shift. Now you can deselect.
8. Alt-drag/Option-drag the Effects bar from the type layer to the “Grommets” layer.
9. For the “Grommets” layer, hide the Pattern Overlay effect by clicking its visibility icon. Double-click the Bevel and Emboss effect, change the Style to Pillow Emboss, click the Down button, then click OK.
10. Apply the Outer Glow effect to the “Grommets” layer (settings shown below).A–C
Another way to manipulate type in Photoshop is by applying filters and/or gradients. The possible variations are virtually unlimited. On this page and the next two pages are a few ideas, for inspiration.
To illuminate type with gradients and a filter:
1. Create editable type for the top word in an orange color. Copy the type layer, then hide the original (keep it for potential future edits).
2. Right-click/Control-click the layer copy and choose Convert to Smart Object, then choose Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Adjust the Radius slider to blur the type,A then click OK.
3. With the Horizontal Type tool, type the bottom word, then press Ctrl-Enter/Cmd-Return. Right-click/Control-click this new type layer and choose Rasterize Type from the context menu.
4. Choose the Gradient tool (G or Shift-G) and click the Linear Gradient button on the Options bar. From the Gradient preset picker menu, choose Color Harmonies 1, then click Append. Click the Orange, Blue gradient on the picker.B
5. Click the Lock Transparent Pixels button on the Layers panel, then Shift-drag a short distance from the top of the new word downward.
6. Optional: Click the Background, then via a Gradient Fill layer, apply a light-toned gradient.C–D
• To customize a gradient, double-click the Gradient preset picker thumbnail on the Options bar, click any gradient stop below the bar in the Gradient Editor, click the Color swatch, then click a color in the Color Picker or in the document window.
To create graffiti:
1. Open a background image that contains some texture, and create a new, blank layer.
2. Choose the Brush tool (B or Shift-B), choose a rough-edged brush tip,A click the Airbrush option on the Options bar (so the letters will look spray painted), and choose a Foreground color. Scribble some letters on the new layer.
3. To create another layer of graffiti, create a new, blank layer, choose a new Foreground color, then scribble more letters.
4. To “corrode” the letters, double-click a graffiti layer and then, in the Blend If area of the Layer Style dialog, Alt-drag/Option-drag the black or white Underlying Layer slider a long or short distance, depending on which works best for the type color and background colors.B–D Repeat for the other graffiti layer.
5. Optional: To make the paint “drip,” choose Filter > Liquify. In the dialog, choose the Forward Warp Tool (W) and choose Brush Size, Density, and Pressure settings. Drag from the end of a few characters downward—multiple times if necessary—to mimic the pull of gravity (A–B, next page).
By hiding pixels from a type layer, you can make the type look as if it’s been worn away or eroded. We’ll show you two different ways to do this: by using a layer mask and by using the Blend If sliders in the Layer Style dialog. Shop and compare.
To create corroded type:
Method 1
1. Open a photo of a surface texture, and create editable type in a contrasting color.A
2. Do either of the following:
Choose the Pencil tool and a very small brush tip.
Choose the Brush tool and a small rough-edged brush tip, such as one of the Spatter tips.
3. With the type layer selected, click the Add Layer Mask button on the Layers panel.
4. Choose an Opacity of 40–50% on the Options bar, click the layer mask thumbnail, make the Foreground color black, then draw quick scratches or scribbles in the document window.B To add variety, switch the tool and/or brush tip and apply more strokes.
• To undo the last stroke, either click an earlier state on the History panel or press X and paint over any unwanted strokes with white (brush Opacity of 100%).
1. Open a photo of a surface texture, then create editable type in a contrasting color.
2. To distress the type, you’ll force dark or light colors from the image to show through the type. Double-click the type layer to open the Layer Style dialog.
3. If the type is darker than the background, in the Blend If area, drag the black Underlying Layer slider to the right until some dark (underlying) colors start to show through the type layer,A then Alt-drag/Option-drag the right half of the black slider farther to the right.B If the type is lighter than the background, do the same thing with the white Underlying Layer slider instead.
4. Click OK.
If you can’t achieve the desired type treatment by using layer effects, filters, or masks, another option is to rasterize the type layer, then “attack” the type characters with knives (well, actually, a lasso tool)!
To create a cut paper effect:
1. Create an editable type layer, duplicate it, and right-click/Control-click the layer and choose Rasterize Type. Hide the editable type layer.
2. To select a portion of a type character, drag with the Lasso tool (L or Shift-L) or click with the Polygonal Lasso tool. A
3. Choose the Move tool (V), then drag the selection in the document window or press any arrow key.B–D
4. Repeat steps 2–3 for other characters to create a pleasing arrangement (A, next page).
In this example, we’ll “adhere” type to a photo of a porcelain bowl. These steps would also work with a photo of a vehicle, package, billboard, interior wall—you get the idea.
To create screened-back type on a bar:
1. Open a background image, then create editable type.
2. Ctrl-click/Cmd-click the type layer to create a selection from it, then hide it.
3. On the Adjustments panel, click the Levels button. Move the gray slider to the left.A Note that the type shapes have become white shapes in the adjustment layer mask.
4. Choose the Rectangular Marquee tool, then drag a narrow vertical rectangle. Create a second Levels adjustment layer, except this time move the gray slider to the right instead of to the left.B–C (Note: We renamed our adjustment layers.)
5. Optional: Apply layer effects to, or change the Opacity setting for, the topmost adjustment layer.D
6. On the Layers panel, Shift-click the two adjustment layers, then click the Link button (Link icons appear).A Now you can transform (e.g., scale, move) them as a unit.B–D
To create skywriting:
1. Open an image to be used as the background, and create a new blank layer.
2. With the Pencil tool, and with white chosen as the Foreground color, draw some letters. Right-click/Control-click the layer and choose Convert to Smart Object.
3. Optional: If you want to make the letters thinner, apply Filter > Other > Maximum.
4. Choose Filter > Blur > Motion Blur, choose a Distance setting of 20–30 pixels, then click OK.
5. Choose Filter > Stylize > Wind, click Wind and From the Right, then click OK.
6. Choose the Gradient tool (G or Shift-G). On the Options bar, click the Black, White preset on the Gradient preset picker, click the Linear Gradient button, set the Mode to Normal, set the Opacity to 100%, and uncheck Reverse.
7. Click the filter effects mask thumbnail (to the left of “Smart Filters”), then drag from the right edge of the document window halfway to two-thirds of the way across the type.A–B
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