Background collage secrets Part 4
3D Text - Photoshop Tutorial
This week we are going to learn how to make the 3D Looking text is Photoshop. "Look Mom, no 3D program."
INGREDIENTS
by Colin Smith
PART 4
Click
to download Wallpaper
We are about to embark
on a 6-part voyage that will teach you how to create the high-tech multilayer
backgrounds that make you go "wow". This is probably the most
requested tutorial that I have been asked to write. I put it off because
there are so many steps. At the end of part 6 you will have created the
BG you see on the right. Download it and use it for your screen wallpaper
if you desire.
At the end of this tutorial you will have completed the image to the right. This will be the base of the collage. Substitute a different image if you wish. At the end of 6 weeks you will be able to adapt these techniques and produce stunning backgrounds of your own. Because of the steps involved, these tutorials are going to take on a slightly faster pace than we are used to.
This series is
the first of our new "Super Tutorials"
6-week Curriculum
1:
BG Prep Grids, Blur and scanlines
2: shapes and text
3: blended clouds
4: 3D text
5: High Tech Shapes
6: Tiny
Paragraph text
1
The best place to start, is to create the text.
Here I used Galant (www.1001freefonts.com)
and typed the letters PSC.
2
The next thing we need to do is convert the text layer to
a regular layer:
Right click/Cmd+Click on the Layer name in the layers palette and select
"Rasterize Layer."
3
Now comes the fun stuff!
On your text layer, press Ctrl/Cmd+T
You are now in free transform mode.
Right click/Cmd+Click and on the drop down menu choose "Distort."
4
Drag the corner nodes out one at a time until you get a desirable angle.
Here the type looks perspective, zooming into the distance.
5
Apply a layer style (Double click the layer name to bring it up.)
Choose Bevel and use similar settings as shown here.
Don't forget to change the gloss contour.
6
This should be your result. If not, change the bevel settings to suit.
Duplicate the 3D text layer and click the eye to hide it.
7
Now to make your text transparent: Select the type layer and open the
layer styles box.
On the top left you will see blending options. Open it by clicking on
it.
Drag the fill Opacity all the way to the left to make the type transparent.
8
There you have transparent 3D text.
Lets fade in some white:
9
Show the Duplicated type layer by clicking on the eye once again.
Now you should notice the type turn white.
Add a layer mask 
by clicking on the icon at the bottom of the layers palette.
Now select the linear gradient tool, set it foreground to background.
Set the default colors (D)
Drag the gradient across the screen until your happy with the result.
Alright! This week you learned a few new tricks, put these to use in all kinds of ways. Hopefully whole new doors have been opened to you to travel down and explore. Next week, we will be looking at high Tech shapes. Don't forget to check out my book, "New Masters Of Photoshop" and my upcoming release, "Foundation Photoshop" this new book will be released any day from Friends Of Ed and is available at Amazon.com or most bookstores Worldwide.