Text Technique

[Adam]

Hello:

I am a rookie when it comes to graphic art. My question has to do with text. I was wanting to know how you get an image to show through a font? For example, I have seen a graphic where the text "USA" is seen....but showing through the font....through the text of "USA" a flag can be seen.I was just wondering the technique to accomplish this graphic? Thanks in advance for the help.

[PrintDriver]

Do you have Illustrator?

Type your word.
Go to Type>create outlines. Doesn't matter if your text is filled with a color.
Place your text in front of your picture.
Select the text and the picture
Go to Object>Mask >Make.

If you are using Quark or InD write back.
If you are using Photoshop pre-v5 yer screwed.

Specialization is for insects...

R.H.

[PrintDriver]

Oh and welcome to the forum!
Hang around and check it out.
All questions answered. No flames for noobs.
I look all mean and ornery but everything, almost, is posted with a smile.

Specialization is for insects...

R.H.

[Adam]

PrintDriver:

Thanks for the info....and thanks for the welcome. I do not have any specialized graphics program. Could you recommend a graphics program for the untrained? My ideas mainly revolve around text/fonts.

Thanks again.

[PrintDriver]

Are you a student?
There are a couple of software companies out there that offer hugely discounted software to students.
To do what I listed at the top you will need to learn only the basics of Illustrator.
I highly recommend the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, etc) I think Academicsuperstore.com has a student purchase price of under $200. It has all the pro tools you'd need.

As for something simple or free, or shareware, sorry I don't. Hang around or check back tomorrow when most of the others get in to work. They may know of something.

Specialization is for insects...

R.H.

[Adam]

PrintDriver:

No....I am not a student. I am just someone who has always enjoyed art....enjoyed drawing. Here lately, for some reason, my eye has noticed the talent of those who paint signs and produce detailed ads with font/text that are many layered and shadowed. I just find it amazing how some of these ads look. Especially, lettering that is metallic looking....having reflections of differing colors.

About a graphics program....I am really enterested in one that works well with font/text. I would like one that has 3D, light perspective, and text manipulation to it. I found a shareware program by PY Software called 2D & 3D Animator that has some nice functions, but I have not tried any of the other graphic software like Photoshop or Illustrator. I am looking at programs because I am interested in developing some of my t-shirt designs and ideas.

Any advice or info about programs is appreciated.

Thanks.

[PrintDriver]

I you're looking for 3d stuff The Adobe creative suite isn't gonna help you too much.
Do a forum search for 3d programs. I take it you are on a PC as well. No big deal but makes a difference in what someone may tell you is good.

Specialization is for insects...

R.H.

[Jenn]

I did something like this for a project. Not sure if this is how you do this, but it worked for me. I used Photoshop 7.

Type the word using a fairly wide font. Put image on the background. Click your TEXT, then set FILL to ZERO. With MAGIC BRUSH click your TEXT. Use SHIFT + CLICK to highlight all letters. Right click, choose invert. Then press delete to take off excess images.

Hope it helps. If not, I'm really sorry. (:

[Ryan8720]

Sounds like Photoshop is what you need.

Then you just use layer masks on the text. Either that or put the pic underneath the text and lower the text layer opacity.

http://edgewebdesign.org/ryan2.gif (http://www.edgewebdesign.org)

C:\DOS
C:\DOS\RUN
RUN DOS RUN

[Vikia]

I use Freehand. I make the text a path and paste the flag inside.

http://www.vikianderson.com/graphics/valogo.gif
www.vikianderson.com (http://www.vikianderson.com)
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