QUICK COLOURFUL TEXT

A simple but effective text effect such as the one above can be quickly done using gradient filters, such as Harry's Mystic Mountain gradient used here, layers and tubes.

If you need further instruction on the use of layers, please refer to my Introductory Layers tutorial.

Note : the graphics on this page have been compressed by 40% to save download time.  At higher resolutions the colours are very vibrant as you will see!

Open a new image.  Here I have used 500*200, with a black background.

Open a new layer and make a text entry, using a bold-style font.  Hobo 72pt was used here.  (The reason for working on a layer is to allow you to put effects BEHIND the text later.)

Step 3

Apply Harry's Mystic Mountain to the text without moving the sliders.  If you want to, brighten the image by about 10%, increase contrast by 10-20%.

Step 4

To give the text a thin black outline, with the text still selected, apply two to four cutouts with the same settings.

Fill with interior colour : unchecked
Shadow colour : background (black)
Opacity : 100%
Blur : 3
Vertical/horizontal offset : 0

Step 5

With the eyedropper, pick out a bright orange or yellow from your image.  With the text still selected, apply two drop shadows.

Colour : Foreground
Opacity : 80% the first time, 100% the second time
Blur : 3%
Vertical/horizontal Offset : 2,2

Brighten the image a little more if you like, then add some effects of your choice. In the two-minute example at the top of the page I used the puffball and fireball tubes.

Hint : open a new layer and apply your effects behind and on top of the text, which will allow you to change things easily without affecting your text.

VARIATIONS ON A THEME

Try using the various layer blend modes for some effective variations to the above image. 

Start by dragging your text layer onto the "pages" icon in the bottom left corner of your layers control panel.  This will produce a copy of the layer.  Play with the layer blend mode sliders on the copy layer.

This effect was achieved setting the copied layer's blend mode to "dissolve"

This effect was achieved setting the copied layer's blend mode to "difference"

This effect was achieved by setting the copied layer's blend mode to "difference", then applying a coat of WHITE hot wax to the original text layer.   You can get a more pronounced "neon" effect by adjusting brightness/contrast.

Back to Tutorial Index
Back to the Hood Index