Step 1 - What's it look like?
This tutorial is pretty basic, but has some very important learning in it. Learning how to use the burn and dodge tool is one of the many that you'll learn in this tutorial. "Burning" in the insides as shadows, and "dodging" in the curves as shines. Also, i'll be demonstrating how to move layers or objects by using "Nudge".
Step 2 - Using Skew
Start off by creating a new document, fairly big. I used 480x425. This allows us to use big text and make it stand out more. Next step is to grab the text tool and type something in the window. Then, go up to Edit > Transform > Skew. Now this may be tricky, play around with the 4 endpoints until you get something that looks like it's flat on the ground.
Step 3 - Nudging
Start this step by duplicating your text layer. Using your cursor, go over to the Tool Palette and find the MOVE TOOL. It's the one you use to move objects around easily. Rollover the tools until text pops up to tell you that you've selected the Move tool (top right).
Now, don't move anything, just select that tool so you can Nudge. Finally, using your keyboard, hit UP then RIGHT. Make sure you do it slowly separately so you can see it move in both directions.
Step 4 - Coloring
Preferring to the image above, go back to the first text layer (bottom) and change the color to #767676. Then go to the last text layer you created (should be on top of layers) and change the color to #FFFFFF white.
Now, select all the text layers except the last and first one. Once you have them selected go to Layer > Rasterize > Type. Then while they're still all selected, use the keyboard and hit CTRL+E to merge all of those together.
Step 5 - Burning & Dodging
Now we're at the last step of giving the text the 3D effect. To do this, we'll need to burn the places where there should be shadows, and dodge the places that should be shiny like the curves. Confusing...? Yes. Refer to the image above by clicking it. Just use the burn tool to make it more darker and so you know there's a space there for shadow. Then for the dodge, use it on the curves so it shines.
Also, the exposure for both the Burn & Dodge should be at 40%. Look at the top of your Photoshop window once you have the tool selected to edit these. Also, make sure it's on HIGHLIGHTS. And use 1-3 pixel size brush.
Note: Make sure your selected layer is the middle one (all of them merged together).
Step 6 - Last Details
To finish it off, we'll use some blending options on the top, middle, and bottom layers.
For the bottom text, use the options below for Drop Shadow:
Then for the middle options, we'll place another drop shadow but a bit different. Use the options below:
Finally, for the top text layer, we'll use a Gradient Overlay and a Inner Shadow:
Then for the Gradient overlay, edit the default Black to White to 60% and the following settings (click the gradient and use the little bars as the locations.
#FFFFFF at location 17%. #000000 at location 31%. Then finally #FFFFFF at location 100%. Now go to the opacity and change it to 60% unless you already read above. Now to end things off, fool around with the angle % until it's lined up with your own text. (mine will most likely be different from yours).
Follow to the next step to DL the PSD, contact us, and read a bonus to the tutorial (How to get the crackle effect).
Step 7 - Crackle Effect
Wow, lots of text last step. How about this step? This step is simply how make the little crackle / blue effect in the text. It's not necessary but i decided to add it since it looks a little cooler. Using the same text as you did in the Gradient, go to Pattern Overlay and use the blue bubbles pattern. Then change the opacity to 34% and your finished!
Congratulations, your finished! Here's a copy of the .psd file. Enjoy!
