Archived copy for reference only
 

 

Graphic Design / Interactive Design / Fine & Applied Arts / Parkland College

Graphic Design Exercises
Photoshop: Chrome Type (Quest)

(Archived from 2019)

Objective

To learn how to use Photoshop's layer styles creatively. To practice Photoshop production techniques by recreating this wordmark:

Procedure

making chrome type

  1. download starter file
  2. open "quest.psd" in photoshop
  3. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
  4. new layer style "color overlay" (black) (optional, for future use)
  5. add layer style "bevel & emboss" (altitude=65, shadow mode=overlay)
  6. add contour (anti-aliased)
  7. add layer style "drop shadow" (distance=5, size=10)
  8. add layer style "satin" (mode=screen, color=white, opacity=100, distance=4, size=10, contour="sawtooth1", angle=?)
  9. add layer style "inner shadow" (mode=multiply, color=black, opacity=50%, distance=1, size=2)
  10. add layer style "inner glow" (mode=multiply, color=black, opacity=50%)
  11. add layer style "outer glow" (mode=multiply, color=black, opacity=75%)
  12. study the art by revealing and hiding each style

adding an environment reflection

  1. new layer "displace"
  2. load selection from "logo" layer (cmd+click thumbnail)
  3. fill selection with white (cmd+DELETE)
  4. select inverse (cmd+shift+I)
  5. fill inverted selection with black (cmd+DELETE)
  6. deselect (cmd+D)
  7. filter > blur > gaussian blur: radius=3 (half of inner bevel size)
  8. copy layer: select all (cmd+A), copy (cmd+C)
  9. file > new "displace.psd" (grayscale), paste (cmd+V), save, close
  10. hide "displace" layer (in "quest.psd")
  11. new layer "sky"
  12. make foreground color blue
  13. filter > render > clouds (cmd+opt+F to render contrastier clouds)
  14. filter > distort > glass (distortion=20, smoothness=5, texture="displace.psd")
  15. layer mode=multiply
  16. load selection from "logo" layer (cmd+click thumbnail)
  17. layer > add layer mask > reveal selection
  18. lower layer opacity
  19. layer > new adjustment layer > levels: increase contrast
  20. make "levels" a clipping group: opt+click border between layers

making brushed steel

  1. new layer "steel", fill white (cmd+DELETE)
  2. filter > noise > add noise (amount=400%, uniform, monochromatic)
  3. filter > blur > motion blur (angle=0, distance=50)
  4. stretch the art: cmd+T, opt+drag side handle
  5. image > adjust > hue/saturation (hue=blue, saturation=low)

grading

  1. add your name to the bottom of the file
  2. file > save for web: preset=JPEG high, image size=800px wide
  3. publish JPEG as a link from your projects page
  4. submit a b&w laser proof with your name on it for grading
  5. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review

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Last updated: 5/7/21