Objective

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

Discussion

Raster type effects are resoluton dependent. This means planning ahead and anticipating the largest application of the artwork before production. In this exercise, we will be working in 72 PPI in anticipation of publishing only on the web. If this art were to be used for print, we would have to start with 300 PPI instead.

Procedure

prepping for the exercise

1. launch Photoshop
2. file > new: 640x480, 72 ppi, RGB, bg=white
3. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
4. choose default colors (d)
5. type tool: type "EVIL DEAD"; spec Impact; scale (cmd+T)
6. duplicate layer (for safe keeping), hide duplicated layer
7. rasterize original type layer (RMB)
8. merge down (cmd+E)
9. marquee tool: draw rectangle for rules, fill with black

distressing the type

1. filter > sketch > stamp: light/dark=18, smoothness=2
2. filter > sketch > torn edges: image balance=50, smoothness=14, contrast=13
3. filter > brush strokes > sprayed strokes: length=12, radius=4, dir=horizontal
4. new layer "grain", fill with black (opt+DELETE)
5. filter > texture > grain: horizontal, intensity=100, contrast=100
6. duplicate layer, layer mode=screen
7. zoom out
8. edit > transform > distort: make lines diagonal
9. repeat with "grain" layer but angle lines differently
10. merge both "grain" layers (cmd+E)
11. layer mode=screen
12. edit > free transform (cmd+T): distort and enlarge grain
13. view > actual pixels (cmd+opt=0)
14. image > adjust > levels (cmd+L)

finishing the art

1. new layer "final"
2. window > channels: cmd+click on thumbnail
3. return to layers, hide other layers
4. select > inverse (cmd+shift+I)
5. choose a color, fill selection (opt+DELETE)

grading

1. add your name to the bottom of the file
2. file > save for web: preset=GIF 32 no dither, image size=800px wide
3. publish GIF 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