FEATURE
5
STE
THAT MAKE
PHOTOSHOP
LETTERING
EFFECTS EASY
BY KEN TAMASHIRO FOR SIGNCRAFT
You don’t have to master all of Photoshop’s features to create great lettering effects. I do most of my sign layouts for
printed graphics in Photoshop — it’s a very powerful tool for sign makers. One of the main reasons is that I like to
use the unique effects on the lettering that Photoshop makes possible. Very realistic bevels, inset centres, gold leaf,
blends, unusual outlines — all this and more are possible if you invest a little time in learning how to use Photoshop.
And you don’t have to learn Photoshop inside and out to start creating these
effects. As sign designers, we work primarily with lettering. We don’t usually use
Photoshop’s powerful photo editing features, because we’re not retouching an
image of a mountain. Usually we are designing great-looking primary copy for a
sign for Acme Masonry or Total Fitness.
Here are five tips that will shorten your learning curve and have you turning out
beautiful lettering effects in no time:
1. WORK IN LAYER STYLES
For lettering, this is the easiest way to go. Plus, you can save the lettering
effects you create to use on or modify future projects. Before long you will have
a terrific library of effects that you can use with just a click. Rather than work
in layers where there would be a separate layer for the outline, the shadow
and the colour fade, Layer Styles lets you do this in one style, and save it. With
practice and experimentation, you can build layer styles for all sorts of incredible
effects, like chrome, gold, engine turned, gold leaf with matte centres and
many more.
2. COLOUR CALIBRATE YOUR MONITOR
I use a ColorMunki Display to calibrate my monitor. Colour calibration ensures
that what you see on the screen will be what you get when you print. Without
calibration, you will be making a lot of test prints and a lot of adjustments to
your design. When you know that what you see will be what you get, though,
you can design with a lot more confidence.
3. WORK AND PRINT IN RGB
There’s a tendency to think that since the printer has CMYK cartridges that you
should do your designs in CMYK mode. I find working in RGB gives much more
accurate output. In my experience, working in CMYK results in prints that look
a little dirty. RGB gives you brighter, vibrant prints. I outsource my printing to a
shop that prefers RGB files, submitted in JPG format.
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ISSUE 95 MAY/JUNE 2018 | www.SignAfrica.com