Download the files to go with this tutorial (select the option ‘3D Exposed Typography’ from the list)
First download the original image from Dreamstime, or use your own background. Open up ‘Cover Ground.jpg’ supplied, then copy Cover Ground and paste in onto the Dreamstime image as a separate layer. Position and create a layer mask. Using the Eraser tool, paint out the ruins and the tree so that the ground merges seamlessly with the bottom image. Edit>Transform>Warp will help to cover the bottom image.
Click the Type tool and type ‘3D’, choosing a font that will work well with the concept. We chose to use the font Sans Black as it has bold characteristics and works well in 3D. With the Type layer selected in the Layer panel, go to Type>Extrude to 3D. This extrudes the type. Try different font options and see what works best for you.
When in 3D mode you get different panels to work with. It’s a good idea to get familiar with all the navigation tools and the 3D Layer panel. Click the various navigation tools at the top and see how the scene behaves. With the main selection tool, click the 3D layer and play with the axis handles to get comfortable with them.
Go to the Properties menu to see the extrude options. In Mesh, make sure Cast and Catch Shadows are ticked. In Deform, set the Extrusion Depth to 250, Twist to 0 and Taper to 100%. In Caps, set the Bevel Width to 13% and Angle to 45°. Play with the Contour edges. It depends on the effects you like. There are so many options and variables within these panels, so experiment and see what happens.
With the layer selected, go to 3D>Split Extrusion. Open the Type folder in the 3D Layer panel to see the different letters. Click the 3D faces and see them selected on the comp. Use the Properties box to change the materials. In Diffuse, click Load Texture and add in ‘Type Base Texture 02.jpg’ supplied. Repeat on all the faces, Front, Bevel and Extrusion, then repeat on both letters.
Add a new text layer and type ‘EXPOSED’. Add an extrusion and then bevel. Select both layers using the Cmd/Ctrl key then hit Cmd/Ctrl+E. This puts both 3D and EXPOSED in the same 3D layer. Use the Selection tool and click a letter in the 3D panel. You will see a small 3D widget that enables you to move in the 3D space (X,Y,Z). Each axis is coloured with red (X), green (Y) and blue (Z). Move each letter around the scene and work out a rough composition.
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