Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”

Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

HANDOUT 1
Neon Lettering in Photoshop

1. Begin with a dark background (I like to add a reflected gradient background of deep blues.)
2. Select a bright color choice for your text and a thin font. (I use Source Sans Variable- Extra Light)

3. Create a work path for the type layer.

4. Turn off the type layer and create a new layer.

5. Select a soft edge brush at about 30 pixels and select a bright or neon color.
6. Go to the “Paths” tab and right click on your work path.
7. Click on “Stroke Path.” Then select “Brush” and check the “Stimulate Pressure” box. Click OK.
 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

8. Deactivate the path.

9. Turn the type layer back on and double click to the right of the name.
10. Go to “Outer Glow,” choose white as the color, blending mode as overlay, opacity at 100%, and
a little bit of noise, maybe 7%.
11. Then go to “Inner Shadow,” blending mode should be multiply, color is black, opacity is around
90% and you can experiment with size, usually around 70 is fine for this project.

12. Add a gradient above your top layer. Select your top layer and choose gradient.
13. In the gradient menu, find metals and select silver. The style will be reflected, click ok.
14. The blending mode of the gradient layer should be overlay.
 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

15. Clip the gradient layer to layer 1.

16. Lastly, double click on the gradient thumbnail and change the angle, if you’d like.
 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

HANDOUT 2
Fire Lettering in Photoshop

1. Create a black background.

2. Type the words you wish to “set on fire” in a thin font. (I use Acumin Variable Concept or Source
Sans Variable – Extra Light)
3. Convert your type layer into a work path.

4. Create a new layer and turn off the text layer.

5. Go to Filter > Render > Flame ( a message will come up saying it will only render the first 3000
pixels, click ok) > Use the option “Multiple Flames in One Direction” > You can increase the
flame length to about 100 > Randomize the length > and choose medium quality. Click ok.
 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

6. Hide the work path.

7. Move the layer with the fire effect to the top of the layers.
 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

HANDOUT 3
Charcoal Lettering in Photoshop

1. Begin with a white background, black font color and a simple font. (I used Source Sans Variable –

Black.)
2. Create a work path for the type layer.
3. Hide the type layer and make a new empty one above.
4. Go to the “Paths” tab and then select a brush. Under “Dry Media” select “KYLE Ultimate
Charcoal Pencil” at about 115-125 pixels.
5. Make sure a black color is chosen.
 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

6. Go back to the “Paths” tab, right click your path and select “Stroke Path,” then select “Brush”
and make sure the “Stimulate Pressure” box is checked. Then click ok.

7. Later, if you prefer, you can invert the image.

 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

HANDOUT 4
Warped Lettering in Photoshop

1. Find or create a shape in Photoshop. (You can also use this technique when working with
pictures.) The Shape will be your background layer.
2. Type the word you want to warp.
a. You can use any text you want. Font can be influential, if possible, pick one that is
reflective of your purpose.
b. Make sure the type mostly fits inside of the shape.

3. Convert type layer to a smart object.

4. Hold cmd/ctrl + t on your keyboard to transform the type. Then select the “Freeform Warp”
option.
 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j

5. Warp until you’re satisfied with your end product.

 Create Work Path = right click on layer, select “Create Work Path”
Convert to Smart Object = right click on layer, select “Convert to Smart Object”
Clip Layers = Hold alt/opt and click on the line between the layers.
Show/Hide Work Path = ctrl/cmd + h
Duplicate Layer = ctrl/cmd + j