photoshop text effect tutorial: stunning 3D text

The effect is as shown below:

Step 1
First, we need to write 3D text. We can make it in Illustrator, or click on the thumbnail below to download the sample (how to make 3D effect text will not be described here):

Step 2
Place 3D text and rename it to “3D text”. Then, use the Magic Wand Tool to select the surface of the letter and cut out this part. You will see the effect below.

,Step 3
Now comes the fun part. Make two copies of this layer, one for backup (“3D Text Copy”) and another (“3D Text Blur”). Move the backup copy aside (hidden). Leave the other two layers (“3D Text” and “3D Text Blur”) handy. (Note the order of the layers in the image below)

Step 4
Next, create a new layer group, name it “Effects”, and change the blending option of this layer group to “Color Dodge.” Now, being careful not to affect the other layers, create a new layer in this group and apply the filter “Clouds” (Filter Render Clouds) to give it a nice effect, see the image below.

,Step 5
Create another group in your panel (pictured) and name it “Colors”. Remember the technique we used in step 4? We’re going to apply it again. As always, create a new layer inside this new group, add a small amount of pink, and use the Gradient Tool (radial mode) to paint a soft-edged glow. After that, set the layer’s blending mode to “Low” blend setting or “Soft Light”.

Make it this far and you may see a weird pink cloud, but don’t worry. All parts are planned.

Step 6
Repeat the previous step two or more times in different locations.

,Step 7
Now, the “secret part” is coming. Do you remember the “3D Text Blur” layer we set aside in step 3? Well, it’s been brewing long enough! Now select it and apply a Gaussian Blur with a radius of 13 pixels (Filter Blur Gaussian Blur).

Step 8
Now comes the creation part. Add a new layer above the “Clouds” layer in the “Effects” layer group. Find a grunge-style stain brush of your choice and use white to paint around the inner edges of each letter.

,Step 9
Are you still following me? We’re almost done! Add a new layer between the two layer groups (“Effects” and “Clouds”). Select the Gradient Tool (this time in Linear mode), select the white color and, holding down the Shift key, drag the gradient from the outer edge of the canvas to the middle of the image. Set the blending mode to “Saturated” and see what happens…

Step 10
Another layer ready? We will need to add a new layer to the “Effects” layer group and name it “Abstract Lights”.

,Step 11
Then Ctrl-click the “3D Text” icon in the layers panel (no translation here, then change: box note), and use a custom abstract brush to paint on the selected area, just like we did in step 8 ( Remember to use white).

Step 12
You’ve made it to the last step. Freeze all layers. Create a… final… layer on top of the “White” layer. Use a nice big custom brush like this. Draw some clouds above the text. Apply Motion Blur (Filter Blur Motion Blur) with an Angle of 11 and a Distance of 200 pixels. Change the opacity to “30%” and set up the gradient overlay using the image below:

Look! You’ve made it happen. A quick, easy way to beautify any 3D text, turning it into a mouth-watering creation. Hurry and introduce it to your friends~

Author: Vitality Box Translation Source: francescomugnai