Photoshop Tutorial: Picture Wordart

I've been getting a few requests to teach Photoshop classes. Although I know a few things, I'm not sure I'm that qualified to teach a class and I'm not sure I'd be that good at it. Not to mention the logistics of getting a bunch of people together, all with laptops and differing versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements and differing amounts of knowledge. Not that I wouldn't want to do it, because if there's one thing I love about learning new things it's being able to share that knowledge with others. I just wonder HOW it could be done in an effective and "not-too-complicated" way. So, until I figure that out... Here's a little tutorial for those of you who know your way around Photoshop a little...

I'm going to show you how I did the following technique:


I've seen words cut into photo layouts floating around the internet for awhile. They seem to be popular right now. I've seen people selling the templates with already written words and a block to just plop your photo into at the digi-stores, as well. With the right photo, you can really make a stunning layout with little to no supplies and hardly any time at all. When I saw the tutorial in one of the Digital Scrapbooking magazines I bought, I just knew I had to try it out. It is seriously too simple. Why buy a $4 template, when you can do it yourself?

So, you'll need a photo that you like and some version of Photoshop to complete this tutorial. I think it probably works better if you convert the photo to Black and White or Sepia like I did. Lots of color would probably detract from the overall look.

::1::
Open a new document in Photoshop, make it 12x12", 300dpi, white background.

::2::
Drag and drop selected photo into layout, resizing if necessary.

::3::
Select Text tool from Toolbox palette. Click to position cursor at bottom left corner of photo and type desired title. In toolbar at top of screen, adjust text size and alignment as necessary so that title fills entire width of photo. I used the Impact font at about 150 pt.


::3::
Convert text to editable shape by right-clicking text layer's name in Layers palette and choosing Rasterize Type.


::4::
Create a new layer. Check to make sure new layer is positioned just above text layer in Layers palette.


::5::
Select Rectangular Marquee tool from Toolbox palette. Click and drag to draw a rectangle that covers photo just down to top of title letters.


::6::
Use Edit>Fill>Foreground Color command to fill rectangle with solid color.




::7::
In Layers palette, right-click name of rectangle layer and choose Merge Down to combine rectangle with text.




::8::
Click and drag rectangle layer to position just below photo in Layers palette.


::9::
Right-click name of photo layer and select Create Clipping Mask to cut photo into shape of merged rectangle and title letters.


And there you have it! Wasn't that easy?!


Notice in my last screen shot how there is just a tiny bit of black showing from the rectangle layer below at the top and left sides? All you do is target your photo layer and pull the sizing handles out just a tad to cover those black parts up. Add a slight drop shadow to the entire image by right-clicking the rectangle layer, choosing Blending Options from the fly-out menu and then adjusting the drop shadow scale to where you like it. I did about 50%.

Then just add your text underneath and you're done. I used the Lainie Day font (one of my favorites) at about 72 pt.

I did this tutorial using Photoshop CS2, so there might be some differences in the way you would do it in Photoshop Elements. Things are going to at least look a little different in your program than they do in my screen shots. As far as I know, though, the steps are pretty similar. Have fun and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any problems or questions, I love to help!