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This tip shows how to get a pseudo-metal effect. This technique works
best with rounded shapes that are fairly thick - this isn't a trick
for small text.
First, we'll start with a simple shape. I made this loop shape for a
"Links" graphic (no longer in use), so we'll use that as an example:
 Copy your shape onto the clipboard, so you have a spare copy around where it's convenient to grab it. Combine all objects with the base image, and apply a Gaussian Blur effect at high strength:  Now switch to the alpha channel (the alpha button in the lower right corner does it) and paste your shape. If your shape is black like mine, you'll need to invert it. Before you combine this object with the base, though, you'll need to offset it a bit - down and to the right. To help with this, click the "Ruby Mask" button (the little ruby icon in the lower right corner of the window). This will show your image, but it will be tinted red in areas you have masked out. You're still editing the alpha channel, so you can still drag your mask object around. Find a good spot, where you have light and dark on opposite edges of your shape:  Copy this image onto the clipboard. Make a new picture, then paste this object onto it. (Don't use "Paste as New Image", since that won't leave the object floating.) Now paste another copy, and fill it with some texture:  The choice of texture will have a big impact on your results. In this case I used "mirrored ceilings" from KPT 3's Texture Explorer, but other textures will have different effects. You will have to experiment, but fortunately it will be easy to change the texture later. For now, you just need something colorful so you can adjust the tone balance.
Select your other shape, the one that's still grey blurred mush. Bring
it to the top, so it shows over the textured version, and set its merge
mode to "Difference". Invert the object (or not, if you don't want to).
Select "Tone Balance" (Ctrl+Q) and drag the markers around. See how
moving them affects the "chrominess" of the effect. When you're happy
with the results, click OK.
 You still have your texture as a separate object, so at this point you can play around with your texture and try different ones. Your "highlights" on the shape will always be the inverse of the main texture color, so you'll want to choose something that looks good against its inverted color. Experiment! See what you come up with! |
