Super Cool Frilly Bits in Pixelmator

Super Cool Frilly Bits in Pixelmator

In this tutorial, I will show you how to mix vector elements with text in Pixelmator to create a really nice effect. It’s based on a tutorial I wrote last year called Super Cool Frilly Bits.

Step 1

Open Pixelmator and create a new document. I used 1440 x 900 for the size. Then select the Type Tool (T) and type the word you want. I typed “pixelmator.” The font I used is Avant Garde.

Step 2

Now let’s import some vectors, I’m using a pack from Shutterstock, and you can get it from http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-25575175-stock-vector-vector-floral-set.html. Open the vector file and Pixelmator, and then copy and paste the elements you want to use. Try to match the swirl with the shape of the letter, starting with the P.

Step 3

Keep adding elements: some swirls will go over more than one letter, but that’s fine; just make sure they start in one letter like the “A” and then the “O.”

Step 4

Once you finished adding swirls select them all (just the swirl layers) and merge them. To do this, go to Layer>Merge Layers or simply Command+E. You will have one layer for the text and another one for the frilly bits. Add another layer and fill it with the white. The result is quite good already.

Step 5

Let’s add some texture. I’m using a concrete texture from Shutterstock; you can get it from http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-16751947-stock-photo-large-concrete-wall-texture-background.html. Again we have another nice outcome, but let’s add some color.

Step 6

Add another layer and, with the Gradient Tool (G), create a new gradient using Radial for the Type and Black and a dark grey for the color. Fill the layer with the gradient like the image below. Right after that, move the layer so it will be beneath the other layers.

Step 7

To fill the text with a gradient color is very simple. Create a new layer right on top of the Text layer, and then fill this layer with a gradient using the Gradient Tool (G). I used the Rainbow pre-set, but you can create your own.

Step 8

With the rainbow layer selected, go to Layer>Create Clipping Mask or simply Command+Alt+G.

Step 9

You will have a really nice gradient text. You can do the same thing for other elements as well.

Step 10

Repeat the same thing for the swirls. After that select the Eraser Tool (E) and delete the very beginning of the swirls so they will look like they are coming from the letters.

Step 11

To create a nice shadow, let’s duplicate the swirl layer and put it behind the one with the gradient clipping mask. You will have the swirls in black—perfect for the shadow effect. Then go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur. Use 15 for the Radius. If the shadow is not strong enough, just duplicate the layer. Also make sure you are using Multiply for the Blendings.

Step 12

Duplicate the concrete texture and put it on top of the other layers. Then just change the Blending to Multiply.

Step 13

Let’s use another texture, this time an old paper one. You can find so many good textures online; this one I got from Shutterstock as well and you can get it here: http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-23987224-stock-photo-grunge-background-with-space-for-text-or-image.html.
Place it on top of the others and change the Blending to Multiply as well.

Step 14

Create a new layer and fill it with black, with the Brush Tool (B) create a big white circle, and then just duplicate it so you will have two, as in the image below. After that change the Blending to Color Dodge and you will have created a nice light effect. Move them to the top so they look like two spotlights.

Conclusion

This effect is quite simple, even without color and textures as utilized in Steps 4 and 5. Of course the colors, give a really nice touch. You can try different variations and with light backgrounds. Now it’s up to you. Just pay extra attention to the shadows and the details when blending the swirls with the fonts; that will make the difference between a good and a bad image.