Tutorial: How to make 3D typography with 3D max and Photoshop (Part 3)

Last time we learned the basics of 3D Studio Max and created a 3D version of our vector Logo and rendered it.

Now we are ready to complete our “masterpiece” in Photoshop.

Before we start

If you want to access the first part of this series click here.
If you want to access the second part of this series click here.
You can download a free trial of Autodesk 3D Studio Max here.
You can download a free trial of Adobe Photoshop here.

http://www.squidfingers.com/patterns/

http://www.textureking.com

OK. Let’s finish this.

Step 1

Open Photoshop and load the 3D render from the textures folder. Also Open texture 10_4939.jpg and texture DSC11023.jpg

Step 2

Create a new document 1440x900. This will be the canvas for the widescreen final wallpaper. (Widescreen monitor)

Step 3

Drag the 3D render inside the new document.
Press CTRL+T to transform. Click on the Maintain Aspect ratio icon so you wont ruin the proportions of the render and enter 45%.

Step 4

Pick up the eraser tool and fix all the edges so they don't show the file Marquee. Choose a fairly big and very soft brush. You can change your brush and its size by right clicking on the canvas while having the brush tool selected.

Step 5

Drag the DSC11023.jpg concrete to the canvas, obviously stacking it behind our 3D render.

Step 6

Create a new layer on top of your background layer. Choose the gradient tool with a gradient linear gradient from white to black, trace the fill from the bottom of the canvas upwards almost to the middle of the canvas, imagining an horizon behind the 3D logo.

Change the opacity to around 45% and change the blending mode to "Linear Light"

Step 7

Create a new Layer on top of the Gradient you just did but below the 3D logo, and make a white to black radial gradient beginning the gradient on the highlight in the 3D render.

Change the blending mode to soft light and we will have a nice fake light on our render.

Step 8

Now drag into the canvas the 10_4939.jpg file and stack in on top of everything.

Go to image>Adjustments>desaturate

Contrast it a little bit. Image>Adjustments>Brightness/Contrast

Change the blending mode to overlay and the opacity to 25-30%

Now we're cooking!

Step 9

Create a gradient Map adjustment layer on top of everything with a funky set of colours. Layer>New Adjustment layer>Gradient map
There is many room to experiment here, but I recommend you use harmonizing colors, complementary to the main pallete that you used on the rest of the scene. Change the opacity until you feel its right. My lucky number was 35%

Step 10

Now create another adjustment layer, this time with levels. Layer>New Adjustment layer>levels

Don't get to carried away here, just take your time and slide them until you feel the image pops out well These were my numbers.

Step 11

Now the final touch... the last adjustment layer with Brightness& Contrast. Layer>New Adjustment layer>Brightness/Contrast
This step is to lighten up the image a little bit and give it a pastel, kind of illustrated feel. At this point you almost forget this thing started out in 3D MAX.

And this is it. Pffwew!. I feel I've been writing for ages! I kind of tried to make this tutorial readable for both advanced and beginner users, and really hope each kind of user takes advantage of it in its own way.  Did this fuel your curiosity for 3D art?.
I'm really tired now, so I'll leave the usual goodbye tears for later. Please send me your feedback so I can improve the next tutorials. What other kind of stuff would you like to learn?