Technique 46: Pouring Liquid Metals
Using extreme curves
Applying filters
Real world metal is shiny, reflective, and lustrous. It has depth and can even look heavy. How do you create the appearance of metal when you’re dealing with a two-dimensional object like a type character on a flat screen?
The real trick to making a two-dimensional object look like metal is in the extreme contrast of lights and darks that give the impression of reflection, shine, and depth. This technique focuses on two different methods for creating metals. The first method shows you how to create what I call super chrome by using a custom gradient and curves. The second method takes you into pouring molten copper into type with the Bas Relief filter, curves, layer styles, and the Chrome filter.
| Tip |
Even though this technique uses type as the object for these liquid metal effects, you can use any kind of simple image (such as a stylized company logo or nav bar) for a Web site. |