Layers TV: Episode 34

RC's tutorial is straight out of Hollywood with a text design from one of this summer's blockbuster movies.

• There are many free font sites out there. Do a search and locate one with the desired font
• Load the font and use the Text tool to type out a text layer with the color of white
• Hold down Alt/Option when creating a new gradient fill layer to create a clipping mask as well
• Choose the proper gradient and use the options to adjust its direction, scale and size
• Paint on the gradient's layer mask to hide some of it and bring the white color back to the edges
• Choose the Text tool's warp command and adjust the text
• Combine the gradient and type layers into a smart object so that you can manipulate them together
• Apply a drop shadow and stroke to the text
• Add some more text to the design and hold down the Alt/Option key to drag the layer styles onto the new text layers
• Remember to uncheck global lighting in the drop shadow layer styles.
• Place the text graphic onto an image and viola, you can have your very own action hero poster

Corey takes a tour of the new Photoshop Express and goes over some of its finer points.

• PS Express is a new online application from Adobe that lets you edit your photos and share them, all for free
• Visit the Photoshop Express website and setup an account
• Upload photos to your library and then rate them, edit them, email them, etc.
• Experiment with the new crop tool, white balance options, sharpening feature, and pop color feature
• Create a photo album slideshow and customize it using the Photoshop Express options
• Be sure to check out the new PS Express learning center from Kelby Training

Contest Winner
RC and Corey have decided that the weekly contest winner from Layers TV will be announced in RC's blog post. Be sure to check the front page post for the name of this week's winner and tune in to this week's episode to find out what the contest question and prizes are.