Photoshop Type Effects Visual Encyclopedia [Paperback]

The ultimate rich resource for amazing type design with Photoshop. Nothing can ruin a stunning piece of art quicker than finishing it off with poorly executed type effects. The Photoshop Type Effects Encyclopedia is a non-linear tutorial and a visual reference walking users step-by-step through complete details for designing professional level type effects. The book is organized into two general parts: a contextualizing introduction; and the actual encyclopedia, with rich illustrations of what each effect looks like, how to create the effect (including screenshots and other illustrations showing the step-by-step progress of each effect), and how to do your own variations of the effect. Each page is easy to read and follow, yet is packed with information.

Years ago, there was a tiny wonder of a book called Photoshop Type Magic, soon followed by its sequel, Photoshop Type Magic 2. And despite their popularity, they remained alone in this category; there just weren't a lot of books available on using Photoshop to create type effects (despite the fact that you see Photoshop-created type effects everywhere). When New Riders had the opportunity to bring back Photoshop Type Magic, we had the fortune to run into Roger Pring and Alastair Campbell, who had an even better idea: Double the number of effects shown in the original Magic books, preface these tutorials with a contextualizing section on designing with display fonts (and generally being creative with type), and end the book with an extensive catalog of the most popular filters available to Photoshop users. Wrap it up in this funky trim-size (big and nearly square), full color treatment, smartly designed layout of all the lessons, and of course all of the files you'd need to duplicate these type effects are on the CD that's bundled with the book.

I said "You can do all that?"

They said, "Of course. That's what we do."

I blushed.

They added "We're thinking a complete listing of Photoshop default actions would be good to include. Third-party actions, as well. And a list of all Photoshop Shortcuts."

How can you not do a book with these guys?

So here it is: 14 Reflective Effects; 12 Solid Effects; 4 Atmospheric Effects; 7 Lighting Effects; 13 Typographic Effects; 18 Simulation Effects; 4 Mood Effects; all of which you can use as-is, or merely as starting points for modifying and creating your own unique type effects.

Photoshop users, there is no other book like this. Check it out. Thanks for listening. Steve Weiss, executive editor, steve.weiss@newriders.com.

The ultimate rich resource for amazing type design with Photoshop. Nothing can ruin a stunning piece of art quicker than finishing it off with poorly executed type effects. The Photoshop Type Effects Encyclopedia is a non-linear tutorial and a visual reference walking users step-by-step through complete details for designing professional level type effects. The book is organized into two general parts: a contextualizing introduction; and the actual encyclopedia, with rich illustrations of what each effect looks like, how to create the effect (including screenshots and other illustrations showing the step-by-step progress of each effect), and how to do your own variations of the effect. Each page is easy to read and follow, yet is packed with information.

Roger Pring is a well-established author, graphics designer and educator of considerable international reputation, specializing in teaching Macintosh skills. His other books include: www.type: Effective Typographic Design for the World Wide Web, 2000, Watson-Guptill Press, and www.colour, 2000, Watson-Guptill Press.