How can I achieve a 3D effect for text?

Mark M · 10 Oct 2012 at 14:16

Has anyone seen the SyFy channel logo? Link here

Is there anyway this can be done in Photoshop or can someone recommend a way to do something similar? A freeware program would be ideal if not able to do it in Photoshop.

Thanks

SourChipmunk · 10 Oct 2012 at 14:34

Here is one tutorial that can give you the basics.

http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/extrude/extrude.htm

edit: the SyFy image appears to be all lighting (dodge and burn tools) with minimal 3D extrusion. Take a look at a pillow text tutorial and that might be a little closer.

http://www.visionary-voyager.com.au/corel/photopaint/text_effects1/part3.htm

Russinating · 10 Oct 2012 at 15:23

The SyFy logo looks like a 3D render to me. Would be very surprised if it's not.

Reficx · 11 Oct 2012 at 12:41

I think that's a 3D render, probably made on Cinema 4D or something similar.
That's what I'd use to make something look like that anyway.
Actually really easy to learn, plenty of videos on Youtube.

gord · 11 Oct 2012 at 13:22

Is cinema 4D free?

As said, that's a render. Not impossible to mock in PS but you'll spend longer getting the lighting as nicely done.

Could easily reproduce that in Blender, even the built in rendering engine should give you something quite close. For a more realistic render you could try using the cycles renderer. Blender is free, fantastic program.