| Step 1: Create a blank 200 by 200px document
and use the horizontal Type Tool to create a single letter. In my case I've
used the 'Script MT Bold' font at size 222. Don't worry if you don't have
this particular typeface - just select something with a curvy look (It will
show off the effect to its fullest potential).
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Step 2: With the type layer selected, select
Layer > Layer Style > Outer Glow from the application menu and
duplicate the settings opposite. Of course, this step is ultimately
quite optional, but the dark outline helps the final result show up nicely
against the background.
NB. From this point onwards, if an option isn't displayed in the examples to the left, just leave it
at PS default.
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Step 3: Without leaving the layer effects dialog,
go to the Bevel and Emboss section and enter these settings. The
gloss contour applied is not included as default with Photoshop, so click on the curve
itself and create a duplicate of mine. Don't get too obsessive trying
to
produce an exact match - its not that critical.
Optional: If you want to change the look of your metal, this is
one of the main places to do it. The Depth setting can be
varied to sharpen or soften the metal by increasing and decreasing the value. Likewise, playing around with the gloss contour
can help tighten effects around curves, or make them appear softer.
Finally, increasing the size setting can make the metal appear more
rounded, but only up to a point - overdo it and you'll lose the metal
altogether!
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Step 4: Now progress onto the contour subsection
and alter the curve into the one on the left (again, its a custom one not
included with Photoshop). You can try playing around with this setting
if you like, but the effects are unpredictable and best left alone.
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| Step 5: Over bigger interfaces you'll need to add
a white colour overlay in the appropriate layer effects section.
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| Step 6: If you
desire a chrome hue, proceed into the
satin section and enter these settings.
You can omit this stage if you are
aiming for a silver-style effect
instead, or play with the curves to aim
for different light-sourcing effects
|
| Step 7: Now press OK to exit the layer effects
dialog and admire your work! Of course, its probably a good idea to
add a drop shadow too, and a nice background but I'll leave those bits up to
you... ;) 
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| Variations: The layer effects dialog is
undoubtedly one of the most powerful features of Photoshop, especially when
you need excellent results with minimum effort. To get the unique
dappled effect on the left, all you need to do is go back into the layer
effects dialog, find the Texture subsection, and select a texture of
your choosing. Every texture has a slightly different effect, and can
have its expression varied with the Depth setting. Have fun
experimenting! :)
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