This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Filip Komorowski
In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a cartoon text effect using Affinity Designer. You'll learn the steps to create vivid, bold cartoon lettering from scratch.
This tutorial could also be useful to users of different vector graphic software because, in addition to some typography theory, I'll use basic graphic tools.
What you'll learn
- How to create lettering from scratch
- How to modify paths
- How to add gradients
- How to export multiple versions of your design
What you'll need
- Pen and paper to draw your sketch
- Affinity Designer (could be version 1 or 2)
1. How to create a new file in Affinity Designer
Step 1
Set the Artboard dimensions. In this case, A2 format with landscape orientation would be great. I usually use A2 format because I like to print my designs as posters.
Step 2
Check the Create artboard option below.
2. How to import a sketch into Affinity Designer
To import your sketch, just drag and drop your file into Affinity. Lock the layer containing the sketch, and lower its opacity to create a clean basis for your vector work.
3. How to draw letters in Affinity Designer
Step 1
You can now start the vectorization process, simply by redrawing your sketch. Create a new layer and start redrawing your design with the Pen tool (P). You can also use the Pencil tool if you need to maintain a more natural feeling for your letters.
If your sketch is well drawn, the letters' weight and direction are appropriate, or the style you want to achieve doesn't need exact measurements, I still advise you to measure it using this simple technique.
Ensure text consistency
One of the most important things to remember when working with typography is consistency, as it makes lettering legible and easy to see.
The basic rule is to stick to a similar weight and direction of letters throughout the design as much as possible, because even minor inaccuracies will stand out and make the project look unfinished or unprofessional.
Sometimes you may break this rule, but knowing how it works will help you create eye-catching letters, and you'll have room for experimenting with letters, styles, and decorative elements, without worrying that your typography will look incoherent.
Here are two examples that explain how this affects the design:
Step 2
Using the Pen tool, add some "ink traps". This makes the letters a bit lighter.
Step 3
To create an outline, Duplicate (Command-J) your lettering and add a stroke.
Step 4
Place the layer with the stroke under your main layer.
Step 5
For an outer outline, use the technique from the previous step. This time, create a secondary stroke underneath both other layers using a darker color.
Step 6
To set the inner color, duplicate your main layer twice, adjust the stroke width, and then use the Expand stroke option from the Layer menu to turn the outline on the upper layer into an object.
After selecting both elements, use the Subtract option to cut.
Step 7
For a second and third color, use the technique from the previous steps. Play with different strokes—you may discover interesting effects.
4. How to add 3D highlights to text
Step 1
To create highlights, consider which side the hypothetical light source is illuminating your design from. In this case, I chose to have the light shining from the top-right corner. To create highlight spots, I used the Ellipse tool (M).
Step 2
You can duplicate a highlight by selecting it and moving it while holding Option, or you can use the shortcut Command-J. This is the simplest way to add multiple highlights to your design.
Step 3
Next, I'd like to create a final outline which cuts out the design from the background on a separate layer, below all the other design elements. By doing this, I have a clear base.
Copying and keeping elements together helps in receiving clean vector separations; for example, for screen printing or for further adjustments.
Step 4
The shadow is just a duplicated outline from the previous step, moved below the whole design.
Step 5
Try experimenting with various color schemes at this stage. Sometimes, when I’m editing a minor detail, I come up with new color ideas. If I find a combination I like, it boosts my engagement with the project and helps me stay excited about the project during the whole process.
5. How to use the Fill tool in Affinity Designer
The Affinity Designer Fill tool (G) is very intuitive, and you can easily adjust the colors, the steps of blending, and the direction of the whole effect.
Step 1
Change colors on both edges to create a smooth gradient. You can also add another color nod by double-clicking on the gradient line.
Step 2
When you're happy with the gradient, select the object you are working with and press Command-Shift-C.
Step 3
When you select another object, simply paste the style (Command-Shift-V), and the program will automatically copy your effect to the new object.
6. Set the final composition of the text
The last step is to tilt the entire project, which gives it more dynamism. I leave this type of treatment until the very end, when I know that all other elements of the project have been refined.
Composition is an important factor in design: a well-balanced composition makes your design coherent and executed with purpose. Composition could be disharmony, but it changes all over the feeling of the design and should be used carefully.
In this case, I adjusted all the lines to be a counter to the angle of the overall design. Balancing all those factors makes the design feel well set and helps the audience to focus on the middle of the image.
7. How to export text in Affinity Designer
Finally! Your design is finished, and the next step is to export it—in multiple formats or various color versions.
Affinity came up with a really great option: by using the Artboard tool, you can create a few variations of your design and export them all at once.
Step 1
Create a variety of artboards with the dimensions you need. You can duplicate an artboard by clicking on its name and duplicating it in a similar way to duplicating objects. Click on the name of the artboard and drag it while holding Option.
Step 2
When all your versions are ready, click Export persona from the upper menu. In the new window, select Export slices. The number of slices is the number of artboards you created earlier.
Step 3
Then export all slices using the Export slices button. This option is very useful if you need multiple color schemes to show your client or you need your design to work on multiple platforms.
And your text with a cartoon effect is ready! By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can add a bold and vibrant touch to your designs, making them truly stand out. Take your designs to the next level and impress with visually stunning text effects.
Also, if you're looking for inspiration for cartoon text effects, head over to Envato! This creative platform offers more than 10,000 actions, brushes, and layers to help you create amazing text effects.
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This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Filip Komorowski
Filip Komorowski | Sciencx (2024-12-05T21:59:05+00:00) How to create a cartoon text effect in Affinity Designer. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2024/12/05/how-to-create-a-cartoon-text-effect-in-affinity-designer/
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