Filters n Frames Blog: Combo TOTW and Word Art Challenge

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Combo TOTW and Word Art Challenge

WORDART CHALLENGE

I’m not sure about other countries, but here in the US June is the traditional wedding month. Therefore, the WORDART and TOTW challenges this week will be wedding-centric! The wordart challenge follows:

This may be pushing the boundaries of the typical “Word Art” used these days, but when you think about it, some typefaces are true works of art. Wouldn’t monograms using a decorative font be – literally – word art?! For Part One of this week’s challenge duo, we’ll be working with monograms. Remember, participation is optional, but I think this is going to be very challenging and fun, so I hope you’ll join in!

First, create an imaginary soon-to-be-married couple. (you may use your initials, or those of some family members or friends if you wish) Your wedding present to them is a set of Thank You cards with their monogram on the front, as well as the words Thank You.

Next, check out the monogram example images below - as well as those linked – for inspiration.

Then, choose the font(s) you want to work with (many links below w/WONDERFUL free font, embellishment & frame options). Also choose the shape and texture of your card. I’ve attached 4 card-stock texture images. Feel free to use them as-is and crop to your card shape, or load them into your texture folder (or don’t use them at all). There is also a basic card template if you just don’t want to mess around with creating your own. Linked below are tutorials for creating your own basic card-stock texture, a couple different types of text manipulation (in case you need a refresher) and 3 different kinds of cards/envelopes, if you want to do something a little more involved.

Create an image that would be the FRONT of your Thank You card (and envelope if you decide to go that route) using your imaginary couple’s monogram and a “Thank You” phrase.

A few hints/reminders: DON’T load highly decorative fonts into your Windows fonts folder. They can cause MAJOR freeze-ups! Instead activate them temporarily from your font manager. (If you’re using XP, you can open them in the system font viewer and minimize them to your task bar.) •Make good use of layers. You can even use layers and your eraser to join the lettering for a very cool look. •Sometimes it’s easier to manipulate the monogram if each letter/symbol is a seperate vector. Click on your backgound layer in the layers palette before starting a new letter/symbol to avoid vectors “sticking together”. •Moving the letters/symbols away from each other makes it easier to manipulate/warp them. Once you’ve got the general look you’re going for, you can move them back together and make small adjustments. •Consider using your grid view or guides to help line up your characters. •Some fonts work great as monograms, others REALLY don’t! If you keep getting an image you’re not happy with, consider changing your bride-or-groom-to-be’s initals. •If you don’t feel like digging through font pages and have some of your own that will work – go for it! •Consider playing with different fonts for the monogram and the Thank You, or even w/in the monogram itself!

Can’t wait to see what you come up with! A word of warning: looking at the 2 linked monogram reference websites could be addicting! Ditto the fonts! I know I’m gonna be creating a few different examples... there are just too many styles to choose only one!!