Transparent Tag Artwork Tutorial

[d8168055]

Hey guys, some of you have been asking about how I did my latest tags, the ones with the logo showing thru on the gloss. Essentially, it is a design/logo that is reversed from the normal artwork using masks in Photohsop. Here is a simple tutorial that I put together to get your creative juices flowing.

http://www.vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/P1050976_web.jpg

The artwork that you want to knock out will need to be in vector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics) format, a scalable artwork that is made with points, lines, coordinates, etc. It may sound confusing if you don't know anything about graphic art, but an example of vectors are typefaces. Typefaces are scalable to large sizes without losing quality. You can find some cool free fonts online, and use to your choosing. Some of those fonts may even include some dingbat graphics you can use.

[d8168055]

1. Begin by downloading the template from http://betacustomizer.astrogaming.com. Select the TYPE TOOL or place your vector graphic in a new layer.
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial1.jpg

2. If you use the TYPE tool, type your name or gamertag or whatever. This is the shape that will be knocked out.
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial2.jpg

3. Create a NEW LAYER (circled). It will appear above the type (or graphic) layer created in step 2.
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial3.jpg

4. Paint this layer using the PAINT BUCKET TOOL with the color of your choosing. I chose black to have that subtle black on black look. (You can even import an image if you want.)
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial4.jpg

5. Now, COMMAND + click (MAC) or CTRL + click (PC) the type (or graphic) layer, and you should get the MARCHING ANTS selection around your art work.
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial5.jpg

6. This next step is important to knock out. Select the inverse, in the menu SELECT > INVERSE. Hard to see in this picture, but notice how the MARCHING ANTS selection are around the edges of the picture.
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial6.jpg

7. Click the MASK icon (circled) to make the mask. The MARCHING ANTS will disappear and the mask is made (you can see a faint outline of your art).
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial7.jpg

8. HIDE the type (or graphic) layer by clicking off the layer's EYE icon. You will see the grey checkered pattern showing through your art work. And your done!
http://vilo56.ektoric.com/d8168055/ASTRO/tagtutorial/tutorial8.jpg

You can repeat the process if you need to compensate the design for the tag with the hole.

After you are happy with your creation, make sure you turn off the GUIDES layer and save as a .PNG to preserve the transparency. Upload to the customizer and wait for them to arrive!

If you have any questions, please post a reply. Happy designing!

[ASTRO Warblade]

How funny, I was almost thinkin of making one of these (or doing a video of it) for everyone, but this works. =P

Here's a repost of my tag as well (all 3 can also be found on the "Show us your Custom Tags! (http://forums.astrogaming.com/showpost.php?p=4229&postcount=163)" thread)

http://www.randallwong.com/misc/blacktag-1.jpg

[kbman99]

Can I change the color of the background and how. Also can I change the color of the text by just changing it. Then how do I make a whole image glossy? Thanks
~kbman99

[ASTRO Warblade]

When you asked "Can I change the color of the background and how" do you mean, the glossy background? No, unfortunately that cannot be changed, as that's the original color of the tag, BEFORE they spray whatever design you want on it.

When you use a .png file, it reserves the transparency whatever part of the image file you created. Whatever is transparent in your .png will end up not being painted over. In my tag design above, I made the Phoenix, my name, and the astro logo transparent, so those parts weren't painted on at all. The rest of the image was done in a black scratches type paint. The paint that is applied is not gloss, so it shows up against the original glossy background.

In photoshop or illustrator, you could change the color of the text to whatever color you like. It won't be glossy.

It is not possible to do the whole image glossy, unless you just wanted a solid black tag (no image on it whatsoever).

[d8168055]

You could use any color in STEP 4, or even use an image. The mask you make in STEP 7 will be the cut out image, be it that you save a transparency. But like Warblade said, the naked tag is only available in glossy black at the moment.

[BlaqueJezus]

Of course you post this after I spend hours figuring it out ;) I actually made the black stroke around my text and the border of my crosshair transparent over the camo background, I finally finished up the last tag and will order them tonight, I can't wait to see how they turn out.

[siR mR dinGy]

just made me some new ones like these hope it turns out coooool

[ASTRO Warblade]

Be sure to post your pictures dinGy. =)

[siR mR dinGy]

Be sure to post your pictures dinGy. =)

oo i will..i cant wait lol

[MoldyRock]

maaaan i just bought mines and im thinkin about to buy me another pair! hahaha :D

[nscd]

What version of photoshop are you using?

You have different buttons and commands than the one I have.

[ASTRO Warblade]

It looks like he's using Photoshop CS4.

[nscd]

It looks like he's using Photoshop CS4.

Thanks, I have CS3 so I'm kinda figuring it out based on these but I just have to find the commands in different places.

[MoldyRock]

question, so when you post them on the customizer will the one that isnt going to be printed that gives it that texture be white? im using cs4

[ASTRO Warblade]

question, so when you post them on the customizer will the one that isnt going to be printed that gives it that texture be white? im using cs4
Hrm, I'm only using CS3, and when uploading my .png to the Beta Customizer, it shows up as transparent.

[siR mR dinGy]

i just got mine and the black area which i want to be glossy didnt turn out to be glossy...it looks like the black area is part of the tag itself..it looks good but not glossy hehe..i have know idea what i did wrong

[ASTRO Warblade]

The un-painted portion of the tag, is exactly that, the tag itself. It has a semi-glossy look to it (and should look MUCH different than the painted black portions of the design). Are you sure you used a transparent image (.png) for the tag customizer?

[siR mR dinGy]

The un-painted portion of the tag, is exactly that, the tag itself. It has a semi-glossy look to it (and should look MUCH different than the painted black portions of the design). Are you sure you used a transparent image (.png) for the tag customizer?

yeah i use .png when i save and upload it on to the beta...i can see the difference but the paint is more glossy then the black ill take a pic of it and show you

[siR mR dinGy]

1st pic is the beta
2nd pic is with no flash
3rd pic is with flash

[ASTRO Warblade]

Hrm, it looks like you printed the black portion of it (that it wasn't set to "Preserve transparency"). From what I can tell from the 2nd & 3rd pics, it's the same "matte" finish that happens when you print the black on the tag.

[siR mR dinGy]

Hrm, it looks like you printed the black portion of it (that it wasn't set to "Preserve transparency"). From what I can tell from the 2nd & 3rd pics, it's the same "matte" finish that happens when you print the black on the tag.

i never painted the black area...as you can see on my photoshop pic its transparent

[ASTRO Warblade]

Hrm, here's how my design's came up in the beta customizer. http://betacustomizer.astrogaming.com/custom_assets/email/484a9c46741d44aab2a3892ca47b0740db6a0601drqcp1docg/emailThumb1268090923723.png

[siR mR dinGy]

yup my beta has the same but its all good i still like them

[MoldyRock]

yup my beta has the same but its all good i still like them

those still came out pretty dope, still workin on another set for furture tags..nothing anytime soon :)

@warblade (referring to the bling post) when you took out the space invaders part what kind of screw driver were they? and were they relatively easy to remove? im thinkin making em red brick matte not sure...IF i plan on attempting to remove and paint em.

[ASTRO Warblade]

Ah, k good. I'm glad that you still like your tags. I do have to tell you that your original tags (the Philipino flag ones) really inspired me to do my own tags. I think I found yours off of twitter, long time ago (before you joined the boards).

[siR mR dinGy]

Ah, k good. I'm glad that you still like your tags. I do have to tell you that your original tags (the Philipino flag ones) really inspired me to do my own tags. I think I found yours off of twitter, long time ago (before you joined the boards).

thats coo that i inspried someone hehe..yeah i made a youtube vid and tweet it to the astro twitter account

[ASTRO Warblade]

those still came out pretty dope, still workin on another set for furture tags..nothing anytime soon :)

@warblade (referring to the bling post) when you took out the space invaders part what kind of screw driver were they? and were they relatively easy to remove? im thinkin making em red brick matte not sure...IF i plan on attempting to remove and paint em.
I haven't done the full removal of the "space invader" grill part yet. If I do manage to do it, it'll probably be over a weekend when I'm not using the headset. lol. Just in case.

[ASTRO Warblade]

I haven't done the full removal of the "space invader" grill part yet. If I do manage to do it, it'll probably be over a weekend when I'm not using the headset. lol. Just in case.
Oh, and it probably voids your warranty if you attempt to do this yourself, hah, so just a fair warning.

[MoldyRock]

Oh, and it probably voids your warranty if you attempt to do this yourself, hah, so just a fair warning.

hopefully it isnt that hard to remove, yeh im aware of the circumstances thanks for the heads up!

@dingy also inspired me get some flag ones think thatll be one of my next ones ill make at least one of them :) cant go wrong with flags of your own heritage hehe :D

[siR mR dinGy]

hopefully it isnt that hard to remove, yeh im aware of the circumstances thanks for the heads up!

@dingy also inspired me get some flag ones think thatll be one of my next ones ill make at least one of them :) cant go wrong with flags of your own heritage hehe :D

yessiir you cant go wrong with any flag hehe

[Nevermind]

Reckon I should get a set with this http://forums.astrogaming.com/showthread.php?t=1261 using this method?

[siR mR dinGy]

the "glossy" black didnt do it for me and i had it transparent and saved it as .png

[shawneb0y]

i wanna try to make some glossy tags.. i wanna make sure its right though.. since i use Paintshop Pro its different from photoshop..

[MoldyRock]

lmao "last one fooo" *leaves game* -all jumps on forum- hahahah

i still have many ideas for my second pair one for sure going to be a filipino flag.

@Warblade out of your 3 tags which one came out to be the glossy one? im assuming the middle one?

[siR mR dinGy]

if yall make new ones and it comes out glossy ima be piss cuz i know i did it right lol

[MoldyRock]

lol. suckkaaaa :rolleyes:

[siR mR dinGy]

lol. suckkaaaa :rolleyes:

nooo you suckaaa cuz i have a40s and someone ahem doesnt hehe jk

[MoldyRock]

lolol:eek:

[ASTRO Warblade]

lmao "last one fooo" *leaves game* -all jumps on forum- hahahah

i still have many ideas for my second pair one for sure going to be a filipino flag.

@Warblade out of your 3 tags which one came out to be the glossy one? im assuming the middle one?
All three of my tags had elements of the glossy black material beneath the sprayed on paint. I used a brushed-steel look for the bottom layer, but i wanted the real black lines of it to be the glossy, and the stainless steel color to be the painted black. I'll see if I can post my original .png files.

[shawneb0y]

i wanna see the png files also cuz i was thinking of making some glossy tags also

[ASTRO Warblade]

Here's my .psd file (http://randallwong.com/misc/Warblade-Custom%20Tag.psd) and the .png file (http://randallwong.com/misc/Warblade-Custom-Tag.png) to go along with it. =)

Let me know if you have questions.

[MaX uh MiiLiiAN]

If I used the white blank tag, and I have the transparency on a section "x". "X" would be glossy, and everywhere else will be flat and the specific colour.

So if I make my tag like my halo 3 emblem (purple with white double crescents) the crescents would be glossy white and the rest would be matte purple?

Also just a couple of questions...

Does having a solid colour turn out alright?

and...

Can I have the astro logo with the "a*" underneath it that is feature on some of the blank tags?

Thanks all you smart people :P

[ASTRO Warblade]

I'm still trying to find out if the semi-gloss look carries over with the white tags and the newly updated Beta Customizer, so until you hear that it is capable with the white tags, don't order them yet. =)

For your questions:

1. Yes, whatever sections you set as transparent, while using a graphics program (Photoshop or the like), AND when saved as a .png SHOULD be a semi-glossy look, or rather the same look of the material underneath the paint.

2. For the crescents to be semi-glossy white, you would need to be editing the image in a graphics program, and either use the masking technic found in this thread, or use the "delete" function to clear out what color information is found in the crescents then save it as a .png and perseve the transparency.

3. Having a solid color turns out just fine.

4. Right now the Beta Customizer is unable to have a custom upoaded image and the ASTRO provided emblems/icons. This may be changed in the future to allow for more layers and customizability.

[MoldyRock]

@warblade should it matter since its being printed transparent the quality when you enlarge it? if so is there a way to improve it through photoshop,
you saw my designs, i enlarged it only like once or twice over the limit it gave me the notice, i did the same for the samurai ones those came out fine, the astro sign on those were fuzzy just a tad bit but i assume only because i got the logo when it was already small and forced it to be enlarged.(sry for the wall txt) lol

[ASTRO Warblade]

You'll typically want to be using an image that has a DPI (Dots per Inch) of atleast 300 (though the Beta Customizer says 150 DPI). Because most images, if they're not a vector, have actual pixel values, it's every one of those pixels that are enlarged.

Even with the transparent portions, if you enlarge the edges (which are pixels) if it's a big jagged in the original, then enlarged, well those portions will just be just as jagged and show up even more since it's now bigger.

[MaX uh MiiLiiAN]

Could I just include the astro logo in my custom image? Would you
Post back if/when you get confirmation?

[MoldyRock]

I made several takes using these methods and with some help from warblade on how-to's ...masterpiece in the making but I'm hoping it doesn't turn out to be like Dingy's and have that matte black instead of gloss black, I'm using white on black gloss. although i made black on black gloss also. I think for now I'm keeping my options open ;)

[d8168055]

Hey sorry guys, I'm the OP, and I just changed servers, so the images from the tutorial are not showing up. I will try to fix this asap. Thanks for your patience...

[eddywatson]

5. Now, COMMAND + click (MAC) or CTRL + click (PC) the type (or graphic) layer, and you should get the MARCHING ANTS selection around your art work.

Hey I cants eem to do this. I am on Windows.... When i press CTRL and mouse click on the Text nothing happens? any ideas?

[ASTRO Warblade]

You should be clicking on the LAYER that has the text under the Layers Window, not the actual text on the layout screen. Let me know if that works.

[eddywatson]

You should be clicking on the LAYER that has the text under the Layers Window, not the actual text on the layout screen. Let me know if that works.

lol yup it worked thanks!

Warblade check your PM dude

[eddywatson]

okay im starting to get confused... When i mask the image it saves to the GUIDES (do not save) layer. That cant be right as when i turn teh gudies off o loose all images. please can somebody help

[ASTRO Warblade]

You have to setup the black background on a different layer. Check instruction #4.

In the layer's sub-menu, right to the left of the trashcan/delete layer, there's an icon for "New Layer". Click that, then with that layer highlighted, click Edit>Fill> then choose Black.

Then on with Instruction #5, you select whatever that you want as the glossy "black" type look (an easy way to do this is if you're using some odd color like lime green, going to the "Select>Color Range" then clicking the green color and having the setting to around 10 or so). Do the Select>Inverse, then with the BLACK layer selected, click the Mask button in the layer's sub-menu.

[eddywatson]

You have to setup the black background on a different layer. Check instruction #4.

In the layer's sub-menu, right to the left of the trashcan/delete layer, there's an icon for "New Layer". Click that, then with that layer highlighted, click Edit>Fill> then choose Black.

Then on with Instruction #5, you select whatever that you want as the glossy "black" type look (an easy way to do this is if you're using some odd color like lime green, going to the "Select>Color Range" then clicking the green color and having the setting to around 10 or so). Do the Select>Inverse, then with the BLACK layer selected, click the Mask button in the layer's sub-menu.

hey

I did make a new layer and filled it black :confused:

Actually looking at the .psd file i showed you yesturday... that is wrong too. when i click OFF view guides the images goes too

[ASTRO Warblade]

Hrm, if ya want, contact me via AIM (WarbladeX) and I can take a look at your .psd again and/or record a video of how to do it.

[eddywatson]

hey thanks for your help yesturday warblade! :)

But i have another problem I have masked an image thats fine. but when i go to mask a letter. nothing happens, this is while the 1st image is masked. how to i get multiple maskings on one design?

Il be on AIM for next few hours if you want to pop on. Thanks

[ASTRO Warblade]

Hrm, I'll be in meetings most of the afternoon. The procedure would be the same as before, highlighting just the text of that layer (have it selected). With it outlined, Selection Invert, select the previously masked layer, then click the Mask layer. It should create another sub-masked layer to go along with the first.

[eddywatson]

Hrm, I'll be in meetings most of the afternoon. The procedure would be the same as before, highlighting just the text of that layer (have it selected). With it outlined, Selection Invert, select the previously masked layer, then click the Mask layer. It should create another sub-masked layer to go along with the first.

hey thanks ive done all of that. Ive been trying to make it happen for about 45mins now roughly im really confused. I do all of that and when i select on the previous masked layer, and click on mask. It does not work :confused:

hey warblade check your PM's :)

[jT415Gz]

I was able to knock out the eyes, so they show as transparent in the Customizer.

I am using CS4 and I can't seem to get the "Marching ants" around my text so I can knock them out as well. :confused:

Once I get them knocked out, I am done and ready to turn it in.

Can anyone please help me?

I've attached a picture.

[Alpha I Omega]

I was able to knock out the eyes, so they show as transparent in the Customizer.

I am using CS4 and I can't seem to get the "Marching ants" around my text so I can knock them out as well. :confused:

Once I get them knocked out, I am done and ready to turn it in.

Can anyone please help me?

I've attached a picture.

Is that the Alien Ware logo?

[jT415Gz]

It is an Alien-logo from this site: http://www.slashphone.com/wallpaper/detail.php?photo=26790

It looks as though it has been custom rendered.

[Burksdb]

ok so using your tutorial i came up with this design.. want someone to take a look before i go ahead and upload them.

was thinking if i uploaded them the dragon wouldnt show up. do i need to go ahead and change it to another inverse on the dragon and mask it that way.


what you think?


*the mic hole wont be there afterwards i just forgot to hide it.

[ASTRO Warblade]

From looking at the small Photoshop screen, it looks like your masking is correct. Make sure you save the file as a .png file and to "preserve the transparency" in the checkbox. When you upload the .png to the beta customizer, you should see a small hint of the transparent layer (your white portions shown on the above jpg's will be shown transparent, but appear as a weird dark dark gray).

Let me know if you have more questions, or if ya want me to take a double check at your .PSD file.

[Burksdb]

ok well when i upload them my text gets a black grey color, but the dragon stays white so i assume its not working correctly.

*here is the link to my psd (http://rapidshare.com/files/385771297/a30_tags.psd.html) file

[jT415Gz]

You can see them here:

http://forums.astrogaming.com/showpost.php?p=14622&postcount=377

[Tvis]

I am trying to do this but I am having some MAJOR trouble and would like some help from a pro. I have the files that I want to be transparent, but your guide is not easy to follow. I don't understand a lot of what you say. Yes, I know how to make my text transparent, but what if I import a background? What if I want more than one? What if it DOESN'T shine through my background. Please help me out this is so confusing and I don't want to pay thirty dollars for nothing.

[ASTRO Warblade]

Tvis,

I'd be willing to take a look at and try to fix your files for ya if you like, or you can try and give it another shot. Basically what you want to be doing is remove/delete the area that you want transparent from whatever layer you have on top. The black text masking helps, or you can also do a Select Color and use whatever color you want deleted, select the layer you want, then press your delete key on the keyboard.

PM me if you have questions.

[BSS07]

sick. speaker tags

[peter n john]

hi i cant figure out how to knock out layers after the first one..

so after i did the first thing you said to write ur gt in the place artwork here layer and made a new layer and painted it i couldnt figure out how to repeat the process with the other graphics i had... i had a few pics around the text and am not sure how to knock that out or if im doing it right in the first place

[ASTRO Warblade]

Bump as people are trying to find this info. ;)

[cychua]

Quick question here. From my understanding vector is something like cutting/crop of the contents on the picture which i dont want.

The glossy black which being made by Warblade on Page 1, the part with glossy is the original tag without paint or with paint.

So sorry if you found my knowledge for pc or question is noobiee for you. :)
Just trying to learn and DIY for it, since i cant find any1 to help me to do custom tag :D

[billybob]

If you don't have Photoshop, couldn't you just make your design and specify to Astro what parts you want glossy and what parts you want matte? If your design isn't too complicated, I don't think Astro would have a problem understanding what you want.

[REEFER SUTHERLAND]

What is with all these crazy bots, who almost are passable as sentence structuring human beings, until you read the sentence again, and then see the spam-link at the end?

[ASTRO Warblade]

What is with all these crazy bots, who almost are passable as sentence structuring human beings, until you read the sentence again, and then see the spam-link at the end?

They seem to like certain posts that get better google page ratings I think.

-ASTRO Warblade

[monsterzero]

Quick question here. From my understanding vector is something like cutting/crop of the contents on the picture which i dont want.

The glossy black which being made by Warblade on Page 1, the part with glossy is the original tag without paint or with paint.

So sorry if you found my knowledge for pc or question is noobiee for you. :)
Just trying to learn and DIY for it, since i cant find any1 to help me to do custom tag :D

If you don't have an application like photoshop or illustrator (or other) that can create the transparent areas Astro would have to key out those areas. It's not hard to do but it takes some work. I'm sure they're keeping all this simple, because having an approval client process is another step that they would have to be responsible for.

[monsterzero]

(sorry if this has been covered before but the forum search option is broken)

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR IMPORTANT NOTE -

If you're using Illustrator and are putting an EFFECT on your text you MUST convert that object to an OUTLINE. To do this right click on the object (this is in CS5) and select "OUTLINE" at the bottom of the pop-up menu. If you do not do this on ALL of your text objects that have an EFFECT on them, any transparent areas in your drawing will NOT be transparent when you upload your image at the Astro Tag site.

I think the information on the Astro site could be better, since most people don't know how printing works (I'm experienced in it) but I'm sure they'll improve it as it comes out of BETA.