GrandmasterB is back and ready for Round Two of this Killer Metallic Text tutorial. Since this tutorial is a two-parter I recommend going through part one before moving onto this tutorial. However, if you only want to learn how to create the metallic text effect and not the background that is fine too. I leave it up to your discretion. With all of that out of the way, let’s get on with the show…

If you haven’t done so already please open your file from the first tutorial (you did save it right?). If you don’t have it, fear not you can download the Photoshop file that I created for the tutorial here:

Photoshop File (2.8MB): Killer Metallic Text_PT1.psd

Alright…let’s roll!

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I know that many of you have seen tutorials all over the place that describe how to create metallic text with Photoshop. Well, I’m here to show you how to make Killer Metallic Text and I’m going to toss in a cool background and a reflection effect. So over this two part tutorial you actually get three tutorials for the price of one. How’s that sound? Along with this tutorial I will make the final Photoshop (.psd) file available for download. I know that sometimes it is easier to figure out how something works by taking it apart first. Note: Throughout the tutorial I will give you keyboard shortcuts for picking tools or performing commands. They will be listed in parenthesis next to the task.

Let’s get started!

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I’m back for the conclusion of my post from yesterday (My Web Development Tools). Part two will focus mainly on my browser of choice…FIREFOX! I know that Firefox is probably not new to most of my readers, but I have installed a great set of add-ons that will make any web developers life easier. By the way don’t forget that Firefox Version 3 is now available in Beta4. If you’d like to check it out it can be found here.

Tool Number Four: Firefox 2

I LOVE FIREFOX! There, now that that’s out of the way I can concentrate on giving you details as to why I use Firefox to develop sites. I use Firefox for two main reasons. I code every site and test as I go with Firefox. The main reason is that the fine folks at Microsoft have discontinued Internet Explorer for Mac; which quite honestly is fine with me. I do have a standby Windows machine dedicated to testing once I am sure everything looks fine in Firefox. The other reason I prefer to do all of my work with Firefox is the great add-ons that you can download from the mozilla site. That’s the beauty of using an open source browser; the community of developers come up with some of the coolest add-ons to make your internet experience more enjoyable.My favorite add-on for Firefox is the Web Developer Toolbar by Chris Pederick.
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I have been asked many times what are the best tools (programs) to use when designing and developing websites, or what do you use when you develop a site. For me it all starts with the most simplest of tools…pencil and paper. What you say? This clown uses a pencil and paper to design websites? I find that by drawing out ideas first helps me to find a direction for the design. This approach really isn’t any different than how an author approaches writing a novel or a sculptor creates a masterpiece out of bronze or marble. Only after I have a good idea of where I want to go with the design do I sit down in front of my computer (Mac of course!) and get busy with Photoshop.
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