Tutorial by Kathryn Bernstein
Offsetting Type
Illustrator CS2
The object here is to make the text standout by offsetting fill paths. These paths will be your starting point to add whatever creative Effects or Styles you desire.
Step 1. Set some type Shown here is: CgAdroitMd Regular 180 pt. +25 Kerning between the t and y.
Step 2. Duplicate the type. Select different colors for each.
I like separate paths for this rather than Adding New Fill in the Appearance Palette.
Step 3. Apply Effect>Path>Offset Path to the Red Path and then to the Blue Path.
Red Path.
Blue Path.
Your text is still live. At this point, you can still change the font, adjust the kerning, adjust the tracking. You can also resize your Offset Path by double clicking on the F icon in your Appearance Palette..
Step 4. Duplicate this layer. Lock layer 1 which is your live type.
Never destroy your live type.
Turn off the visibility. Now onto Layer 2
Step 5. Select Green, Red and Blue Paths. Type>Create Outlines.
Step 6. Select Red and Blue Paths.Object> Expand Appearances..
Step 7. Select Red Path. Apply Pathfinders Merge.
Step 8. Select Blue Path. Apply Pathfinders Merge.
Step 9. Delete these Paths. (Hi-lighted in red below)
In the Outline Mode, Your paths should look like this.
This is a good time to smooth or nudge points around to tweak.
Preview Mode.
Variation 1.(make an extra copy of the green path).
Subtract the green path from the red path.
Subtract the green path from the blue path.
You can stop here if you desire These paths are fill paths NOT strokes.
Experiment with different Effects and Styles in Illustrator or Photoshop.
Have some fun. Kathryn.
This Tutorial is also available as a downloadable PDF file (Zipped).
Copyright © 2006 Kathryn Bernstien
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