can someone make some rank images?

[Dr. Zeppers]

Originally Posted by sammyh

one question: how do i do the transparent background and put the white around the edges? i asked if i could make the partners in crime under-name logo.

Transparency isnt that hard, but it would depend alot on the application your using. Paint for example is not robust enough, its just designed to slap some text or an arrow on existing graphics, or create simple graphics. It has limited effects/tools and does not support layers.

Different graphic applications have different features and effects in them. Some may actually have an effect that puts the white around the letters. Paintshop pro that I use, does, but it doesnt work the way we want them to look, so I had to use a series of nifty tricks to do it.

Basically:

1. Started with a transparent image.
2. Typed in my text with text tool on new layer.
3. Created an extended outline around the text, on the original transparent layer (behind the text).
4. Painted in this extended outline, which now appears somewhat like a thought bubble in the middle of the transparent layer.
5. Created a drop shadow on this white bubble for 3d effect.
6. Merged the two layers and saved as a PNG which retains the still transparent portion of the image.

I do not consider myself a graphics artist by ANY means. I've played with Paintshop Pro for years, creating website graphics, creating skins for games, i've painted all the stockcars that I race in our clans online races, etc. Im constantly learning, and creating new tricks.