Wild Text

Here's an easy way to create some wild "African" looking text in Fireworks CS3. This effect will work on any type of font style but if you want the same font as the one I'm using, you can download it at: http://fonts101.com/xt_fontdetails_az_FID!5561~African~font.html.

Like most text effects, you'll want to use a fairly large text size. I have mine set at 78. I filled it with a linear gradient. #FF6600, #FFCC00, #FF6600 (See the Property Inspector Panel below.)

Make sure the alias is set to "System Anti-Alias".

Now copy and paste the text and change the fill from a gradient to a pattern. Choose "Dark Flower" for the pattern.

Convert the text (with the pattern) to grayscale by either going to Commands > Creative > Convert to Grayscale or by using the Properties Panel and clicking on Filters > Adjust Color > Hue/Saturation and move the saturation level down to -100.

Now click on Filters > Adjust Color > Levels... Move the right arrow to the left until the contrast between the light and dark areas of the pattern are quite distinguished. (See image below.)

Now place the text with the pattern beneath the gradient text. Select the gradient text and change the layer's Blend Mode to Lighten. You should see that the white areas of the text beneath the top layer (the text filled with the pattern) show through the top layer. This gives the text a bit of a rustic look!

Right-click on save the image below to save the PNG file.