This is a fairly simple tutorial for creating realistic 3-D text that looks like shiny gold. It can be altered to create any color you choose.
This tutorial assumes a basic understanding of creating custom gradients and custom contour maps.
To begin with, I used Bernard MT Condensed for my text, the fill color is unimportant.
First, we will go into our blending options for the text layer, and choose the Stroke properties:
Use the INSIDE position for the stroke, and use a size large enough to fill the entire character - in this case 15 px was enough.
Use GRADIENT Fill Type, and I made a custom gradient to simulate reflected gold.
We use the REFLECTED Style, and I use a 95% angle to keep it from being perfectly straight (90°) across.
I increase the SCALE to 130% to stretch the gradient equally top to bottom.
Next we set up the Bevel and Emboss properties.
Next we choose GLOSS CONTOUR, and set up a custom contour map similar to the following:
We choose CHISEL HARD for the bevel technique.
I used an Inner Bevel, 15 px to match the stroke properties, and I used 150% depth to enhance the 3-D look.
Next, we duplicate this text layer by dragging the layer onto the NEW LAYER button on the Layers palette.
On the bottom text layer, we change the stroke properties as follows:
We change the Bevel mode to STROKE EMBOSS, leaving all the other values the same as the original layer, except the size, which we reduce to 8 px.
Then we change the STROKE FILL type to Color, and choose solid black, and use an 8 px stroke in the OUTSIDE position.
Finally, we use a 10 px drop shadow, 10 px spread, at a distance of 10 px, and set it at a 120° angle.
To finish it off, I put a conical gradient in the background, and created a starburst of white, blurred, to simulate a glare from the shiny surface.
You can experiment with different gradients and contour maps to alter the effects somewhat.
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