Expert: Amy - 7/29/2006

Question
How do I skew outlined text so that the first letter is largest, and the last letter is smallest, as if it fades as it "goes back into space"?

I am on a MAC, running OS 9.2 and have Illustrator 8.0.

I really am stuck! Thank you,

Susan

Answer
Hi Susan,

In earlier versions of Illustrator, text warping was limited to what you, the user, could do manually.

Then, in version 9, they introduced Text Warping. Since you are working with version 8, your only options are to

-manually distort the text after converting it to outlines.

-create the warped graphic in version 6 or later of PhotoShop and use the type warping effects available there.

-locate a free plug-in that warps text. I looked around on the internet but couldn't find one right now.

The photoshop idea is the best one, if you have it. I use version 9.0.2 and sometimes regret not upgrading to later versions when I see all the cool tools available no, so I know this is frustrating. But you're an artist and I'm sure you can do it manually, too!

Good luck
Amy Pace