Typophile

Dumb question

adnix

Okay, this is probably some really simple problem that I can’t figure out. See the attachment for what I am trying to achieve.

How do I make the logo, or any vector for that matter, do this positive/negative thing when placed over images?

I placed the vector on a separate layer in InDesign, colored it white, and set the transparency to Difference or Exclusion. The vector appears black over the light colored background, but over the dark background it appears a gray.

AttachmentSize
ea.jpg197.74 KB
‹ typographic illustrator When you make an Ohorn ( U+01A1, U+01A0 ) ›
BlueStreak

I think InDesign is the wrong tool for the job. My pick would be Photoshop.

Tiffany Wardle

From looking at the image I’d say they didn’t use a filter. I think they did use something like Illustrator and cut the letters to match the shapes.

beats

Difference blending mode, simply creates the inverse value, if the underlying image isn’t truly black or white the result will look gray.

You can achieve the effect in photoshop.

Create text on a new layer above the photo or image.
Set the text layer mode to ’difference’.
Rasterize your text layer and and create a selection from that layer.
Select the photographic layer with the selection still active, increase the contrast of the photographic layer ( will only affect the area beneath the text).

That should do it.

If you’re not familiar with photoshop, these instructions may seem a bit cryptic, be warned.

Ricardo Cordoba

I think they did use something like Illustrator and cut the letters to match the shapes.

I agree... You can use the Pathfinder tools in Illustrator to divide an outlined shape (read: logo), apply colors, then bring it into Photoshop or InDesign.

Captured from web.archive.org on 21 Nov 2007. view this capture