How to Make Text Look Like Welded Metal

Welded metal has a modern, industrial aesthetic.

Styling a new font requires some inspiration and a little ingenuity. Look at examples of welded metal to generate ideas of how you want to detail your letters. Even if you want to create a digital font, start by drawing the text with paper and pencil. It is easier to control these resources and erase or begin again if you need to.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Photos of welded metal (for examples and guidance)
• Computer and scanner, if needed

Instructions

1. Draw a basic stick letter in the shape you want the final letter to appear. Welded metal is utilitarian in appearance -- blocky with straight lines. Start by creating a boxy version of each letter to base your design on.

2. Pick one letter on which to test design ideas. Choose a letter that you will use a lot, like the first letter of your name, or a letter that is easy to draw since you will likely have to make several examples to work out design ideas.

3. Determine if you want the text to appear three-dimensional. If so, work on creating the perspective and angled lines you will need to add dimension to each letter. Look to other complete fonts, if necessary, to guide you as you work.

4. Shape the edges of the letter. The edges are where you find the most distinguishing detail on welded metal.

5. Add textural details throughout the letters. Create a small row of bolt heads on each letter, for example. Or, add small lines of metal striation, or the ripple of melted and rehardened metal.

6. Color the letters a metallic color for added realism. Shade the letters accordingly, especially if you chose to make a multidimensional font.

7. Scan the images onto your computer if you want a digital version of the text.

References

• I Love Typography: So You Want to Create a Font, Part I
• Go Mediazine: How to Design a Font: (Part I) Get Inspired!