Pluginless Chrome effects

[covoxer]

I never said a thing about levels.

Yes, you are right.

why don't we set a rule. If, on zero picture quality, your vector turns into a rectangle, it's been plugged. If it stays as the original shape, it's still vector for the purposes of this thread.

Hmmm, sounds interesting. I support this idea.
Following this rule, Levels tool preserves vector nature of the object.

[Big Frank]

Following this rule, Levels tool preserves vector nature of the object.

I know. That's why I have nothing against the use of levels.

I never meant for this to turn into to "I betcha you can't do this" challenge. All I wanted to do was try and reproduce the effect Eric achieved in his 2001 post, and when I couldn't, to see if anybody else could. The only people who have come close are HayTay, Nostaw and covoxer. yet, in my opinion, none of them look as realistic as Eric's original. Just to remind you, look at it, it simply looks like chrome!

[Burpee]

Gary, your fork tutorial was the first ever tutorial that I tried to do in Xara. I never finished it and when I came back to Xara I didn't know where it was. I've always wanted to try again when I see my unfinished .xar file. Glad you posted it.

Hey Frank, I love when people post and even when the posts go off topic because I learn so much from other's comments and opinions. I thank you for starting the thread. I also have to say that Eric's chrome looks awesome. Someone above mentioned that the interior image is important to the overall look. I tend to agree with that. It's kind of like trying to create a HDRI atmosphere in 3D. The image you use to reflect on your metal makes all the difference in the end result.

I'm now curious to try his tutorial to see how he crafted it. Knowing how to make good metal is very useful....especially turning iron into gold

[Soquili]

A couple of other efforts, actually made before the image I posted previously.

[Big Frank]

Good entries, Bill and Bob, thanks for posting.

I think Burpee is right. I think the reflection map you use is absolutely critical. Here's my latest effort, and it's certainly not right, but I think I'm getting there.

I'm wondering whether Eric knew the right image to use or whether he picked the right one by chance. We won't know as he's no longer on the boards.

[covoxer]

Ok. Here's the one with bitmap.

[Big Frank]

OK, I think we're getting close, but I also think I know why we aren't getting there. We're all trying too hard. Look at these chrome badges. The one striking thing about them is that the reflections on them are realistic yet simple. The image I did, and the one followed by John, have reflections on them that are way too busy. Maybe my next one will be better.

[Soquili]

Here is my example.

Font is Ancestory SF The rectangle in the outline image is the Shadow bitmap created using the Shadow Tool.

A 2 pixel bevel was applied to the text.
The beveled text was converted to editable shape. The group was not ungrouped.
One bitmap of grey cloudy sky was used for the text shapes.
Another bitmap fill of blue cloudy sky was used for the 'bevel' shapes.
A shadow was applied to the group.