Using a watercolor background is an amazing way to add depth and texture to your logo or next design project. It’s such a lovely idea to use the soft watercolor strokes to give your design a dynamic and unforgettable look and feel. This is a skill that can be applied to more than just text and can be a integral part of your business’ branding.

So let’s get started!

STEP 1: Create a new RGB canvas in Photoshop. Mine is 1000px x 500px.

 

STEP 2: Create a new layer clicking on the button located at the bottom of your “layers” menu on the right side of the screen. I find it best to choose the “transparent” background color option.

 

STEP 3: Make sure the new layer you just created is selected.

 

STEP 4: Select the “brush” tool on the left side of your screen.

 

STEP 5: Click on the preset drop down menu at the top of the screen and select the brush you wish to use.

 

STEP 6: Double click the top color box in the top, right hand side of your screen. A color picker window will open. This is where you will set the watercolor color. Select a color by moving the picker around or enter a color code in the box provided. Then, click OK.

 

STEP 7: Making sure the top layer is still selected, begin clicking onto the canvas with your brush. It may take several clicks before the color appears as you want it.

 

STEP 8: When the watercolor layer is as desired, click the “select” tool at the top of the left hand toolbar. You will then need to create ANOTHER new layer. This can be done the same way as in STEP 2.

 

STEP 9: Next, select the text tool on the left hand side of your screen. Once this has been selected, you can change the font, text size, text color and justification by clicking on the drop down arrows in the text toolbar at the top of your screen.

Select your desired font and size.

 

STEP 10: Making sure the top “layer” is still selected, click on your canvas and type your desired text.

 

STEP 11: When finished typing, click the “select” tool from the left side toolbar. Next, click and drag the “watercolor” layer so that it sits above the “text” layer.

 

STEP 12: Right click on the “watercolor” layer where the layer title is located. A menu will pop up. Click on the “Create Clipping Mask” option.

 

STEP 13: Save for use! Go to FILE > SAVE FOR WEB to save your image as a JPEG or PNG file.

To save some time, I’ve created 10 watercolor backgrounds for you to get started with!

And there you have it! The basics to making a beautiful watercolor text feature.

Comment below with questions and I would be happy to answer!