Layout 27 - Infinity Letter

• InDesign Template

  Coming Soon

Illustrator

1. Create Document with Two Artboards

   • Launch Illustrator.

   • Create a new document: 8.5 x 11 inches, portrait, with 2 artboards (acts as a magazine spread).

   • Use the Artboard Tool to place both side by side.

2. Type Bold Text and Convert to Outlines

   • Use the Type Tool (T) and enter your word (e.g. "JULY").

   • Apply a thick font (e.g. Fura Extra Bold).

   • Select the text → go to Type → Create Outlines. This vectorizes the text, making it infinitely scalable.

3. Duplicate and Scale

   • Duplicate the outlined text by holding Alt + Drag.

   • Resize the duplicate slightly smaller. These two shapes will be blended.

4. Apply the Blend Tool

   • Select both texts → go to Object → Blend → Make.

   • Then open Object → Blend → Blend Options → set to Specified Steps (e.g., 15).

   • Adjust until it creates a smooth “echo” between the top and bottom text.

5. Color the Blend

   • Double-click the blend group to edit original texts.

   • Make the bottom text white.

   • Bring the top text to front: Right-click → Arrange → Bring to Front.

6. Add Gradient to Top Text

   • Select the top text → open Window → Gradient.

   • Apply a linear gradient.

   • Sample colors from your intended background image (light + dark zones) using the Eyedropper Tool for coherence.

7. Add White Stroke to Top Text

   • Apply a white stroke (1 pt) to improve legibility.

8. Group and Copy Design

   • Select all elements → Right-click → Group.

   • Copy using Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac).

InDesign

1. Set Up InDesign Document

   • Create a new 8.5 x 11 inch, two-page spread, with .125" bleed.

   • Skip cover page by starting on page 2.

2. Paste Illustrator Elements In Place

   • Paste your group using Right-click → Paste in Place.

3. Layer Setup for Control

   • Create three layers:

     • Layer 1: Bottom blend group

     • Layer 2: Top letters (used as a clipping mask)

     • Layer 3: Page text and headers

   • Move the top letters to Layer 2, lock Layer 1.

4. Make Compound Path for Clipping Frame

   • Select top letters → Object → Path → Make Compound Path.

   • This prepares it to receive an image.

5. Place Image Inside Letters

   • File → Place Image, and drop it inside the compound path.

   • Use Fitting → Fit Content Proportionally.

   • Double-click image to reposition inside the frame as needed.

6. Apply Drop Shadow for Depth

   • Open Window → Effects → FX Panel.

   • Apply a light drop shadow (opacity ~25%).

   • Choose a complementary color to your gradient (e.g., cyan vs pink) for visual richness.

   • Slightly increase spread and size for a subtle glow.

7. Fix Stroke Contrast (if needed)

   • If the stroke appears off, increase it to 2 pt to restore visibility.

8. Organize and Wrap Text

   • Move your article text and headers to Layer 3.

   • Lock Layers 1 and 2 to avoid accidental selection.

   • On Layer 2, select the letter image group → Window → Text Wrap → choose Jump Object (3rd option).

   • This allows the text to flow neatly around the image-shaped letters.

This layout creates a dynamic visual hierarchy by blending bold typography with embedded imagery, enhanced by gradients and shadows. It’s flexible, customizable, and perfect for modern editorial spreads. Hope you all learned something new!