Is there anyone out there that can tell me the best way to create text that looks like the letters on a neon sign (you know the kind that are one continuous tube that lights up and everything)? Maybe a tutorial or something? Anything?
-add text object
-convert to mesh
-edit to taste
-subdivide evenly
-apply halo material
-turn up add effect
-parent lamp to sign
done.
There may be a better way, but here is one.
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Make text in Blender. This text will only be a reference. Use Alt-C to convert text to curve.
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Use a Bezier Curve to trace the text. That should give you a great look at exactly where the handles should be placed and positioned. The wiki page for curves has everything you need. Add the links between the letters to your specific taste. I guess you could just edit the curve used to make the text, but that can be a little confusing because your final end product may not look exatly like the text.
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Use BevOb for your finished text curve. Use a small nurbs circle. That will give you the neon bulb shape.
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Materials, high emit value. That makes it look as if it is emitting light. Then add several small spotlights behind it with volumetric lighting enabled. You do this by first making the light a spotlight, then clicking on the halo button. Keep the lights small and intensity low or the effect will blow the screen away. Toy with the settings.
I ended up with a really bright mess. How do I “Subdivide Evenly”?
Tutorial can be found here.