You might also create the signature as a separate file. That way you could concentrate on just that.

 

For example...you could write your handwritten signature on a piece of paper.(White paper with no lines...Printer paper would likely work fine).

 

Then scan it at a high resolution and DPI into PhotoShop (300 dpi, or higher)

 

 

Select everything that is NOT part of the signature by going to Select_> Color Range...and use the Eyedropper to select the white areas (This will enable you to make sure the white inside closed letters like "B,P,O,R,Q,D" would be selected as well.

 

Make sure the layer is unlocked, and hit the Delete key.

 

Now you should have your signature remaining with a transparent background.

 

Now is the time to add layers and layer effects,blending modes...recolor it or whatever. (Make it yours)

 

Save the .PSD file and name it sig_hi_res.psd or something similar.(This will be the version you would use for Print)

 

 

Now...go to Image--> Image Size... and Uncheck the Resample Image box and reduce the Resolution (dpi) to 72. pixels/inch and click OK.

 

The image should get smaller.

 

No go back into Image> Size  an Re-Check  the Resample Image box to un ghost the sizes and make sure the Constrain Proportions box is checked...Now...resize the image to an appropriate size in the width or height boxes under the "Pixel Dimensions:" section.(this..you will likely have to play with to get right). Click OK and see if you got the right size**...if not...**undo it(CTRL+Z) and go back to resize it again.

 

When you got it right.. Be sure to select "SAVE AS.... and rename the file to sig_lo_res.psd.

 

Now...SAVE AS again...and simply name this on sig.psd

 

Keep this file in an easy place to get to because it will be the file you apply too all of your renders

 

Open your render and do any post work or what ever...then..before you save it...open up the sig.psd file and make sure the "Move" tool is selected and simply drag the sig image onto your render.

 

Place it in a good spot on your render... resize it if needed (Edit__> Transform) and adjust the opacity of that layer (Yes...dragging it from the sig.psd file will automatically create a new layer)

 

It will preserve it's transparency this way...even when you save the render as a .jpeg.

 

Save for web and your good to go.

 

 

This method assures that your signature...logo..or whatever you use..will be consistent on all of your renders. (Also known as Branding)

 

When you go to close the sig.psd file... or go to close PhotoShop and you are prompted to save it...be sure to select NO...just in case you inadvertently changed it...

 

But..Have no fear if you do**...remember..you saved the sig_hi_res and sig_lo_res files as .PSD files before**.

 

 

NOTE:

You could also save the sig.psd files as a .gif file so long as it falls within the 256 colors that .gif supports....The .**gif format...**as we all know...supports transparency...and will keep the files "weight" smaller than .psd...You could also use .tiff,.png or any other format that supports transparency.

 

Whatever you do...DO NOT save the sig file as a .jpeg.

 

Hope this helps a bit.

 

Tom

“The fact that no one understands you…Doesn’t make you an artist.”