License Plate

Hey guys. Im new to Photoshop and this forum. I attempted to create a license plate but it didnt come out that well lol. Below is a link to what the image looks like. Can any of you photoshop wizards help me recreate this to look like an actual plate instead of boxes on boxes? I've bought a couple books and have been fiddling around in Pshop but need to have this image done for something on Sunday. Hoping to learn a lot of info from this site.

Thanks for any help!!
Mike

PS- The color scheme is correct. The plate is supposed to resemble an old fashioned license plate. Thanks!

i'd start by adding a bevel/emboss layer effect on the big letters... with the letters layer selected (i assume its on its own layer), click on the icon on bottom left of the layers pallette that looks like a "f" and select bevel/emboss, and play with it... that should give ya a good start.

Try to add a grundge or rust effect... make it look like it was used... wuth you have rigth now seem to be to clean..

Add screw too...

You should find something goo for you there
http://rainworld.com/psworkshop/

Outer bevel should be just what you are looking for to get the right feel for the letters on the plate. Adding a layer style and playing with the presets should work just fine.

you can also use the free transform (edit>free transform) to stretch your letters out a little taller.

Well you Imed and asked for my help. Theres a version I did for you here ....



By the way - where did you get my AOL screename from? I couldnt find your email address sorry - this board prohibits it

Hmm, that 'dent' you got there might be a little too overdone. I don't think someone's license plate could be dented like that unless he/she wreck the car. :p Otherwise, nice effect you got on the rest of the plate.