Help with images that print on fabric

[d.c. avallone]

Hello-
I'm new to Affinity Designer and I'm not a graphic artist.  I'm a sewn product developer and I'm trying to switch my fabric layout work to affinity designer.
I'm looking for help with creating a style template that will produce the highest and best result when adding custom name plates, text, and a makers mark to the fabric.

I've added some images of my work which I feel certain could be improved upon.  I get really stuck on the "light angle" in the 3D function. If you look closely at the MAEVE label on the left edge the lighting is causing it to be ligher on that side vs. the other end.  I'm searching for the right settings to make these "faux name plates" pop off the background without any sort of shading or lighting.  

 

Is this possible?  If not do you have any advice for the next best approach.

 

Thank you to anyone who has time to help.

D

 

[Callum]

Hi d.c. avallone,

Would you be able to provide one of the Affinity project files in question so I can take a look at the 3D effect here at my end? I wonder though if this wont be as obvious when not printed onto a material with light reflecting off it etc.

Thanks
C

[thomaso]

21 hours ago, d.c. avallone said:

I get really stuck on the "light angle" in the 3D function. If you look closely at the MAEVE label on the left edge the lighting is causing it to be ligher on that side vs. the other end. 

If I understand it correctly, you don't want a gradient over the whole label, but evenly, only within the frame/boundary ... while the print material does not matter here?

If yes, you would avoid any effect that offers a direction / angle setting because those are made to create a lighting effect that decreases across the entire element.

Alternatively you can use a texture brush with the wanted 'profile' for the stroke / boundary around the label – or simply apply an affect like "Inner Glow" for instance. To avoid it affecting the label's fill you would separate the objects, one for fill, the other for stroke, like so …

 

[d.c. avallone]

3 hours ago, Callum said:

Hi d.c. avallone,

Would you be able to provide one of the Affinity project files in question so I can take a look at the 3D effect here at my end? I wonder though if this wont be as obvious when not printed onto a material with light reflecting off it etc.

Thanks
C

Hi Callum,

Oh I see the attachment option open when I go to reply.  I've included the file here too.

MaeveNamePlate.afdesign

[d.c. avallone]

2 hours ago, thomaso said:

If I understand it correctly, you don't want a gradient over the whole label, but evenly, only within the frame/boundary ... while the print material does not matter here?

If yes, you would avoid any effect that offers a direction / angle setting because those are made to create a lighting effect that decreases across the entire element.

Alternatively you can use a texture brush with the wanted 'profile' for the stroke / boundary around the label – or simply apply an affect like "Inner Glow" for instance. To avoid it affecting the label's fill you would separate the objects, one for fill, the other for stroke, like so …

 

Hello Thomaso,

This seems incredibly helpful.  You understood my goal completely and I will practice this technique today!! Thank you.

Dona