As always the name plaques start with the vectorized design. The lettering was simply typed. For the background I had to build a file using diamonds. The simplest way was to use long rectangles going diagonally in both directions and then use the jigsaw tool to pick out the shapes I needed.
Then I used the distort tool (new in version 5 of EnRoute) to bend up the lines a little.
Then I built a flat relief and modified it using a rectangle with rounded corners to add a dome shape to the top. I would use the same vectors and angle of dome to modify the letter outline a few steps down the line. I then modified the relief once more by adding to it using the diamond shapes as a mask.
My favorite bitmap from the TEXTURE MAGIC Collection called splotches was used to add a little texture to the surface.
The lettering was next, first building a flat relief and then modifying it using the dome tool and using the rounded corner rectangle.
The lettering outline was then nudged up to position in the front view using the up key and then merged highest to become part of the base relief.
