Simple, Professional Text Effects

[horrorslice]

I'm kind of a newbie to PS, and I'm trying to figure out how people achieve these text effects. They look like they are just font on a background, but when I try to do that, it obviously does not come close to looking like anything similar. I don't know if it's just some drop shadow, or something along the lines. I've been searching tutorials and Google endlessly to try to get this kind of result. Any help would be appreciated! Also, how to make the gradients nice and smooth like that. It seems like I can't make it perfect. :/

 

[RTContent]

The first image just uses a gradient that fades darker towards the edges. Like this:

Apart from this, it just looks like a very thin (perhaps custom) type. Have a search online for fonts, I'm sure you will find something similar.

 

[sprucemagoo1]

The text on all of them have had a slight gaussian blur as well.

 

[Carson]

Yeah, the gradient background. It's Radial. The lighter color in the middle makes the text stand out some what more, and everything. Use complimentary colors and what not. It's just small things that come together to make a logo complete.

 

[horrorslice]

Thanks guys. The radial gradient / blur really helped achieve the look I've been trying to get. You are awesome. <3