Take a one-minute look at our technique; the steps are written out below.

Step 1: Be bold and get moving.

Select the Type tool, then open the Character panel and choose your font. We liked Helvetica Neue Condensed Bold, 72 pt for this effect.

Step 2: Make it a shape.

Select the type, and while holding down the Alt/Option key, drag the word inward from the left side to make the word thinner. Then, right-click and click Create Outlines.

Step 3: Reshape the type.

Use the Direct Selection tool to select points and then drag to customize the typography.

Step 4: Prepare for distortion.

Select the word, then choose Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Mesh. Set up your mesh with five rows and one column.

Step 5: Make the title wave.

Select points in the mesh with the Direct Selection tool and drag to move them left or right to create the ideal wave. Then select the word with the Selection tool and choose Object > Expand to make the word an editable shape again.

Step 6: Find your path.

Prep the word so that you can fill it with an image. To do this, make sure the word is selected, then choose Object > Compound Path > Make.

Step 7: Add a picture.

Drag the sample image from the library (Window > Libraries) and move it into position, or choose File > Place to use your own. Then right-click the image and choose Arrange > Send to Back to place it behind the wavy word.

Step 8: Fill the word.

Drag the Selection tool to select both the word and the image. Then right-click and choose Make Clipping Mask.

Step 9: Make some adjustments.

Double-click on your clipping mask to rotate, scale, or reflect your image within the word. Use the Direct Selection tool to move the points in your mask to see more or less of your image.

Move and groove.

Endless combinations of typography, envelope meshes, and images give you the chance to ride the type wave for many designs to come.