How do you warp text to look like this?

[mBrandon83]

I've been using adobe illustrator for a little bit over a week now. I'm having trouble on how to warp text like the picture below. Can't seem to find a specific warp that does this.

[John Mensinger]

Your example wasn't done using a built-in warp. It was done manually with time and talent.

[Monika Gause]

Regarding the way the serifs get thinner in the center of that lettering: it's probably done automatically

@mBrandon: please post a screenshot of your artwork and your failed attempts

[kphotopage · Accepted solution]

MBrandon, Hi.

This will get you in that direction.

Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Warp.
Here I applied a slight Bulge,-6%

Selection Tool (black arrow), drag downward on bottom center handle.

K