How to overlap text in Illustrator?

[Chris2534070108tg]

I've started a new job designing t-shirts, stickers, etc for a cafe. The previous designer of the t-shirt (photo attached) did some really cool artwork, and I'm trying to figure out how it was accomplished. I know the font is Strenuous 3D, but whenever I copy the word "bagels" it just gets overlapped so much it's hard to read (also attached a photo for reference) I want to make stickers out of that t-shirt design we already have. Any guidance would be so very appreciated, I'm still getting familiar with Illustrator and all of its features. 

[Mylenium]

Add a proper fill to the inside.

Mylenium 

[Chris2534070108tg]

I've tried filling the text, but when I choose a color it only fills the outside of the letters, not the inside.

[michelew83603738]

You need a stroke on the outside (the reddish color) and a fill (the white) on the inside. That should be taking care of this problem. I am not sure why you are not able to get a fil on the inside or what you have done to the text (i.e., convert to a shape) but if you make the whole thing into live paint, you should be able to then fill it. If not, please post a screenshot of your layers panel expanded.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Convert the Text to Outlines (Type Menu>Create Outlines), that will allow you to remove the compound mask (Object menu>Compound Path>Release) and fill the letters with white.

[Chris2534070108tg]

Thanks so much, I was able to figure it out that way! Appreciate the help 🙂

[pixxxelschubser]

Or with live text and monochrome background (sorry for my German UI)

Open the Appearance panel

Create a new fill color in the Appearance panel in the background colour

Adding the Pathfinder Effect

Drag the fill colour with effect (in the panel) under "Characters"

Adding the Transform effect

Done

[Chris2534070108tg]

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation!