I get error message when I try to intersect/cutout font from image

[heatherwooleryart]

I have a graphic that I've overlayed front on top of. I select both images>Window>Pathfinder>Minus Front and I get one of two error messages that I screenshot and am including. I've also tried selecting the font > holding down my shift and selecting the graphic behind it > hold down alt > clicking intersect as suggested by someone here on Adobe Support. Both options didn't work. What could be the issue?

[Jacob Bugge]

Heather,

You can outline the font, then do it; or you can turn the font (full) black and make an (Opacity) Mask (Transparency panel).