displacement mapping is the best way for you to go, especially on the one you want to close ups on. Only problem is that maya's displacement aint great. You will need a poly with a high tesselation to get good results. Mind you if you are using MR that's better at it.... it would be a waste of time modelling the writing Just do it with texturing.
Alan
Technical Director - Framestore
Currently working on: Your Highness
IMDB