Mesh Tool:
Steps:
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- Now Create a New Layer.
- On this layer you will use the pen tool to outline your shape. (If you are creating something like the pepper in the video where you have the pepper and then the top and the stem, you will create 2 different shapes. Start with the main one first.)
- Make the shape have no stroke and a fill that is a much different color than what it will end up being. This will help ensure that you have correctly sellected all colors in the end.
- Now hit V or select the move tool and select your shape.
- Go to the top and click on Object>Create Gradient Mesh.
- This will open up a window where you can choose how many mesh lines you have. For my apple I chose 6 by 6. You can always add more later with the mesh tool.
- Hit OK and your grid lines will appear on your object.
- Now return to your layers panel.
- Click on your shape layer. Now hold CTRL and click on the eye for that layer. (This will put you into outline mode so you can see your image underneath.
- Lock your image layer so you do not accidently select or move it.
- Next open up the Navigation Panel.
- This will show your shape with the color still visible so you can see the changes that occur as you make them.
- Now time to add our mesh.
- Hit A, or the Direct Selection tool and click on one of the anchor points on your shape.
- Now hit I or select the Eyedropper tool and select a color that is close to the anchor point you selected.
- In your Navigation screen you should see the color change.
- Continue doing this to every anchor point on your object.
- Your Navigation window will help you see if you have missed any anchor points since your color should be very different from your end result.
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Blend Tool:The Blend tool allows you to create interesting and diverse forms and gradients between 2 or more shapes.
Steps:
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Saving your practice Mesh and Blend Examples:
Once you have completed your mesh and blend tool examples export your final design.
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Blend Tool. Retrieved January 11th, 2017. http://www.smor.tv/tutorials/illustrator-tutorials/illustrator-blend-tool-tutorial/; Mesh Tool. Retrieved January 11th, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vNQW1j7hfQ;