How to create this in AI?

[NStocks]

Hi,

I want to be able to use a pen path for the outline but fill it with a gradient.

I guess it's just easier to look at the attached...

Although this image shows blue going to light blue, would it be possible to show orange to red to orange ? Red being in the middle whilst orange is on the outside edges (right and left) of the path?

Thank You!

PS Are there any 'easy' or more effective ways to create the style of this arrow, which is fluent, rather than simply using the pen tool ? (like if I could warp it? )

 

[THX1139]

Hi,

I want to be able to use a pen path for the outline but fill it with a gradient.

I guess it's just easier to look at the attached...

Although this image shows blue going to light blue, would it be possible to show orange to red to orange ? Red being in the middle whilst orange is on the outside edges (right and left) of the path?

Thank You!

PS Are there any 'easy' or more effective ways to create the style of this arrow, which is fluent, rather than simply using the pen tool ? (like if I could warp it? )

Yes, that would be extremely easy to do - especially WITH the pen tool. And yes, you can change the blend to any color you want. There are a bunch of tutorials and books available that will teach you all aspects of AI if you are willing to invest the time to learn it like I have.

 

[NStocks]

So it is possible but you won't tell me how?

Sounds a little strange given that it's a 'help' forum, not a directories forum.

I have searched but the tutorials I've found seem to be old or not what I want exactly...

It's mainly the shape that I want now as I have already created the gradient in PS.

 

[logoiweb]

Yes, that would be extremely easy to do - especially WITH the pen tool. And yes, you can change the blend to any color you want. There are a bunch of tutorials and books available that will teach you all aspects of AI if you are willing to invest the time to learn it like I have.

I agree with him you can do it just the way he has instructed.

 

[bluetooth]

You can import or open the image you posted in Ai and use the pen tool to trace the shape to make a vector.


Create Vector Graphics in Illustrator
http://articles.sitepoint.com/article/graphics-illustrator-freehand

 

[eellingb]

These are the steps I would use after pasting in the scanned rough as a guide.

1. Use the Pen Tool to roughly outline the shape
2. Use the Convert Anchor Point Tool and Direct Selection Tool to manipulate points until shape is correct
3. Use Selection Tool to select object
4. Under Color window highlight Stroke and change to none, highlight Fill and click on the Gradient window
5. Create or select the appropriate gradient in the Gradient window

Hope this helps. Use Illustrator Help to learn the specifics on using the Pen Tool and how to create the Gradient.

 

[JasonElise1983]

Well if you want to do something easy, and similar...

open up the "Arrows" Brush Palette
draw a line using the brush you like best
go to Object > Expand Appearance
go to Effect > Warp

Finished.

 

[usclaneyj]

So it is possible but you won't tell me how?

Sounds a little strange given that it's a 'help' forum, not a directories forum.

I have searched but the tutorials I've found seem to be old or not what I want exactly...

It's mainly the shape that I want now as I have already created the gradient in PS.

He told you what to do. Use the pen tool. It is literally that easy.

Pen tool doesn't just make straight shapes. You can drag the handles out to create curves. And also, you don't need to be using Photoshop to create the gradient. You can make gradients within Illustrator.

Since you don't know how to do any of that (My assumption based on your response), THX's suggestion that you pick up a help manual is also valid.

 

[NStocks]

He told you what to do. Use the pen tool. It is literally that easy.

Pen tool doesn't just make straight shapes. You can drag the handles out to create curves. And also, you don't need to be using Photoshop to create the gradient. You can make gradients within Illustrator.

Since you don't know how to do any of that (My assumption based on your response), THX's suggestion that you pick up a help manual is also valid.

I know how to 'use' AI, I just don't know how you create a path/shape and insert 2 different gradient which will essentially 'clash' with each other.

I am more than capable at using the pen tool and warp tool but since AI is quite extensive, I wondered if there was pre-set lines etc. I see that there are brushed that I could also use.

Thank you JasonElise1983, eellingb and bluetooth for your helpful responses.

 

[usclaneyj]

Hey now, I promise there was absolutely no venom in my reply.

Anyway, glad you figured it out. Still not sure what you mean by "2 different gradients that will essentially clash with each other". There is a gradient palette directly in Illustrator and you can apply as many colors to the gradient as you like. If the gradient needs to follow the form of a shape, you can create a gradient mesh and pull the grid to follow the shape.

Apologies for offending you.

 

[NStocks]

Hey now, I promise there was absolutely no venom in my reply.

Anyway, glad you figured it out. Still not sure what you mean by "2 different gradients that will essentially clash with each other". There is a gradient palette directly in Illustrator and you can apply as many colors to the gradient as you like. If the gradient needs to follow the form of a shape, you can create a gradient mesh and pull the grid to follow the shape.

Apologies for offending you.

Nope I wasn't offended at all. I was simply pointing out that you was the 3rd person to say " It's simple, read the manual" basically. I don't see the point in just saying that's already being said - that wasn't that helpful in the first place.

Thank you for your help.

 

[THX1139]

I know how to 'use' AI, I just don't know how you create a path/shape and insert 2 different gradient which will essentially 'clash' with each other.

I am more than capable at using the pen tool and warp tool but since AI is quite extensive, I wondered if there was pre-set lines etc. I see that there are brushed that I could also use.

Thank you JasonElise1983, eellingb and bluetooth for your helpful responses.

Wow, you just want everything handed to you? How are you going to learn if you are expecting other people to tell you how to do something? But anyway, I DID tell you how... you're just over thinking it, or looking for the lazy/easy way. And if you were "more than capable..." with AI, you wouldn't have even needed to post the question in the first place. Preset lines? What are you talking about? Just drop the image onto a layer and trace it with the pen tool - then do a gradient fill. Using the pen tool is a basic AI function and the FIRST thing you should have learned if you are so capable! Give it a try and have fun with it. If you have trouble tracing with the pen, post your results and we can "help" you from there.

You seem to expect a lot from strangers. Some of us actually read the manual and paid money to learn the tools. I prefer to help people who are willing to help themselves first and then ask questions once they have done that. Sorry if that offended you.