How to Create X-Ray Bubbles in a Technical Illustration – Vector Plus Tutorial

Aug 12th in News by Mark R Berggren

We have another great Vector Plus tutorial available exclusively for Plus members today. If you want to learn how to show components that are hidden by other objects in your vector illustrations, then we have an awesome tutorial for you. Learn more about this tutorial at the jump!

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Author: Mark R Berggren

I have been a Technical Illustrator for the past 15 years. I currently work for a manufacturing company with the title of Publications Supervisor. My specialty is creating isometric, exploded assemblies for use in parts books and training materials. I also freelance on the side and have worked with many clients in developing illustrations, logos, brochures and web sites. I sell some of my artwork through GraphicRiver - and T-shirts through Zazzle. To find out more about me, visit my personal web site.

This Vector Plus Tutorial is Filled with Informative Techniques

This is a technique I learned years ago while doing technical illustration. This technique offers a unique way to show components that are hidden by other objects in your illustration, such as a cover on a piece of machinery.

Tutorial Details

  • Program: Illustrator CS3
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
FinalImage

Plus members can Log in and Download! If you're not a member, you can of course join today! You can view the final illustration below.

This is a Detailed and Professional Tutorial

Plus members can Log in and Download! Otherwise, Join Now! Below are some sample images, which show some of the development of this tutorial.

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Vector Plus Membership

As you know, we run a premium membership system here called Plus that costs $9 a month (or $22 for 3 months!) which gives members access to the Source files for tutorials as well as periodic extra tutorials, like this one! If you're a Plus member you can log in and download the tutorial. If you're not a member, you can of course join today!

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User Comments

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    Robotgoosethatsloose August 12th

    Holy cow, I wish I had a plus account.

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      Simon Vansintjan August 12th

      Yeah, for this one, I’ll second that notion.

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    Bruno Gätjens González August 12th

    I like the end result, maybe just point that the gray lines over the bubble to indicate the transparency don’t look good, looks like incomplete. Maybe this can be of some help http://www.khulsey.com/student.html :)

    Thanks.

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    Simona August 12th

    Very cool and super detailed. Great job Mark!

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    Melody August 12th

    Good to know for work with diagrams..coolie

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    Diego SA August 12th

    I need to read it calmly. Awesome outcome!

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    David Moreen August 12th

    Man that looks interesting, yet complicated, can’t wait to get started! Thanks in advanced.

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    Jeff M August 13th

    This is a fantastic tutorial. There are a lot of designers out there, myself included, that have to do technical illustrations to show the inside parts of products in the manufacturing industry. The tutorial gives you a good start.

    Here is another designer I came across that takes this to the ‘Nth” Power of doing technical illustration (not that i’m looking to plug the guy, but he does some amazing work) http://www.khulsey.com/

    ( Reply )
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    Shane August 14th

    Wow – that illustration is amazing!!!

    ( Reply )
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