Also, this is a new file, so it’s currently at the top, but folder older material the search works great too. Thx.

But yah, you can create a texture in PS, either from a scan, photo, or something else, and then apply Live Trace to the image in Illustrator. Feel free to drop a link in here if you come across any relevant tuts on this subject, whether they are old or recent, as it may help others.

Some of the steps in this tutorial http://vector.tutsplus.com/tutorials/tools-tips/how-to-create-a-spray-grunge-splatter/ where helpful for creating multiple shapes to work with quickly when building patterns. In the tut a spray pattern is created, but you can create many types of textures this way. And by manually copying, creating, and moving shapes as well.

One thing to be mindful of though is the file size, as your using many shapes, so that means loads of points, and the file size can increase really fast. I use Object > Path > Simplify on many of the shapes to keep the file size down.

This tutorial is also really helpful to understand how to make free flowing seamless patterns http://vector.tutsplus.com/tutorials/designing/how-to-make-a-foolproof-flowery-wallpaper-pattern/

Let me know if any other questions come up. Thx!

You can then use blending effects to add a digital grunge feel to an element. It’s similar to scanning in a texture to add a worn feel to your work, only these are vector.