For this tutorial, I wanted to do something simpler then my previous tutorials. This is not just a beginners tutorial though. This tutorial shows the simplicity and power that Illustrator possesses. In turn, this tutorial's techniques can be applied to many other elements other than fire.
Final Image Preview
First, let's take a look at the image we'll be creating. Below is the completed illustration to see what you'll be working toward.
Step 1
Create a document that is 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Double-click on the Pencil Tool from the Tools Panel to bring up the Pencil Tool Preferences dialog. In the dialog change the Fidelity to .5.
Step 2
With the Pencil Tool, draw a flame shape that is roughly 8.5 inches tall by 5 inches wide. Then fill it with black. Make sure that the Paths are closed by pressing Alt before finishing drawing the shape.
Step 3
Draw another flame shape within the first one, making sure not to overlap the shapes (sometimes this causes the Blend not to work properly). Once you have finished drawing and closing the shape, fill it with an orange color.
Step 4
Draw another flame shape within the previous one, and fill it with a yellow color. Keep in mind you want the path closed and not overlapping the other paths.
Step 5
Draw another flame shape within the previous one and fill with a light orange.
Step 6
Draw another flame shape within the previous one and fill with a light yellow.
Step 7
Draw another flame shape within the previous one and fill with white.
Step 8
Now that all the flame shapes are drawn, select all the flames and create a Blend by going to Object > Blend > Make.
Step 9
Create a rectangle the same size as your document. Fill it with your first flame shape's black color. Then send it behind the flame blend by going to Object > Arrange > Send to Back.
Final Image
All done! Wasn't that easy! Again with this tutorial, I wanted to stress the ease with which you can create compelling elements for illustrations. With these same techniques you can create realistic clouds, water, or whatever. These are great techniques to start experimenting with.
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User Comments
( ADD YOURS )Ian Yates July 3rd
Great tutorial! Very effective end result and so easy to follow even my nan could manage this one…
( )Liam July 3rd
A simple, yet effective tutorial. Thanks again.
( )belzerk July 3rd
Easy and fast! Good effect!
( )RGB Enigma July 3rd
Does it look like fire? Nor realistic!?
( )dan hess July 3rd
simple but very nice. Useful techniques used.
( )pica July 3rd
you mainly use one method but the end result is stunning!
( )got some wisedom form this one
Brad July 3rd
This is the first tutorial on any of the sites (PSTUTS or this) that has really been disappointing. I don’t think this looks “realistic” at all. Perhaps “Learn How to Create STYLIZED Vector Fire” would be a more apt title.
( )kailoon July 3rd
not bad
( )Daniel July 3rd
cool effect! thanks for sharing
( )Carl July 3rd
The final effect looks fine but I can’t believe that you just got paid $150 to show us how to do a blend. I feel slightly robbed.
( )Lee Milthorpe July 3rd
I actually much prefer the image in step 6 than the end result.
Typical cartoonist I guess
( )MONSTER July 3rd
This is hot. (sorry about this bad pun)
( )D.A.T. July 3rd
wow! this is really great. the best ideas are always the simple ones. good job.
( )Leito July 3rd
Hi! Great tutorial, thanks! I would like to know which font you use in the “vectips” text in the final image. Thanks.
( )Zach LeBar July 3rd
gotta agree with Lee Milthorpe, the cartoony version is just better. the final result isn’t that realistic imo.
( )Daniel Geraldi July 3rd
cool effect!
( )Thanks!
Alex July 3rd
What about these freebies http://www.designious.com/free/cat_11.html
( )Nate July 3rd
Simple and nice. Thanks
( )Braden Keith July 3rd
Pretty easy. cool though.
( )Danny July 3rd
It looks okay, good tutorial though
( )K3v July 3rd
I can clearly imagine you can make some awesome stuff with this technique!
( )Gustavo Lemos July 3rd
not as good as i´m used to see in psdtuts or vectortuts
( )David B July 3rd
Great tut!!
( )Dave B July 3rd
Hey, awesome tut! I’ve really been meaning to use my illustrator more. I’ve been more of a Photoshop guy more than anything, but it’s never to late to learn right?
( )Andrei Constantin July 3rd
didnt know is that easy
( )Shane July 3rd
Great little tutorial – like the end result very much
( )Rijalul Fikri July 4th
easy to follow tutorial
( )Ben Griffiths July 4th
So simple yet so effective, thanks
( )Horus DB July 4th
simple and really nice ;D
( )Qvectors July 4th
thanks for the tutorial!.
@Carl did you pay for it?
( )Andre July 5th
I made a video tutorial where you can achive a similar effect by another technique.
( )Mikkel July 7th
Why call it realistic if it doesn’t even look real??
( )Azeem July 8th
Its ok….even it may not be real to look…but you showed us something new and have always been….Just grateful for the time spent…
Regards
( )Azeem
daniy! July 10th
Great! The power of blend tool. I always adore the way it works.
( )Mansoor July 24th
nIcE
( )Vector Graphics August 26th
not bad at all, with some minor changes can look better. Thanks!
( )PureDezigner August 27th
Didn’t forget about the blur filter.
( )Josh Drake November 8th
Simple tutorial, but with a nice outcome. I’m not sure if I’d go as far as to call it realistic, but it is good.
( )bl33 November 12th
Awesome, very simple, and nice result. To those complaining that it is not realistic, shut up, it is damn good for a vector illustration of fire, feel free to post your tutorials on how to make more realistic fire.
( )Brian Gonzales November 25th
Playing around with the Pencil Tool tolerance gives the flames a cool edgy look based on the same fluid drawing movements.
Nice tutorial by the way – simple and effective.
( )Grafiko December 9th
simple but very useful
( )sriganesh March 14th
great one and very simple one, my sister age 12,learned to do this. grea work dude. when i was reading from one by one , i got smiile.
( )glenn March 16th
Doesn’t work on my pc… :s
Really sad, i liked it :’(
I’m from Belgium and have a dutch Illustrator maybe i just don’t know the right words..
Greetings
( )CgBaran Tuts May 13th
Great effect thanks
( )TheUglyVector July 4th
It’s a nice effect and all but im not too crazy for it. Seems a bit out of place for me. But all in all great tut!
( )j_marreros October 19th
Good work, thanks for sharing
( )hiddan November 28th
wow.. simple yet stunning thanks 4 this
( )upanita mahala January 25th
wow….gr8 work and learn to create flame as i m a learner of illustrator i enjoyed it n dis is quite easy
( )yy January 26th
My end result didn’t come out right. Was I supposed to do the smooth blend or the specified steps?
( )