Learn How to Create Realistic Vector Fire
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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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Great tutorial! Very effective end result and so easy to follow even my nan could manage this one…
A simple, yet effective tutorial. Thanks again.
Easy and fast! Good effect!
Does it look like fire? Nor realistic!?
simple but very nice. Useful techniques used.
you mainly use one method but the end result is stunning!
got some wisedom form this one
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.
not bad
cool effect! thanks for sharing
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.
I actually much prefer the image in step 6 than the end result.
Typical cartoonist I guess
This is hot. (sorry about this bad pun)
wow! this is really great. the best ideas are always the simple ones. good job.
Hi! Great tutorial, thanks! I would like to know which font you use in the “vectips” text in the final image. Thanks.
gotta agree with Lee Milthorpe, the cartoony version is just better. the final result isn’t that realistic imo.
cool effect!
Thanks!
What about these freebies http://www.designious.com/free/cat_11.html
Simple and nice. Thanks
Pretty easy. cool though.
It looks okay, good tutorial though
I can clearly imagine you can make some awesome stuff with this technique!
not as good as i´m used to see in psdtuts or vectortuts
Great tut!!
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?
didnt know is that easy
Great little tutorial – like the end result very much
easy to follow tutorial
So simple yet so effective, thanks
simple and really nice ;D
thanks for the tutorial!.
@Carl did you pay for it?
I made a video tutorial where you can achive a similar effect by another technique.
Why call it realistic if it doesn’t even look real??
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
Great! The power of blend tool. I always adore the way it works.
nIcE
not bad at all, with some minor changes can look better. Thanks!
Didn’t forget about the blur filter.
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.
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.
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.
simple but very useful
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.
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
Great effect thanks
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!
Good work, thanks for sharing
wow.. simple yet stunning thanks 4 this
wow….gr8 work and learn to create flame as i m a learner of illustrator i enjoyed it n dis is quite easy
My end result didn’t come out right. Was I supposed to do the smooth blend or the specified steps?