Quick Tip: Using Gradients to Create a Vector Bug

Quick Tip: Using Gradients to Create a Vector Bug

on Jul 16th 2010 with 17 comments
Tutorial Details
  • Program: Adobe Illustrator CS4
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour

Final Product What You'll Be Creating

In this Vector Quick Tip, you will use various Gradient effects, the Envelope Distort tool and Transparency settings to create a stylized bug illustration.

Step 1

Start by using the Ellipse Tool (L) to draw an oval.

Step 2

Fill the oval with a nice looking radial gradient using the Gradient Tool (G.)

Step 3

Make the gradient work to your advantage by dragging it into an oval shape. Drag the highlighted area upward.

Step 4

Bring the overall size of the gradient down too by dragging the highlighted point inward.

Step 5

Give the bug some texture by first drawing an oval. Fill the oval with a white to transparent linear gradient.

Step 6

Draw several more ovals throughout the bug. We’ll use the Align palette to adjust the spacing between the shapes. Select all the oval shapes as shown below and in the Align palette under "Align To" select Align To Selection. Next, click both Horizontal Align Center and Vertical Distribute Center.

Step 7

Create a highlight on the top of the bug by drawing yet another oval and filling it with a radial gradient that fades to transparent. The center-most area of the bug should be white while the edges taper to transparent.

Step 8

To create the legs and antenna use the Star Tool. While you’re drawing the star hold the down arrow to adjust the number of points the shape has. Fill the triangle with a linear gradient that is lighter in the center.

Step 9

Go to Effect > Envelope Distort. Select Arc and Vertical. Enter a Bend of about 25%. Click OK.

Step 10

Go to Object > Expand. Uncheck Fill and click OK.

Step 11

Use the Pen Tool to draw the shadow under the legs. Fill the shadow with a linear black to white gradient.

Step 12

Last, draw another oval to act as the shadow for the overall bug. In the Transparency palette set all your shadow shapes (legs and overall bug shadow) to Multiply, so they all blend well with each other.

Conclusion

That’s it, you’ve just learned how to create a vector bug! From here you can try experimenting with shapes, sizes and colors to create an entire army of bugs! Enjoy.

Tags: Tips
 
Enjoyed this Post?

Subscribe to our RSS Feed, Follow us on Twitter or simply recommend us to friends and colleagues!

By

Rollover to read this author's bio or click through to see a full list of posts by this author.

I specialize in design, branding and illustration. I have extensive hands-on experience developing concepts and projects from inception through implementation. I'm available for freelance work so please visit my website at jonathanpatterson.com and contact me if you have a project you'd like me to work on! You can also find me on Twitter: @jon_patterson.  

Plus Premium
 
 
  • http://www.sj-creative.co.uk Simon Judd

    I really love the final outcome of this bug … very cool. Well done.

  • Chad

    Fast, effective. I like it!

  • Amanda

    So cute! I love this!

  • http://www.krop.com/lukeeaton/ Luke

    Great tips and the final image is pretty cool!

  • http://kathysdotcom.com Kathy

    Great quick tut! This process helps to emphasize that many things can be built with simple shapes. You just have to think about how to do it.

    • Shahrez Rafiq

      Umm…
      Yeah but the “thinking” is the only most difficult part of designing process.

  • http://theinspirationblog.net/ Callum Chapman

    So simple but so cool! :)

  • shxxx82

    omg just did it ;)
    works 100% and looks awesome… didnt figured out the way you put the gradient
    following the form… but found another way ^^

    v nice… thx

  • http://www.jonathanpatterson.com Jonathan Patterson
    Author

    Thanks guys!

  • http://bradleydurham.com Bradley

    Nice tutorial. I am just learning Illustrator.

    A couple of comments for people who have CS5:

    1. The command to warp the legs is found under Objects > Envelope Distort > Make with Warp. All the other settings should be the same as in the tutorial.

    2. The gradient in the legs and arms will not warp with the object unless you have checked the box for “Distort Linear Gradients” in Objects > Envelope Distort > Envelope Options.

    Thanks again,

    Bradley

    • Chris

      Thanks for the tip about getting the gradient to warp, I thought I was doing it wrong :D

  • http://www.twitter.com/ubermatik Theo Hodkin

    So cool! Great final outcome, would be good for an icon. Love this!

  • Shahrez Rafiq

    Awesome Awesome Awesome.

  • gene

    I’m using CS5. Step 9. Only the shape bends but the gradient remains straight :- /

  • gene

    NVM saw Bradley’s post. Thanks mate!

  • Oneofmetwo

    Excellent tutorial.

    For those of us still using CS4, steps 9 and 10 should be switched. You need to expand the gradient in order for it to warp. In addition, in CS4, Envelope Distort is located under Object, not Effect, although you can access Warp through Effect.

    Nice tutorial!

  • http://supertuffe.wordpress.com/ Ulf

    Hello!

    First of all, GREAT SITE! I have been working with technical illustration for 15 years and have in the later years worked with Illustrator from version 7 to the CS4. And I have learned a tone of great tips and trix from this site! Great Work!

    But my question is in step 6; I do not seem to get my head around the vertical distribution feature, when I am doing this step all the gradient ellipses is being collected in the center of the Bug body? They are not distributed nicely as shown in the picture in step 6.

    What am I doing wrong? No i’m from Sweden so if you do not understand my english I will try to explain further :)

    Best regards from sunny Sweden!
    Ulf