Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
MCGARRY
Aaron McGarry
McGarry created this exploded view of a key fob using a variety of Illustrator
features, including vector tools, symbols, and 3D, as well as texture and drop
shadow effects. He created the PCB (printed circuit board) using basic paths and
applied a variety of gradients and textures, saving some of the PCB components as
symbols so he could easily duplicate them. For the batteries and buttons, he
applied modified gradients from the Gradients> Metals library and placed icons on
top of the buttons. For the batteries he added text on a curved path, slightly
reducing the opacity of the text to blend it with the metal background. To easily
apply edge bevels to the fob housing, buttons, and key ring section, McGarry
separately applied Effect> 3D> Extrude & Bevel to each. While still in the Extrude &
Bevel Options dialog, he also applied the image maps that he'd saved as symbols
for the fob front and bevels. Clicking the Map Art button, he navigated to the visible
surfaces with the arrow keys, and for each he chose the image that he'd prepared.
McGarry created the key ring using the Ellipse tool with a stroke, no fill; he extruded
and applied a Rounded bevel; then rotated it in profile and applied maps and
shadows (see detail above). He made three copies, shortening one to indicate the
ring end. He rotated and moved the fourth ring (lowest) behind the others. Selecting
each part of the fob separately, he adjusted lighting controls by clicking the More
Options button in the Extrude & Bevel Options to expand the dialog. Finally, since
the 3D lighting controls don't cast shadows, to create the illusion of different object
depths he separately selected each part of the fob (front housing, buttons, key
rings, and back), then applied and adjusted drop shadows using Effect>
Stylize>Drop Shadow.
