Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Mastering Complexity
Mastering Complexity
INTRODUCTION
The organized whole is more than the sum of its parts. Combining tools and
techniques in Illustrator can yield
WOW!
results. In this chapter we'll look at such
synergy.
Please keep in mind that this chapter will be quite daunting, if not overwhelming, if
you're not comfortable with what has been covered in previous chapters.
In this chapter you'll find a variety of techniques, including making patterns;
working with opacity and transparency; creating multiple-object, shaped blends;
working with different kinds of masks; and combining features to solve complex
problems.
Permanent Pattern panel
To keep the Pattern Options panel in your workspace, dock it where you want it, then
disable
Auto-Exit Pattern Editing Mode in the panel's pop-out menu. To ensure the
panel stays permanently docked, save a custom workspace (see the chapter
Your
Creative Workspace
). To start a new pattern, use one of the methods to enter Pattern
Editing Mode (see “
Entering Pattern Editing Mode (PEM)
”
Entering PEM
).
PATTERN MAKING
Prior to CS6, creating a pattern was laboriously manual. You had to draw all of the
elements in a pattern tile within a bounding box. With the new Pattern Options
panel, you can draw a pattern, adjust the size of the tile, create a repeat offset, and
edit the elements, all while previewing multiple repeats with live updating of your
edits.
Expanded pattern objects
Illustrator has to expand objects such as symbols and brushes before it can create a
pattern swatch. To keep those features “live” for future edits, either design those
portions of the artwork on the artboard first, bringing them into PEM, or after PEM
warns you about expanding, cancel the Save. Still within PEM, select and copy the
objects to the clipboard, then save the pattern and exit PEM. Paste the objects to
your artboard. They won't be part of the pattern, but you can still edit them as
symbols, brushes, etc., rather than only having the option to edit them as discreet
objects within the swatch itself.
