Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
REINHART
Layered Patterns
Building Depth and Complexity in PEM
Advanced Technique
Overview:
Design basic elements for your pattern and enter PEM; establish a height and
width for your tile; choose a Tile Type; position the pattern elements and experiment with
Swatch Bounds; vary the level of detail to enhance depth.
Sabine Reinhart specializes in creating richly complex, layered patterns, constructed
so all the elements involved enhance the illusion of depth. Illustrator's Pattern
Editing Mode (PEM) makes it easier than ever to experiment with the placement of
elements as Reinhart gradually builds up her pattern. Although her patterns are
often large enough to slow most computers down to a crawl, the organic look she
achieves rewards her patience.
1 Starting the pattern tile with its first elements.
Rein-hart had drawn her main elements,
created a color group, and determined the size and tile type (Grid in this case) before
she began her pattern. Selecting her artwork, she entered Pattern Editing Mode (Ob-
ject> Pattern> Make), and manually entered the Width and Height in the Patterns
panel. Using the Move tool, she adjusted the position of each flower so that it over-
lapped the Swatch Bounds (which in the Grid tile type is the same as the Tile size,
and shown
Grid tile size
outlined in red for clarity), leaving room for adding subordi-
nate artwork both above and below the first objects.
