Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Red Dress - Vector Art


Artwork © 2010 Gene Gonzales

Just a little something I whipped up today in Adobe Illustrator CS5. I wanted to try out a tool that is new to this version of AI. Before the pen tool only gave you a single line weight, no thick or thin variations. But now there is a width expanding tool. After putting down the initial line, I can click on it and adjust the thickness of the line anywhere I want. I can adjust both sides of the line, or just one side. If you look at the right leg of the girl above, you can really see the variation of line thickness. This could be a very important tool for me.

After I finished adjusting the line weight, I colored the piece in AI using Live Paint, then exported into Photoshop CS5 to make a jpg of it for the blog.

This is Post #1179

8 comments:

LUD! said...

Now you've given me a reason to upgrade to Adobe CS5!

Thanks, Gene (FABULOUS piece, BTW)...

Lud

Gene Gonzales said...

I updated from CS3, so I was a couple of steps behind. There are some nice features in this update coming from CS3.

John Beatty said...

CS5 has a few good tools in it, that line expansion tool is one of them...I think the perspective grid is nice also. I didn't update yet, as I did the CS4 one and think I'll wait no until CS6.

But, to true that line weight tool might be worth the upgrade?

I think the reds got a bit pixelated in PhotShop...next time, just save it for 'web and devices' out of AI and see what you get!

I've been using the ".png" extension on my stuff like this for over a year now instead of .jpeg's.

If there are gradients, .jpeg might be better, but try this one again as a .png 24 and see if you like the "on screen" view any better?

Hope you have a great day, Gene...when you're 'un-busy' we'll have to catch up on chatting!

Gene Gonzales said...

John - I tried the trial version of AI CS5 for the perspective grid. I had hoped it would work with the project I have but it doesn't do 5 point perspective. I know I was hoping for a lot. I'm sure they will get there in time though.

I was already two steps back and seemed like a good idea to make some big purchases at the end of the year. :) Thanks for the tip for saving. There is always something new to learn!

Sometime late next week we can chat and catch up.

Royce Thrower said...

Interesting read from Big John's comment. As always, I like to hear the "behind the scenes" stuff. Cool piece Gene. I am glad you are always moving forward in your process and skill set with tools, software, paper, etc. "A rolling Gene keeps its' sheen."

I know...bad. But I just woke up a while ago...cut me some slack!

Gary M. Peiffer said...

You guys are getting too technical for me! I can see the difference the line weight makes though!

The character is pretty cool, maybe a reoccuring support character for Spacegirl and the Tiki guys!

Gary

Gene Gonzales said...

Thanks Royce! Nothing wrong with your pun. Exactly what I would expect. ;)

Gary - Actually, she is for something completely separate. :) Thanks!

Craig Zablo said...

I like the design of this one. Well done (as always), Gene!