How to Blend a Gradient Mesh in Illustrator CS5

Video by: Frankwyte81

Hey it's Frank here from QF Designs. The point of this Vector 101 blog is to teach and give insight. With this video I want to teach you a simple technique of how to blend your gradient mesh project. If you want to add a nose on your face mesh, now you can. Follow these instructions and after a couple of tries, tit will be natural. This Illustrator tutorial will come in handy for adding many different sections of mesh. Learning this technique will get you one step closer to making the gradient mesh tool your friend. If you have any question leave a comment below.

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How to Start A Gradient Mesh Face In Illustrator

How to Start A Gradient Mesh Face In Illustrator (Vector Wednesday)

Hey it Frank again  from QF Designs. This is the first in this video series to show you how I create a gradient mesh vector. In the coming weeks I will be showing you how to create the eyes, hair, nose, etc. So stay tuned for the following videos.

This video I will be showing you how to get started with a gradient mesh. How to setup your file and where to go from there. One of the hardest things in Illustrator is the gradient mesh tool. With my help, I can make it easier for you, but you have to develop the patience and be willing to learn. I'm giving the blueprints and with these blueprints you probably won't have the struggles I had when I started out. There are many techniques to produce a gradient mesh project, but this is the way I create mine. So good luck and if you have any questions, leave a comment below.

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Matt Ryan Vector

Hey it's Frank from QF Designs. This is my new gradient mesh piece. It took me about 32 hours to complete in Illustrator CS5. When I finished this project had the total of 102 layers. This process requires patience, but when your confidence gets there, you'll love those 20 hours days in front of the computer (I guarantee it). When creating gradient mesh pieces, I strive for realism. It can be challenging to create reality, because it's about what your eye perceives as reality. This was a difficult piece of art to create. I had to deal with different shapes and textures that I don't normally create with the gradient mesh. But I always aim to challenge myself with the mesh.

I usually set a goal when I start out. My goal will be something like, I want to nail down realistic textures in skin and equipment. Then, I build up the supporting pieces and I go to work on the goals I set. But when you start building up your supporting pieces, use the layers to your advantage. You don't have to create perfect shapes, Illustrator will help you some here by hiding the ugliness below a layer. (Random Thought) Save your work often, because you don't want to work for 5 hours and lose your progress, it's very painful, trust me. For QF Designs T-shirts, click here!!!

Matt Ryan Vector

The Outlines

                                                                  

20 Free Vector Art Websites

To help your art stand out, you have to use some of the best Adobe Illustrator resources on the internet. Over the past couple of months, I have been bookmarking interesting, useful and creative Adobe Illustrator tutorials and Resources for you to utilize. So in today’s post, you’ll find links to some websites that provide a vast array of top-notch brushes, tutorials, patterns, vector packs, clip art, free images, tips, tricks and .EPS downloadable files that others have freely given to the design community. I listed 20 websites with free vector art that will help take your artwork to the next level. 

1. QVectors

QVectors offers many quality vectors that will fit your every need. 

2. Cool Vectors

Free downloads in Illustrator format (.ai and .eps). Their inventory with over 2 million different files.

3. Deviantart

One of the best online resources for any genre of art. The site has file updates everyday. They also offer royalty free images and design elements.

4. Vector Stock

Has one of the largest collection of free royalty free vector images. They buy and sell vectors.

5. Vector Vault

An excellent resource to find free quality files.

6. Garcya

They provide free vector graphics, icons and packs.

7. Vector 4 Free

The website has a large collection of vector graphics. They update frequently, so you can check back often for new resources.

8. Vector Diary

If you new to Illustrator, this site can be very beneficial for you. They offer tutorials and many vector related graphics.

9. Vector Art

The original free open source vector site. They offer tutorials, free downloads, free images and premium images.

10. Free Vectors Daily

They have over 16 million high quality designs waiting for you. They also have clip art, logos, and other design elements.

11. Brands of the World

12. Createsk8

13. For Designer

14. 123 Free Vectors

15. Great Vectors

16. Vector Tuts+

17. Vector Lady

18. Easy Vectors

19. AI Vault

20. All Silhouettes

What are you waiting for? Go and create the next Mona Lisa!

Gradient Mesh Hair Tutorial pt.1

Illustrator CS5  (Gradient Mesh Hair Tutorial pt.1)

In this tutorial, I will discuss the basic skills you need to create hair with the gradient mesh tool. Illustrator don't make it easy to learn to utilize this fantastic tool. When I first started playing around with the g-mesh, it was hard to find tutorials that were for the beginner/intermediate level artist. That was my goal with these videos. I had the Illustrator beginners in mind. Hell, when I started, I didn't even know what a vector was, lol. But the mesh tool can be intimidating at first, but once you learn it you be creating some beautiful art, I promise that. Learn the basics first. Once you gain the knowledge and confidence, you will have an easy time moving forward with your mesh progression.