Posts Tagged "illustrator"

The gradient mesh is one of the most powerful tools in your Illustrator toolbox, but it’s also one of the trickiest to get the hang of. This year I’m determined to master this amazing tool, so I’ve searched the web far and wide to pull together the best free training materials. This collection of tutorials covers everything from basic gradient mesh tool to some full on photorealistic vector designs. If, like me you have a mission to get to grips with gradient mesh, look no further than this collection of resources.

Gradient mesh capabilities

You only have to glance at amazing artwork such as this motorcycle rendering by Yukio Miyamoto to realise how powerful the gradient mesh tool can be. It allows the most minute control over colour gradients, enabling you to recreate highlights and shadows that help produce photorealistic images.

I like to think of the gradient mesh like the great Nunchaku, it’s a weapon of awesome capabilities that when used to its full potential by masters like Bruce Lee or Michelangelo the turtle looks insanely awesome. However it takes years of practice to become a true ninja. The same goes with the gradient mesh, when in the hands of a veteran, it can be used to create some unbelieveable photorealistic artwork, but it takes time, dedication and mental power to become a true master. Wrap a scarf around your head Karate Kid style and let’s get down to some serious training with these tutorials!

Gradient mesh tutorials

Tips for Working with the Gradient Mesh Tool In Illustrator

How to Make a Vector Military Cap Icon

Illustrator Tutorial: Gradient Mesh Flower

Create a Yummy Ice Cream Icon with Mesh Objects and Blends

Create realistic illustrations using Illustrator’s Gradient Mesh

Vectors Imitate Life with Gradient Mesh

Gradient Mesh Tutorial

Illustrate a Pair of Sweet Gradient Mesh Cherries

Gradient Mesh Bell Pepper Tutorial

Master the gradient mesh tool

Make a Shiny Gum Ball Machine with Mesh Gradients

Gradient Mesh Editing Tutorial

How to Create an Energy Saving Bulb in Illustrator

Mastering Mesh

Make an Aurora Borealis Design in Illustrator

Illustrator Tutorial: Realistic Curtain

Video Tutorials

Sometimes it’s handy to get that extra level of help from a video screencast. These tutorials help you understand the actual workflow and see the techniques in action.

The Adobe Illustrator Gradient Mesh Tool

Intro to the Gradient Mesh Tool

Create an iPod Nano Using Gradient Mesh

Gradient mesh, freshly brewed coffee

Reshaping Mesh to fit into complex shapes (pt1)

Adding color to each mesh node (pt2)