Objective

To learn Adobe Illustrator production techniques by recreating the art below:

Download starter file

Discussion

The gradient mesh feature which allows one to make complex blends that remain editable. Mesh objects can also be used in conjunction with envelope distort to alter the shapes of objects with more control. In this exercise, we will make use of both features to recreate the above illustration.

Note: A good habit to get into while working in Illustrator is to make a copy of your work before going on to the next step. This gives you the freedom to experiment and compare variations before deciding on the best approach. The end result is also a reference file that can be used in the future to create similar effects.

Procedure

preparing for the exercise

1. open "mesh.ai" in Illustrator, inspect layers, view > outlines (cmd+Y)
2. help > Illustrator help: search "mesh", read "about meshes"

making the bottle with gradient mesh

1. draw box (hint: always copy object before the next step)
2. object > create gradient mesh (6 rows x 4 columns)
3. direct select tool: adjust rows
4. change fill color to olive (hint: always add new colors to swatches)
5. select rows: edit > edit colors > recolor artwork
   (edit tab, adjust brightness)
6. repeat with outer columns
7. select top 4 rows, resize narrower (scale tool)
8. select other rows, resize, adjust handles

distorting the bottle with envelope distort

1. copy original box art
2. object > create gradient mesh (2 rows x 2 columns)
3. move horizontal mesh line down
4. object > arrange > send to front (cmd+shift+])
5. copy bottle art; select top object and bottle
6. object > envelope distort > make with top object
7. direct select tool: adjust handles
8. object > expand

making the label

1. copy bottle art
2. object > flatten transparency (preserve alpha transparency=yes)
3. delete outer box, fill label area with black
4. draw objects for cutting
5. window > pathfinder: subtract; expand
6. object > create gradient mesh (3 rows x 2 columns)
7. mesh tool: add vertical mesh lines (use progressive rhythm)
8. object > arrange > send to front (cmd+shift+])
9. copy label art; select top object and label
10. object > envelope distort > make with top object
11. object > expand

making the background

1. copy bottle and label art, adjust position
2. draw box for background, fill=100K+100C
3. object > create gradient mesh (24 rows x 1 columns)
4. select every 3rd mesh point on right, make blue
5. deselect top mesh point
6. make each blue mesh point progressively darker: add 10%K
7. deselect top mesh point, repeat
8. scale tool: adjust position of mesh points
9. copy bottle and label art, position over background
10. select finished art, copy and paste into new file "mesh2.ai"; make larger

grading

1. submit b&w laser proofs with your name on it for grading
2. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review