Illustrator Eye Candy

[Derek_Stanley@adobeforums.com]

I know what you mean LRK, I've registered on Illustratorworld too but despite fitting into their 'Professional' category (by definition only) what I do in my job doesn't even nudge illllustrator's capabilities.

[LRK@adobeforums.com]

Derek: I normally would sign up as a professional but after seeing the work at Illustrator World, when I signed up I used the term "Hobbyist" to save myself embarrassment in case I ever submit my own work. :}

Linda

[Derek_Stanley@adobeforums.com]

Yes, I'm changing my profile in the window behind this one

[Scott_Weichert@adobeforums.com]

Actually I like the "professional" designation. it means the work has to be top notch. It pushes me to do better work. Even though all I've submitted was done pretty much last year. And if you look at some of the "professional" galleries, there are "hobbiests" and "students" doing better work.

[LRK@adobeforums.com]

Scott: In my opinion your Illustrator work fits into the Professional designation. I understnd what you are saying just the same.

[Dee Holmes]

Your designs are very good, Scott.

[Scott_Weichert@adobeforums.com]

Thanks Dee.

[Derek_Stanley@adobeforums.com]

I know what you're saying Scott, but I think pride is the problem.

You could all do me a favour , give me your opinions to help me along to my next project:

<http://www.illustratorworld.com/cgi/database/art/list.pl?gallery=1525>

BTW Scott, I dig the Wolfman!!!

[Dee Holmes]

I think your design is fantastic, Derek. Just my opinion, but I would have liked to seen something more done with her hair. Subtle blends of other shades perhaps? I don't know, I'm no critic. Over all I like it.

[Doug_Katz@adobeforums.com]

Derek, did you use smaller shapes in specific locations in your image that
you converted to gradient mesh objects? Or is that one or two larger mesh
objects... as large as the face itself or at least large parts of it?

I ask because, when I first experimented with the gradient mesh, I was dazzled
(and I think somewhat misled) by the capacity to make large shapes with many
rows and columns that I thought would let me do the "whole job with one large
mesh."

I soon discovered that a large, multi-celled mesh is pretty unruly. I seem to have
more success if I first draw the basic contours of my illustration, then make pretty
small and manageable (and somewhat rough and randomly shaped) objects on top
of those contours that I then convert to gradient mesh objects with VERY few rows
and columns (like 2 x 2). Finally, I colorize only one or maybe two of the mesh
points in each small gradient mesh object. Obviously, I end up with several
(sometimes many) mesh objects rather than one or two. But they're so much
more controllable.

So how 'bout you?

[Scott_Weichert@adobeforums.com]

I like it Derek, but I do agree with Dee. The hair needs a little more attention to fit with the face.

[Doug_Katz@adobeforums.com]

Hey Scott! You know, YOU could respond to the Post #21 thoughts about
gradient mesh objects TOO :)

I'd really like to hear your ideas on using those mischievous creatures. Do
you use fewer, big, muti-celled ones or more, smaller, fewer-celled ones?

[Scott_Weichert@adobeforums.com]

Actually, Doug gave youa great answer to the mesh question.

I create a large shape for a guide then use smaller objects drawn over that shape for mesh work. Meshes work best on symetrical shaped object or at least objects without any wild distortions in their shape. It's much easier to get 2 meshes to look seamless than it is to get one mesh to do everything you want it to do.

In my work, I really use meshes sparingly. Most of my stuf is built with just flat objects and gradient fills.

[Doug_Katz@adobeforums.com]

Thanks. Truly, I use them sparingly too. But whatever I've done with them
has been most successful when I've tried to get, as you say, "2 meshes to
look seamless" rather than one mesh to do it all.

Edit: Doug gave the "answer," but Doug also asked your opinion :)

[Derek_Stanley@adobeforums.com]

Doug, for that image, I used one large mesh for the face and neck and individual meshes for the Eyes, Nose and Mouth. Obviously, individual meshes were used for the hair highlights.

I know what you mean about the hair Dee and I agree, but I did improvise somewhat from the sketch that I had produced and the hair would have detracted from the face, if I had as much detail as the sketch and secondly, I didn't know how to make the hair look good.

I found with this experiment that transparency is a real saving grace as I just couldn't get the edges seemless enough without it.