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How to create a low poly illustration with Adobe Illustrator
Low poly illustrations have become increasingly popular in recent years, popping up everywhere from video games to graphic design. The style is characterized by a minimalistic, geometric look that creates striking visual effects. But how do you create your own low poly illustration? It might seem daunting at first, but with Adobe Illustrator, it’s easier than you think.
In this article, we’ll take a step-by-step approach to create your very own low poly illustration using Adobe Illustrator. From setting up your workspace to choosing the right colours and shapes, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a stunning piece of art that will impress everyone who sees it.
What is low poly illustration?
Low poly illustration is a digital art technique that involves creating 3D-like graphics using polygons. The term “poly” stands for polygon, which is a geometric shape made up of straight lines and angles. Low poly illustrations typically use a limited number of these polygons to create simple yet visually interesting images.
Creating low poly illustrations in Adobe Illustrator involves several steps. First, you need to choose the image or subject you want to illustrate. This could be anything from an animal or plant to a building or landscape. Once you have your subject, you can begin creating the polygon shapes that will make up your illustration.
To create these shapes, you can use the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator to draw each individual polygon by hand. Alternatively, there are several plugins and tools available that can help speed up this process by automatically generating polygons based on specific parameters like size and spacing. Once all the polygons are created and arranged properly, you can add textures, colours or gradients to give your low poly illustration depth and dimensionality.
Defining Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. It is the industry-standard software used for creating logos, illustrations, diagrams, charts, and other scalable graphics. Unlike raster images that are made up of pixels, vector graphics are composed of mathematical equations and can be resized and manipulated without losing quality or clarity.
One of the standout features of Adobe Illustrator is its ability to create low poly illustrations. A low poly illustration is a style of artwork that uses 3D polygons to create a sharp, geometric look. With Adobe Illustrator’s polygon tool and pathfinder functions, users can easily create this effect by drawing triangles or other shapes over an image or design.
In addition to its powerful tools for creating low poly designs, Adobe Illustrator also offers advanced typography options, customisable brushes and pen tools for drawing freehand lines and shapes, as well as seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Suite applications like Photoshop and InDesign. Whether you’re a professional graphic designer or just starting out in the field, learning how to use Adobe Illustrator can open up new avenues for creative expression in your work.
Step 1: Gathering inspiration and references
The first step in creating a low poly illustration with Adobe Illustrator is gathering inspiration and references. Look for images online or in print that inspires you, and take note of the colours, shapes, and textures used. It can also be helpful to study other low poly illustrations to get an idea of the style and techniques commonly used.
Once you have gathered your inspiration and references, start organising them into a mood board or folder for easy access later on. This will help keep you focused on the style and aesthetic you want to achieve throughout the design process.
Remember that while it’s important to gather inspiration from others, it’s equally important to make your design unique by adding your own personal touch. Consider incorporating elements from nature or other aspects of your life into the design for added depth and meaning.
Step 2: Creating basic shapes
Creating basic shapes is the foundation of creating a low poly illustration. Using the shape tools in Adobe Illustrator, you can create polygons, triangles, squares, and circles with ease. These basic shapes will serve as the building blocks for your entire artwork.
To create a polygon, select the Polygon Tool from the toolbar and click and drag on your artboard to create your desired polygon shape. To adjust the number of sides on your polygon, hold down the up or down arrow key while dragging. Repeat this process to create multiple polygons.
Triangles can be created using either the Polygon Tool or by using the Pen Tool to draw a triangle shape. Squares and rectangles can be created using the Rectangle Tool or by drawing a square/rectangle with the Pen Tool and then adjusting its corners with the Direct Selection Tool.
Lastly, circles can be created using either the Ellipse Tool or by drawing a circle shape with the Pen Tool while holding down Shift key to ensure it remains perfectly circular. By combining these basic shapes in various ways and adjusting their sizes and colours you can start creating compelling low poly illustrations that stand out!
Step 3: Adding depth and dimension
To bring your low poly illustration to life, it’s time to add depth and dimension. This can be done by using gradients and shadows to create the illusion of three-dimensionality. You can use the Gradient Tool to create a colour gradient that goes from light to dark, creating a sense of depth in your illustration.
Another way to add dimension is through shading. Use the Pen Tool or Pencil Tool to draw shadow shapes on areas that would naturally have shadow in real life. Then use the Gradient Tool again, but this time set it up with black-to-transparent gradients for a subtle shading effect.
Lastly, consider adding highlights with white-to-transparent gradients on areas that would naturally catch light. This will complete the illusion of three-dimensionality and make your low poly illustration pop even more. Remember not to overdo it – subtlety is key when adding dimension!
Step 4: Selecting a colour palette
When creating a low poly illustration with Adobe Illustrator, selecting the right colour palette is essential to bringing your artwork to life. Start by considering the mood and tone you want your artwork to convey – do you want it to be bright and vibrant or subdued and muted? Once you have determined this, select a primary colour that will serve as the foundation for your artwork.
From there, choose complementary colours that will provide depth and contrast. Consider using shades lighter or darker than your primary colour, as well as accent colours that will add pops of interest to specific areas of your design. It’s important to strike a balance between boldness and subtlety when selecting your colour palette.
Remember that less is often more when it comes to colour selection in low poly illustrations. Limiting yourself to two or three main colours can actually help create a cohesive and visually appealing final product. Use swatches in Adobe Illustrator for easy access to your chosen colours throughout the creation process.
Step 5: Refining details and adding texture
Once you have the basic shapes and colours of your low poly illustration created, it’s time to refine the details and add texture. This step is what will truly bring your design to life. To add texture, you can use a variety of techniques such as using the brush tool to create a stippled effect or adding small shapes in varying shades to give the illusion of depth.
It’s important to pay attention to each individual shape and ensure that they fit together cohesively. You may need to adjust the size or placement of certain shapes in order for them all to fit together seamlessly. Additionally, consider adding shadows or highlights where appropriate in order to make certain areas stand out or recede.
Finally, take some time to experiment with different colour palettes. A well-chosen colour scheme can elevate your design and make it more visually appealing. Try out different combinations until you find one that really makes your low poly illustration pop!
Create stunning designs with these tips
Low poly illustrations are a great way to add depth and texture to your designs. To create stunning low poly illustrations with Adobe Illustrator, start by selecting the shapes you want to use for your design. Choose simple geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, or polygons. Once you have selected the shapes, start placing them on the canvas and overlapping them to create depth.
Next, choose a colour scheme that complements your design. Use contrasting colours to make certain elements stand out or use similar hues for a more cohesive look. Once you have decided on your colour scheme, apply it to each shape using the fill tool.
Lastly, add shadows and highlights to give your low poly illustration some depth and dimension. Use the pen tool to create shadow shapes on areas of your design where there would be shadows in real life (e.g., under objects or in crevices). Then use a lighter shade of the same colour on other parts of the illustration where light would naturally hit.
By following these tips and experimenting with different shapes and colours, you can create a stunning low poly illustration in Adobe Illustrator that will impress clients and customers alike!
Illustrator hacks you need to know for easy designing
Creating a low poly illustration with Adobe Illustrator can be intimidating for beginners, but with these Illustrator hacks, you’ll be able to create stunning designs in no time. Firstly, instead of manually creating each polygon shape, make use of the “Polygon Tool” which allows you to easily create polygons of any size and shape, automatically snapping them into place.
Next up is the “Pathfinder Tool”, which is an essential tool for creating low poly illustrations. This tool allows you to combine different shapes and cut overlapping areas, resulting in clean and precise designs. Additionally, using the “Direct Selection Tool” allows you to select individual anchor points within your design and manipulate them as needed.
Finally, don’t forget about the power of gradients when designing low poly illustrations. With Illustrator’s gradient tool, you can easily apply gradients to individual polygons or groups of polygons within your design. Try experimenting with different colour combinations and opacities to achieve a unique look that suits your style. By incorporating these Illustrator hacks into your workflow when creating low poly illustrations, you’ll find yourself designing faster and more efficiently than ever before!
From beginner to pro: How to use Illustrator like a boss
First, start with a basic shape such as a triangle or square. Then, using the Pen tool, create additional points on the shape and adjust them to create a more complex polygonal shape. Continue adding points and manipulating them until you have achieved the desired low poly effect.
Next, select your newly created shape and apply colours or gradients using the Fill and Stroke tools. Be sure to experiment with different colour combinations to make your illustration pop.
To add depth and dimensionality to your illustration, consider creating shadows or highlights using the Mesh tool. This allows you to manipulate each individual point in your design for precise control over colour blending.
With these tips in mind, anyone can become an Illustrator pro when it comes to creating stunning low poly illustrations. So grab your mouse, open up Adobe Illustrator, and start experimenting with this exciting technique today!
Essential tools for beginners in Adobe Illustrator
If you’re new to Adobe Illustrator, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, there are a few essential tools that every beginner should be familiar with when creating low poly illustrations. The first tool is the Pen Tool, which allows you to create precise shapes and lines for your design. It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can create complex shapes with ease.
Another important tool is the Direct Selection Tool, which lets you manipulate individual points on a shape or path without affecting the entire object. This comes in handy when fine-tuning your design or making small adjustments.
Lastly, using the Gradient Tool helps add depth and dimensionality to your low poly illustration. By applying gradients to different sections of your design, you can create a sense of light and shadow that makes it look more three-dimensional.
Overall, these essential tools will give any beginner in Adobe Illustrator a solid foundation for creating low poly illustrations. With practice and experimentation, anyone can master these tools and take their designs to the next level.
5 Tips and tricks for creating vector graphics in Illustrator
- Start with a sketch: Before you start creating vector graphics, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Starting with a simple sketch can help you visualise your design and ensure that it meets your expectations.
- Use the pen tool: The pen tool is one of the most powerful tools in Illustrator when it comes to creating vector graphics. With this tool, you can create clean and precise lines and curves as well as easily adjust them.
- Utilise shapes: Another way to create vector graphics in Illustrator is by using basic shapes like rectangles, circles, and triangles to construct more complex designs. You can use these shapes as building blocks for your illustration or combine them with the pen tool for even greater versatility.
- Experiment with colour: Colour plays an important role in any design, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different colour schemes until you find one that works best for your low poly illustration.
- Simplify your design: When creating low poly illustrations, less is often more. Don’t overcrowd your design with too many details or colours; instead try simplifying it by removing unnecessary elements until you achieve a balanced composition that is visually appealing and easy on the eye.
How to use the pathfinder tool in Illustrator to create complex shapes
The pathfinder tool in Illustrator is a powerful feature that can help you create complex shapes quickly and easily. This tool allows you to combine, subtract, intersect, and exclude different shapes to form new ones. To use the pathfinder tool for creating low poly illustrations, start by selecting all the shapes you want to combine or subtract.
Next, open the Pathfinder panel by going to Window > Pathfinder. From here, you can select one of the options to create your desired shape. For example, if you want to create a polygonal shape with straight lines and sharp angles like a diamond or triangle, select the “Divide” option from the Pathfinder panel.
You can also use the “Unite” option to merge multiple shapes into one single shape or “Minus Front” option to cut out a smaller shape from a larger one. By experimenting with different combinations of these options in conjunction with various shapes and colours, it’s possible to achieve stunning low poly illustrations quickly and easily using Adobe Illustrator and its powerful pathfinder tool.
The different types of brushes and how to use them in Illustrator
There are several types of brushes in Adobe Illustrator that can be used to create low-poly illustrations. The first one is the Paintbrush tool, which allows you to draw with a variety of brush strokes. You can change the size, shape, and opacity of the brush strokes to suit your needs. To use this tool, simply select it from the toolbar and start drawing.
Another type of brush is the Calligraphic Brush tool. This brush allows you to create thick and thin lines with varying widths based on pressure sensitivity. It’s ideal for creating lettering or outlining shapes.
The third type of brush is the Scatter Brush tool, which can be used to create a scattered effect with shapes or objects. You can adjust the spacing, rotation, and size of each individual object in the scatter pattern.
When using brushes in Illustrator for low-poly illustrations, it’s important to experiment with different settings until you achieve your desired effect. Don’t be afraid to play around with stroke weight and colour combinations as well!
How to export your artwork from Illustrator for web or print use
Once you’ve finished creating a low poly illustration in Adobe Illustrator, the next step is to export it for web or print use. To do this, navigate to File > Export and choose either “Export As” or “Save For Web”.
If you’re exporting for web use, make sure to select a suitable file format such as JPEG or PNG that will compress well without losing too much quality. You may also want to adjust the size of your artwork so that it doesn’t take up too much space on your website.
For print use, you’ll want to make sure that your artwork is high resolution and in CMYK colour mode. Select a suitable file format such as PDF or EPS and adjust any necessary settings like bleed and crop marks.
Remember to save a copy of your original Illustrator file before exporting so that you can go back and make changes if needed. With these tips in mind, you should be able to successfully export your low poly illustration from Illustrator.
Benefits of using Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating vector graphics and illustrations. It offers a wide range of features that are essential for designing low poly illustrations. One of the benefits of using Adobe Illustrator is its ability to create complex shapes with ease. With the use of various tools such as the Pen Tool, Shape Builder Tool, Pathfinder Tool, and more, users can create intricate shapes and patterns effortlessly.
Another benefit of Adobe Illustrator is its ability to scale images without losing quality. This feature is particularly important when creating low poly illustrations as it involves enlarging or reducing the size of shapes while maintaining their sharp edges and clean lines. Additionally, Adobe Illustrator offers a wide range of colour options including gradients, patterns, and textures which can be used to enhance low poly designs.
Finally, Adobe Illustrator provides users with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation between tools and features. The programme also includes helpful tutorials which make learning how to design low poly illustrations simple even for beginners. Overall, if you are looking to create stunning low poly illustrations then Adobe Illustrator is an excellent choice due to these benefits and many more that it offers.
Revolutionise your design skills with Adobe Illustrator
Low poly illustrations have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique and eye-catching designs. Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool that can help you create these stunning graphics quickly and easily. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, using Illustrator to create low poly art can revolutionize your design skills.
To create a low poly illustration with Adobe Illustrator, start by selecting the polygon tool in the toolbar. Then, choose the number of sides for your polygon and draw it on your canvas. Once you have created your polygon shape, copy and paste it multiple times until you have enough shapes to fill up your canvas.
Next, use the pathfinder tool to merge all of the individual shapes together into one cohesive illustration. Finally, add colour gradients or textures to give your low poly artwork more depth and dimension. With Adobe Illustrator’s intuitive tools and capabilities, creating low poly illustrations has never been easier or more fun!
Creating eye-catching designs with Adobe Illustrator
Low poly illustrations are one of the most popular design trends today. They are a 3D rendering technique that creates polygonal shapes with fewer details, giving the design a more minimalistic and modern look. Adobe Illustrator is an excellent tool for creating low poly designs because it has all the necessary features to create complex shapes and patterns. Start by selecting your desired image or object, creating a basic shape using the Pen Tool, then proceed to create smaller polygons by using various colours.
One way to achieve an eye-catching low-poly illustration in Adobe Illustrator is through colour gradients. You can use different shades of colours to create depth and dimensionality in your design. Another way to make your low-poly illustration stand out is by using shadows and highlights effectively. Adding shadow layers on top of each other can give off a more realistic look, while adding highlights can give off a more dramatic effect.
Lastly, you can experiment with different filters and effects available in Adobe Illustrator’s Filter Gallery. This feature allows you to apply various textures, patterns, and effects that can enhance your low-poly illustration further. With just enough creativity and proper utilisation of Adobe Illustrator tools, you’ll be able to produce an eye-catching low-poly design in no time!
Maximising productivity in Adobe Illustrator
To maximise productivity in Adobe Illustrator when creating a low poly illustration, there are several techniques that can be used. One of these is to use the Live Paint Bucket tool, which allows for quick and easy filling of shapes with colours or gradients. This tool can save a lot of time compared to manually filling in each shape.
Another technique is to use the Pathfinder tool to merge and subtract shapes. This can help simplify the overall design and reduce the number of individual shapes that need to be created. Additionally, using keyboard shortcuts for commonly used tools and functions can help speed up workflow.
Finally, organising layers and groups within Illustrator can also increase efficiency when working on complex designs. By grouping similar elements together and keeping them organised, it becomes easier to make changes or adjustments as needed without having to sift through numerous layers.
Overall, by using these techniques and incorporating other time-saving tips into your workflow, you can maximise your productivity in Adobe Illustrator when creating low poly illustrations.
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