For this project, you will be creating an illustration that will be so intricate it will be mistaken for a photograph! Vector Illustrations are used for a variety of different reasons…

- A perfected image used for advertising - A descriptive image used for engineering or construction - A medical illustration of internal organs - And many, many more….

More times than not, a vector illustration is created for something man-made. However, the same illustration techniques can be used to create an illustration of a natural subject.

To create our vector illustrations, you will first need to select a reference image. You may want to use your own photography or sketches as a reference. Being that our illustrations will only be used for educational purposes, we can get away with downloading a reference image. However, if you were hired to create a realistic illustration of a product, refrain from using direct images to avoid copyright issues.

Original Illustration When searching for a reference image, Think of the following criteria:

- Inanimate Objects are easiest… Man-made products, electronics, etc. Humans and natural objects are doable, but tend to be more challenging.

- Does it offer multiple Values and range of colors

- Is the image clear? Pixilated images are harder to use because the gradations

of colors can become blurred.

Advanced Computer Graphics Project: Vector Illustrations

Now that you have your reference image, begin to break it into shapes.

The mesh tool needs SIMPLE shapes to be successful.

- Start with a rectangle or a circle. - Add the Mesh Lines - THEN pull the anchors to match your image’s

design.

Using the Mesh Tool