We have open paths as a result of our actions. We can close them quickly with the help of the VectorScribe plugin.
In this tutorial we will learn how to create a background in the style of origami using simple and effective techniques. VectorScribe plugin will provide some additional creative convinience. Let’s get started!
Step 1
To build the objects stylized in origami, we will be using one of the tools of the VectorScribe plugin which is called the Dynamic Shapes Tool. Take this tool and open its panel . Choose the type of shape in this panel – Dynamic Polygon, set the number of sides, the radius of rounding of the corners and type of angle.
After you have created the dynamic shape, any of its parameters can be edited by changing them in the Dynamic Shapes panel or dragging the corner points.
For more information about how to manage dynamic shapes, follow these links:
Step 2
Copy the created shape and paste it in front two times (Cmd / Ctrl + C; Cmd / Ctrl + F (2 times)), and fill new shapes with different colors so it is easier to use them.
With PathScribe Tool (VectorScribe plugin) select points A and B and click on Split Path in the PathScribe panel .
You can also use the Scissors Tool (C) to cut this figure. Now select and delete the right part of the figure.
Step 3
In the same way we proceed with the second and the third figure, this process is shown in the figures below.
We have 3 open paths as a result of our actions. We can close them quickly with the help of the VectorScribe plugin. Select the created objects and select “Close Path” from the fly-out menu of the PathScribe panel.
It is very convenient, especially when it comes to a lot of open paths.
Step 4
Cut the shape with blue shading at the points A and B and remove the upper part of the figure.
Close this path with the help of the VectorScribe plugin, as we we did in the previous step. Place the objects in the stack order shown in the figure below.
Group up all the objects of this figure (Cmd / Ctrl + G). The first figure is ready.
Step 5
Create another shape. Select the Dynamic Polygon in the Dynamic Shapes panel, set the number of sides and create an octagon.
Copy and paste the figure in front 3 times (Cmd / Ctrl + C; Cmd / Ctrl + F (3 times)). To create the objects of this figure use the same technique as we used for the first figure.
Select the created objects and select “Close Path” from the menu of the PathScribe panel.
Step 6
Take the Scissors Tool (C) and cut objects at points 1 – 8.
Select the created objects and select “Close Path” from the menu of the PathScribe panel, I think it’s much faster than closing paths with the help of the Pen Tool (P).
For convenience, fill objects with different colors and place them in the sequence shown in the figure below.
Group up all the objects of this figure.
Step 7
Manipulating the elements of this figure, we can create figure of another shape. Repeat Step 5 to create a new figure.
Select points A and B and go to
Keep the points selected, move them to the left holding down Shift until point B matches with the vertical center line of the figure. This is made easier with the Smart Guide mode (Cmd / Ctrl + U) enabled.
Step 8
Perform similar actions with the object on the right.
Drag shape A, holding Opt / Alt to the place shown in the figure below.
Do the same with figure B.
Step 9
Select the shape C and go to , click on the Copy button in the dialog box.
Drag a new figure to the place shown in the figure below.
Do the same with shape D.
Group up all the elements of the third figure. The technique of the fourth figure is the same as the described above — try to create it yourself.
Step 10
Fill the shape objects with linear gradients containing bright colors.
With the help of the Rectangle Tool (M) create a black rectangle and place the created shapes above it. You can duplicate the shapes, rotate, resize them, change the color of the gradients to create some diversity.
Step 11
Select the objects of the background one by one and set the Screen Blending mode for them in the Transparency panel.
Copy the rectangle and paste it in front (Cmd / Ctrl + C; Cmd / Ctrl + F) and place it above all the objects (Shift + Cmd / Ctrl +]).
Step 12
Select all the objects (Cmd / Ctrl + A), now click on the Cmd / Ctrl + 7, creating a Clipping Mask.
You can create a variety of backgrounds and seamless patterns out of these figures.
You can read how to create seamless patterns in my Vectorboom tutorial How to Create a Seamless Pattern in Khokhloma Painting Style Using Adobe Illustrator.
Conclusion
Good luck and don’t get tired of creating beauty!
Download the tutorial artwork
Click here for the artwork for Illustrator CS3 and above…
About the author
My name is Iaroslav Lazunov, I am a graphic designer from Zhytomyr, Ukraine. I am glad that I finally found the job in my life that I can share my knowledge and experiments with you in my tutorials.
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Such a nice design. thx for sharing…..
Hi. Very nice tutorial and amazing result! thank you for posting this. I have one small comment. In step 4, when cutting the blue shape at point A and B, you must first create that B anchor point (with the PathScribe tool, Alt+Click on the intersection, where the point should be), or, alternatively, you could select the point left of A and pressing the “L” key while dragging it to the instersect, ensuring the angle remains the same along the drag. I know this can be obvious to most users, but I wanted to share a few alternatives using the pathscribe tools, since it’s not clear how B appeared.
Thank you for your comment. But you shouldn’t create point B if you use Scissors Tool