In this tutorial we will learn how to create vector hologram stickers. For shape creation, we will be using the Dynamic Shapes Tool, which is one of the tools of the VectorScribe plugin. We will also learn how to create a simple gradient mesh and how to produce color effects with the help of the Transparency panel. Finally, we will create a graphic style for text with the help of the Appearance panel. Very important basic techniques of vector graphics are described in detail in this tutorial.

Let’s begin!

Step 1

We will be creating the shape of a sticker with the help of the Dynamic Shapes Tool which is one of the tools of the VectorScribe plugin. Open the Dynamic Shapes panel (Window > VectorScribe > Dynamic Shapes), select the Dynamic Star, set the number of star points, the outer and inner diameters and radius of rounding of the corners. By double clicking on the workspace you create a shape with the specified parameters. Fill the shape with dark blue.

Let’s make the points of our sticker sharp, which means that the radius of the exterior corners should be equal to 0. Holding down the Opt / Alt key, double click on the radius point of the outer corner. This action reduces the outer radius to zero.

Do the same action with all the external corners of the sticker.

You can read more about controlling the dynamic shapes using shortcuts here.

Step 2

Select the created shape and go to Object > Path > Offset Path, in the dialog box, set the offset value equal to -2 px.

Fill the new shape with blue color.

Select the blue shape again and go to Object > Path > Offset Path, in the dialog box, set the offset value equal to -2 px. Fill this shape with radial gradient, consisting of blue, dark blue and cyan.

Step 3

Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and draw a rectangle of any size with black fill.

Keep the rectangle selected, go to Object > Create Gradient Mesh… and set the number of rows and columns in the dialog box.

Step 4

Take the PathScribe Tool found in VectorScribe or the Direct Selection Tool (A) and by controlling the rectangle nodes and their handles bring the gradient mesh to the shape shown in the figure below.

With the help of the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) add new lines to the mesh and color their nodes into various shades of gray.

Step 5

Open the Transparency panel (Window > Transparency) and set the Color Dodge Blending Mode for the gradient mesh.

If you are not satisfied with the result, play with the shape of the grid lines and shades of gray color of their nodes.

Step 6

Hide parts of the gradient mesh which go beyond the sticker. Copy the shape filled with radial gradient and paste it in front (Cmd / Ctrl + C; Cmd / Ctrl + F). Move the new shape in the layers panel so that it is above all the created objects.

Select this shape and mesh object, click on the shortcut Cmd / Ctrl + 7, creating a Clipping Mask.

Step 7

Now create shadow of the sticker. Copy the lower dark blue shape and paste it back (Cmd / Ctrl + C, Cmd / Ctrl + B), fill the shape with black color. On the figure below the visibility of the upper objects is turned off for illustration purposes.

Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create a circle of black color. Put this circle in the lower underlayer above the lower black shape, moving it in the layers panel.

Step 8

Set 0% opacity for the lower shape in the Transparency panel.

Now go to Object > Blend > Blend Options and set the number of steps of the blend in the dialog box. Then select the circle and the bottom transparent shape and go to Object > Blend > Make.

Turn on the visibility of all the objects in the layers panel and move the blend object a little bit down and to the right.

Step 9

Let’s make an inscription on the sticker. Take the Type Tool (T) and create the text.

Choose dark blue color to fill the letters. Keep the text selected, click on the Add New Fill button in the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance).

Set the RGB Cyan color for the fill.

Move the fill below the Characters in the Appearance panel.

Step 10

Select Fill in the Appearance panel and go to Effect > Transform & Distort > Transform…, in effect, in the dialog box of the effect set the horizontal offset value.

Keep the Fill selected in the Appearance palette, click on the Duplicate Selected Item button.

Swap the fill color of the bottom fill with purple.

Open the dialog window with the Transform effect of the purple fill and set new parameters of horizontal and vertical offset.

Set the Soft Light Blending Mode for this fill.

Step 11

Deselect the text, and create another fill of blue color.

Open the Graphic Styles panel (Window > Graphic Styles) and save the new style.

Now we can apply the created style to any text.

Creating a graphic style will accelerate your work when creating a collection of stickers.

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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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