In this tutorial we will learn how to create various vector textures using the Scribble effect, Scatter Brush, Graphic Styles palette and Appearance palette. Let’s get started!

Step 1

Create a shape which will be a basis for creation of a Random Texture. In my case, it is a square that I have created using the Rectangle Tool (M).

The figure should have a fill of any color and do not have a stroke.

Step 2

Keep the square selected, go to Effect > Stylize > Scribble … and set random parameters of the effect.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Now create an element of the texture. It can be an object of any shape. I will create a texture of circles. Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create a circle.

The diameter of my circle is 10 px. This is not crucial because in the following steps, the texture can be edited. Move the circle to the Brushes palette (Window > Brushes) and save the new brush as Scatter Brush, do not change settings in the dialog window.

Step 5

Create a figure of any shape with no fill and with a stroke of any color and thickness and apply the created brush to it.

Keep the figure selected save a new Graphic Style.

The figure created in this step may be deleted.

Step 6

Go back to the square, created in the previous steps, and go to Object > Group (Cmd / Ctrl + G).

Grouping up the object is a must; otherwise the trick does not come off! Apply the style that contains elements of texture to this group.

Step 7

Now we can proceed to setting the texture. Double-clicking on the Scatter Brush icon in the Brushes palette brings up a dialog box with its settings. Set arbitrary parameters of the brush, watching for changes in the texture.

When the desired effect is achieved, click on the OK button, and then click on the Apply to Strokes in the confirmation window.

Step 8

Scribble effect can also be edited. To do this, in the layers palette select the path which is located in the group and open the Appearance palette (Window > Appearance).

Click on the name of the effect in the Appearance palette and start editing.

Step 9

Having achieved the desired result, go to Object > Expand Appearance.

Now we have to select in the Layers palette the group containing a zigzag line, and delete it by pressing the Delete key.

Step 10

You can use complex objects for the elements of the texture. The pictures below show the examples of such textures (elements of the texture that are used to create a Scatter Brush are shown on the left; a scaled view of the final texture on the right).

Using the Scatter Brush to create the texture has certain restrictions. You cannot use objects containing gradients, Clipping and Opacity Mask, Gradient Mesh objects as texture elements. However, you can use objects that contain blends. These are the objects I used to create a starry sky.

Step 11

I created a black rectangle, and using the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) and the Direct Selection Tool (A) I created a grid shown in the figure below.

Grid nodes are painted in different shades of blue to convey the glow of the sky before sunrise.

Step 12

With the Pencil Tool (N) or Pen Tool (P) create a horizon line, in my case it is a mountain range.

Now create element of the texture, a star. First create a glow. Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create two ellipses, as shown in the figure below.

It is better to create a star on the sky background; it will allow you to choose the right color.

Step 13

Set 0% opacity for the bottom bigger ellipse in the Transparency palette. Select both ellipses and go to Object > Blend > Blend Options, set the number of steps in the dialog window. Now go to Object > Blend > Make.

Step 14

Using the same technique, create a star which represents a blend object consisting of two circles.

Step 15

You are already familiar with the technique of creating texture, so the images below only show the stages of its creation.

Step 16

Of course, you can combine multiple textures together to add some variety. I created another texture lower than the other one. As part of the texture, I used a circle of white color.

Step 17

We just have to hide the stars that go beyond the background. Create a rectangle of the same size as the background, select all the objects (Cmd / Ctrl + A) and press the keyboard shortcut Cmd / Ctrl + 7 (alternative path Object > Clipping Mask > Make), creating a Clipping Mask.

Conclusion

I hope you will find where to apply this simple technique in your work. Vector work containing textures always looks rich. This way you can create falling snowflakes, leaves, or crown of the tree, background textures of simple or complex elements. To get the variety, you can combine multiple textures, and set different Blending Modes for them in the Transparency palette. Experiment and you will achieve excellent results.

You can watch how to create a similar effect with the help of the Halftone Tool (Phantasm CS) in the video article here.