Time-saving Tips Using the Blend Tool, Part 2

Trick 1: Shading



Shading an object is a matter of creating a shape, and then duplicating the shape onto another layer (in this case, a heart). First, copy and paste the original heart and then create a smaller version of the heart by choosing Object > Transform > Scale from the dropdown menu. Then change the color for more contrast. Select both the small heart and larger heart and create a “Specified Steps” blend with 31 steps. The result is a 3D-like shading of the heart.

Trick 2: Shadow

Now that the heart has shading, how about a drop shadow so the heart doesn‘t appear to float randomly in white space?



Place the object for which you‘d like to create a drop shadow in a central position on the art board (in this case, the shaded heart from Trick 1). Underneath, you‘re going to create an ellipse and choose a fill of some bright color, like blue. Duplicate this ellipse and change the fill to a contrasting color. Choose the Free Transform Tool, or Object > Transform > Scale again until the ellipse is 25% of the original ellipse. Make sure both ellipses are aligned to their center points, and also make sure the smaller ellipse is above the larger ellipse.

Change the smaller ellipse to a shade of gray (or a color, since most shadows reflect the color of the object) and the larger ellipse to white. In the previous steps, we added color to the ellipses to enable easier editing but you can skip those steps if you don‘t mind working with shapes without any color. With both ellipses selected, choose Object > Blend > Make with 31 specified steps. The result will be a soft shadow and a more realistic appearance.

Trick 3: Abstract Lines



To create those ever-popular abstract curvy lines, begin by drawing a path. Adjust the anchor points until you have a soft wave. Apply a 1 px stroke with any color and without a fill color. Then create another path the same way. Choose Object > Blend > Make with 31 specified steps and a neat abstract wire ribbon is created.

Finally, if you choose two shapes, like a circle and an ellipse, change the color on the stroke of each, and create a blend with 31 specified steps. You‘ll have yourself an abstract wire sculpture!



The possibilities are endless with the Blend tool. Have some fun finding new ways to get your blend on!