smooth curves in illustrator?
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- dconstrukt
hey guys, I've been having a hard time when I trace images or whatnot getting really smooth curves.
when I finish an illustration, I'm so critical of it as i wouldbe with anything, but its buggin the hell out of me.
anyone got tips? Brooke where are you? lol
D
- brooke0
Practice with the pen tool more, dear. Do you need help with something specifically?
- kpl0
use the smooth tool. it smoothes.
- swollenelbow0
you need to rock the pen tool harder! smoothing it out doesn't give you as percise curves as your own would be...
- dconstrukt0
thanks for the replys.
specifically? when i trace images, sketches, logos, etc.
when i plot the points i cant seem to make the curves smooth...i can always tell where my points are at.
- islandbridge0
Just keep on working those vectors. Sometimes adding a few more strokes can change the entire picture :)
- ganon0
when you make a new point, press and hold, drag the curve handles out of the point...then go back and fine tune with the "direct selection tool" and "convert point tool"....
- Cadillac0
You've gotta use the pen tool. Be maticulous and anal-retientive.
Also, if you can find an old copy of Adobe Steamline you can vectorize your scans. The vectorization is never perfect, so you'll have to go in and clean up but Steamline can save time sometimes.
- JazX0
pen tools are your best friend that's true. :)
- dconstrukt0
i'll try plotting more points and see how that goes....
i'm gonna do practice each day with it to get better....
- KingMob0
..or you can always stop tracing pictures and go draw some stuff.....he he..
- atomica0
less points more curves.... remember to drag the handles in the direction of your curve and the direct select tool will be your final touch friend ;)
- Mimio0
Get an copy of Streamline 3.0 and then hand adjust it in Illustrator. Works like a charm.
- whiteSneaks0
you don't want to use more points than necessary. a circle only has four points. points typically should be on the peaks and valleys of curves. also drawing simple shapes and uniting them together with the pathfinder can help in some situations.
careful placement of points and tweaking with direct select tool will do it
- Six80
Peaks and valleys, and the most extended parts of your design. A good example of this is if you outline some type and take a look where they plot their points.
Dont hesitate to get kozy with the Shift / Command / Option keys when using your pen tool.