Adobe x Antlii

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Freeform Gradient Tool

Free resource with the tips for Adobe Illustrator

I was recently approached by Adobe, with a question about working with me as part of an ongoing educational series that let users explore and learn a few new skills.

They had in mind a pack of abstract illustrations referencing the distinctive style of my work, such as us Genetically Tailored Humans.

I agreed to help with the project and made some simple vector images in Adobe Illustrator using the Freeform Gradient tool, along with a detailed explanation of the process and tips about designing with freeform gradients.

Here's some novice tips while working with Freeform Gradients:

It's better to use a light background.

Thus, when a colored object is layered on top of the background, it will not change their color by merging with the background's color.

The preferable blending mode for objects is Multiply.

In this case you don't have to think much about object transparency (use default 100%), as you can easily change the transparency of gradient points by controlling its saturation of color in RGB mode. In that case, the dense color will be almost opaque, and if you need full transparency - just set it to white.

Easy and simply ;)

Define from start the color palette in which you plan to draw.

Two or three colors will be enough. And try analogous colors first, they're easier to work with.

Add a noise effect at the end (Effect - Texture - Grain).

This seemingly simple tool does all the magic, creating that eye-catching, analog effect.

I prefer to stick with 10-20 points for intensity and 50-60 points for contrast values. But if you need to make rough lines, put the noise intensity to the maximum, and lower the contrast value to zero.

I hope these simple tips will help you to better understand the tool, and don't be afraid to experiment, it sometimes brings very unexpected (and much interesting) results.