Final Tessellated Background
Process Shots
First, I put a gaussian blur on the original background.
Then I made a hexagon and sectioned it into small triangles which I used to completely cover my gradient background.
Next, I had to learn how to create a marquee selection in illustrator. This was a challenge because I did not realize my selection was interfered by the color fill (triangles filled with white).
Then I made a hexagon and sectioned it into small triangles which I used to completely cover my gradient background.
Next, I had to learn how to create a marquee selection in illustrator. This was a challenge because I did not realize my selection was interfered by the color fill (triangles filled with white).
The solution was to change the layer preview in outline mode.
{hold Ctrl key (Windows) + click the layer’s eye icon in the Layers panel. Only on the artwork not to background gradient layer.}
After that, I could do a marquee selection because I saw only the outlines without color fill.
At this point, I could click and drag to move the points and make a distorted look.
Finally, I used the group selection tool to grab a random section of triangles and set their opacity at 60%. I continued to grab groups of triangles and lowered their opacities at or below 60% until the entire piece looked like the final image.
{hold Ctrl key (Windows) + click the layer’s eye icon in the Layers panel. Only on the artwork not to background gradient layer.}
After that, I could do a marquee selection because I saw only the outlines without color fill.
At this point, I could click and drag to move the points and make a distorted look.
Finally, I used the group selection tool to grab a random section of triangles and set their opacity at 60%. I continued to grab groups of triangles and lowered their opacities at or below 60% until the entire piece looked like the final image.
I think this piece really helped me understand figure ground because it creates a 3D feel while remaining 2D. It allowed my final image to have a depth that is lacking without this background. I'm enjoying learning more as I go with illustrator, and attempting daunting tasks to advance my knowledge.
