Create a RECTANGLE with a LINEAR GRADIENT

Adjust the COLOR of the GRADIENT by selecting new colors

Use the APPEARANCE window to add a NEW FILL to your shape

Again, use the APPEARANCE window to change the FILL

Use TEXTURE GRAIN Change the BLENDING MODE MULTIPLY

Add a NEW FILL RADIAL GRADIENT, a White to Transparent gradient

Change the BLENDING MODE to OVERLAY

Add TEXT and remove the STROKE/FILL, then from APPEARANCE NEW FILL

Add a LINEAR GRADIENT Experiment with FILLS, TEXTURES, and BLENDING MODES

Experiment with EFFECTS like DROP SHADOW, GLOW etc.

CREATING A GRAPHIC USING TEXTURE Images taken from: http://vectips.com/tutorials/creating-seamless-textures/

Create a set of solid SHAPES Create negative space SHAPES Add more negative space shapes to fill out the final form

Use the PEN TOOL and TRANSFORM TOOLS to finish the shape

Create additional shapes using positive and negative space

Use the PEN TOOL and different BRUSH SETTINGS to create embellishments

Use different WEIGHTED brushes to finalize the embellishments

Use the pen tool to create more shapes and add a GRADIENT OR MESH

BEND, TRANSFORM and WARP the gradients to fit the shapes

Repeat the first SEVEN steps to create a complimentary graphic

Repeat the steps for creating a GRADIENT or MESH

Place the pieces together to create a strong composition and harmony

CREATING A GRAPHIC USING NEGATIVE SPACE Images taken from: http://www.gomediazine.com/tutorials/illustrator/creating-an-illustrative-monogram/

Create an “empty” text (no fill/stroke) and then add a NEW FILL GRADIENT

From APPEARANCE use TRANSFORM EFFECT to create an OFFSET PATH

Repeat the last step and create a darker colored OFFSET PATH (shadow)

Repeat the last step and use a lighter colored OFFSET PATH (outline)

Repeat the last step and create a new OFFSET PATH off centered (highlights)

Repeat the last step and create an outline around the whole graphic

Repeat the last step for a bolder outline Repeat the last step and create an off centered OFFSET PATH (bevel)

Use STYLIZE DROP SHADOW Repeat the last step for other FILL LAYERS (text itself, not the outline)

Finalize with EFFECTS Experiment with colors, overlays and textures

CREATING A GRAPHIC USING LINES for 3-Dimensional SPACE Images taken from: http://vectips.com/tutorials/create-a-3d-text-effect-in-adobe-illustrator/