In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the Mesh Tool in Adobe Illustrator to create a natural summer background.
If you want to skip the tutorial and just use this vector in your work, purchase Natural Background with Leaves and a Wooden Sign from GraphicRiver!
1. How to Draw the Paper and the Board
Step 1
Let’s begin drawing the paper with Mesh!
Grab the Mesh Tool (U) and a white rectangle. Click inside the rectangle to create a Mesh grid, and then color the lower and right edges of the paper with #DDDDDD.
Bend the upper left corner of the paper, and then color it with #B8B8B8. Finish by changing a node to #CBCBCB.
Step 2
Create a shape of a bent corner, filling it with a Linear Gradient from #000000 to #E3E3E3 to #FFFFFF.
Step 3
Attach the corner to the paper.
Step 4
Begin making a blend by creating two shapes like shown below, the bigger one white and the smaller black.
Place the black shape inside the white shape.
Step 5
Make the white shape transparent, and then proceed to Object > Blend > Blend Options. Set it to Specified Steps, 30.
Finally, select both objects and finish with Object > Blend > Make.
Step 6
Add the blend under the paper. You can also learn how to create a nail in this tutorial.
Step 7
Let’s begin by taking a wooden vector texture! You can find out how to make one right here.
If you end up using the texture from my tutorial, begin by adjusting the color of the wood with Edit > Edit Colors > Saturate with a value of -67%.
Step 8
Create a gradient overlay for the planks. Use a Radial Gradient from #BFB3AB to #0C0503, and set the object to Overlay.
Step 9
Pick five planks out of the texture (preferably the ones pictured below and in the same order), and then place the overlay on top of each.
Step 10
Draw an outline of a plank as shown below, and then create a copy of it.
Use the original to make a clipping mask with the textured plank. Fill the copy with #82614A, and then go to Effect > 3D > Extrude and Bevel.
Input the options shown below, and expand the result with Object > Expand Appearance.
Step 11
Place the texture on top of the object.
Step 12
Use the same outline and 3D object for the second textured plank.
Step 13
Draw a new outline for the fourth and third planks, and then repeat the process of Steps 10-12.
Step 14
Create one final outline and 3D object for plank 5.
Step 15
Assemble the sign as shown below and rotate it slightly.
Step 16
Take planks 1 and 4, create copies of them, and stretch them out.
Step 17
Add those behind the sign.
Step 18
Add the paper on top of the sign.
2. How to Draw the Ladybug
Step 1
Begin by drawing the body of the bug with Mesh.
You will need these colors:
#CE2606#DF925E#E5C5A6-
#DA896A
Step 2
Finish the Mesh drawing.
#F3F8F6#900903#3C0000#7D0000-
#650400
Step 3
Create a rectangle filled with #BD4117, and bend it with Arc and Expand Appearance.
Step 4
Color the object with Mesh.
#B21F03#A03C1B#D55A44-
#570805
Step 5
Finish the wing.
#F5F7F8#A01301#880800
Step 6
Bend a #B74016 rectangle.
Step 7
Color it with Mesh.
#400000-
#272522
Step 8
Draw the head of the ladybug.
#1B1D20#E3DCB2#EEE6DA-
#797776
Step 9
Draw another part of the head.
#282828#4F4F4F#000000-
#CBCBCB
Step 10
Draw legs.
#2E2E2E#686868
Step 11
Draw the antennae.
#010101#720500
Step 12
Draw spots.
#000000- –
#4F4F4F-
#FFFFFF
Step 13
Change the Transparency of the spot, and then create a few copies and modify them with Effect > Bend.
Step 14
Assemble the ladybug.
Step 15
Create a Blend shadow out of #162304 and #D5DBCC ellipses.
3. How to Draw the Background
Step 1
Begin by drawing a simple mesh object using #FFFFFF and #A5DDED.
Step 2
If you’d like to draw the leaves and the branch, consult this tutorial.
Then recolor the leaves with Edit > Edit Colors > Adjust Colors and 5% Red.
Step 3
Recolor some of the individual leaves using the same method. You can also make some of them more transparent.
Step 4
Arrange some leaves inside an outline for a Clipping Mask.
Step 5
Take the grass from this tutorial.
Then isolate one of the blades and bend it with Effect > Warp > Arc.
Step 6
Set the ladybug on top of the bent blade of grass.
Step 7
Place it in the middle of the grass patch.
Step 8
Create circles, different in size and filled with #B4B4B4. Set them to Overlay.
Step 9
Add more sizes and varying Opacity.
Step 10
Draw the sun using a Radial Gradient from #FFFFFF to #FFB500 to #000000.
Set the Transparency to Screen.
Step 11
Assemble the background out of all the elements, and you’re done!
Awesome Work, You’re Now Done!
What now? You can try any of my other tutorials from my profile or check out my portfolio on GraphicRiver, as well as the original vector we recreated in this tutorial.
I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, and I would be super happy to see any results in the comments below.