blending images in illustrator cs

[kentucky]

i have a package design.
there are some squares with a flag pattern that i would like to blend into the black box around it.
in photoshop i would use a gradient mask or eraser.
what is the best way in illustrator.

 

[apepp]

...opacity masks in the transparency palette...

...create a gradient fill, place on top, select both the gradient and the flag pattern...

...transparency palette > flyout window > make opacity mask...

...adjust the gradient to suit...

...you can also use an image as an opacity mask instead of a gradient...

Andrew

 

[kentucky]

thanks that works on one side of the flag rectangle.
if i wanted to do the other side do i make another gradient and then another opacity mask?

 

[apepp]

...make a linear gradient, black one end and also black the other with white in the middle...

Andrew