Gradients complecated in Illustrator: best way to do them?

[wrreisen]

Please could you advise as the best way to create the gradients in the file here:

http://www.graphics3d.plus.com/silverman2.jpg

I have the task to make it capable of being printed 2 foot tall so at 300 dpi that would be 7000 pixels high by 12000 pixels wide. I do have an 8gb memory on my workstation but I would imagine it would be better to create this image in a vector format that would easily scale and keep its crispness. Please could you give some advice as to how to get these fairly complecated gradients done in illustrator? Or should I just airbrush them in Photoshop and import?

Thanks for any advice?

Thanks for any advice?

 

[apepp]

...so that is 61cm x 102cm at 300dpi...

...it is generally easier to work to scale on screen as opposed to 1:1, that is for sure, it is also worth noting that graphics that are intended to be viewed from a distance don't have to even be 300dpi really, you can quite happily produce large scale graphics at 100dpi or even lower for artwork that might span the size of a large truck or building...

...in your case, you can make use of the gradient mesh tool (U Key), along with standard gradients using the standard gradient tool key (G Key)...

...decent gradient printing (without banding) can also be subject to the actual printing device you end up using (LPI), distance of gradients and percentage change of inks, this is detailed in the illustrator help files, but in your case i wouldn't worry about that too much, until you print it out and it looks horrendous, then consider amending...

...i would personally use illustrator if you can as it would be a bit easier to adjust areas later down the road...

...it is often true to say that the BEST way isn't always the EASIEST way...

...the key for you here is the pen tool, gradient mesh tool, gradient tool, and making good use of layers to build up you artwork...

...get the areas well defined first with the pen tool, and with the gradient mesh tool think about the contours required for the illusion of curves/depth...

...with a good eye and practice you can make images as good as these in illustrator:

http://www.khulsey.com/masters_yukio_miyamoto.html

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...to add...

...this link is a good intro to gradient mesh which will work as a good foundation for you:

http://www.magicalbutterfly.com/tutorials/meshtutorial/meshtutpage1.htm

Andrew