Illusions of Depth: Layer-art in Illustrator

Rich Armstrong, Product Designer

9 Videos (23m)

- Intro
  
  0:42
- The First Layer
  
  3:18
- Shadows Now or Later?
  
  0:58
- Repetition With a Twist
  
  4:05
- To Work Up or Down?
  
  0:58
- Shadows and Light
  
  3:01
- Coloring Your Layers
  
  5:30
- Finishing Touches
  
  3:49
- The Last Video
  
  0:41

38 students are watching this class

About This Class

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In this class we’re going to learn how to get going with layer-art in Adobe Illustrator. You’ll learn how to add depth to your artwork – and you’ll be able to use it for organic forms, layered illustrations, geometric artwork and for prototyping real-world layer-art.

Adobe Illustrator is an amazing layer-art tool since you don’t need real paper or cutting tools, yet you can create illusions of depth really easily. It can be a precursor for getting into 3D and real world layer-art, but it can also be in it’s coolest and most powerful form right in Illustrator – you can easily manipulate shapes and take them into interactive and moving forms!

The class is short, fun and accessible.

Checkout some more classes that include layer-art:

Class Projects 104 See All

Create an abstract or organic piece of art, a layered illustration or work with layered typography. I’ll be taking you through a piece of abstract/organic art – much like a cavern. ASSIGNMENTProduce your own layer-art by creating an artwork or illustration using the techniques in the videos. DELIVERABLESUpload screenshots of your layer-art piece to your project gallery. Include some of the following elements, from the video lessons: The layers in grayscale (without shadows) The layers all in white, but with a drop-shadow The layers in their chosen colors The final exported piece A FEW THINGS Here's the layer-art process for Illustrator in Google Doc format. Here's a layer-art tag list for sharing your work – you're welcome to suggest more. Here's the Coolors website – the best for generating cool colors! I made a 10 min bonus video on creating vector drop-shadows, if you're interested.

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418 of 424 students recommendSee All

So much fun with endless options. Love this instructor. He's having a good time, and that makes all the difference.

Cyd Madsen

I love this teachers generosity. So easy to follow, he completely guides you and I learn all the tricks. Thank you

Lisa Stevens

awesome

Meenu Chugh

4,190

Students

104

Projects

418

Reviews (424)

Rich Armstrong

Product Designer

Although Rich calls himself a Product Designer he's more of a jack-of-all-trades / generalist / unicorn. He designs, animates and codes. And if you want to learn how to make stuff unicorn-style then read on! Rich studied multimedia design and graphic design, and taught himself to code. He's freelanced, worked for agencies and startups, and now runs a studio with his wife in Amsterdam. He creates compulsively, has super ginger-powers and can touch his nose with his tongue!

Rich ...

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Skills in this Class:

Design Art Illustration Adobe Illustrator Graphic Design Creative Craft