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Jber505
Jber505
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How to Create a shaded arch

Jul 13, 2012 2:42 PM

Tags: #illustrator #to #how #marks #arc #arch #hash #tick

Hello again;

 

I'm sure that this is probably old hat to you guys, but I have no idea how to create the arch part of the dials, at least I think it would be an arch.  With the top photo, the "arch" has 2 colors so I would need to have 2 layers, one holding one color and one holding the other color, but as I said I have no idea how to make them and I had no success with the "arc" tool.

Tach.JPG

In the second photo, it's very difficult to tell, but the left side of the arch is green and the right is a pale yellow so again, I think I would need two archs.  The second photo also these tick marks that are at the top of the arch and again, I have no idea how to recreate them.

Pontiac.png

 

I'm hoping someone that knows how to make these wouldn't mind putting together a step by step tutorial for me since I'm still a novice with Illustrator.  Thanks!!!

981 Views   10 Replies   Latest reply: Jber505, Jul 18, 2012 4:37 AM
 
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  • Jacob Bugge
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    1. Jacob Bugge,
    Jul 13, 2012 3:14 PM   in reply to Jber505
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    jber,

     

    In both cases, you may start with concentric circles corresponding to the outer and inner edges of the coloured parts and cut/divide them where the colourings end; you may delete superfluous parts.

     

    You may use radial lines to cut the circles; if you lock everything but the radial lines and the concentric circles to be cut, you may select the lines one by one and Object>Path>Divide Objects below.

     

    After dividing, you may colour the individual parts of the (remaining) circular rings.

     

    In the first one, you may give the tick marks a black stroke and ultimately place the coloured circular strips behind them; the stroke will only be seen on the background of the coloured strips.

     
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  • Larry G. Schneider
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    2. Larry G. Schneider,
    Jul 13, 2012 3:59 PM   in reply to Jber505
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    Just use a stroked path for what you see a an arc. Like here

     

    Screen shot 2012-07-13 at 3.05.45 PM.png

     

    Screen shot 2012-07-13 at 3.06.07 PM.png

     
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  • steve fairbairn
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    3. steve fairbairn,
    Jul 13, 2012 6:25 PM   in reply to Jber505
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    ... so I would need to have 2 layers ...

    Not necessarily. Sub-layers in a stack, yes, but for a simple job like this you shouldn't need more than one layer.

     

    It might help to drag ruler guides to mark the centres of your circles before you clip them. This will facilitate the positioning of the tick marks.

     

    Otherwise Jacob and Larry have got it right.

     
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  • Jacob Bugge
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    4. Jacob Bugge,
    Jul 14, 2012 3:11 AM   in reply to Jber505
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    jber,

     

    What Larry and Steve said.

     

    Obviously, it is easier to use a simple stroked path.

     

    I was thinking of the precise sizing/positioning, against the outer/inner circle used for the tick marks part, but it is quite easy to adjust the circle size.

     

    You can still put the circular strips behind the tick marks.

     

    Hopefully without getting the tics.

     
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  • Wade_Zimmerman
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    5. Wade_Zimmerman,
    Jul 14, 2012 8:33 AM   in reply to Jber505
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    As the others are saying it just paths and the way they obtain the arcs ar by actually creating an circle elipse and trimmiing them. You can use the scissor tool for that if you still can't figure it out then later if I have time I will do a small video.

     

    your get something like this

     

    Screen Shot 2012-07-14 at 11.28.33 AM.png

     
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  • Jber505
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    6. Jber505,
    Jul 14, 2012 7:12 PM   in reply to Wade_Zimmerman
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    Thanks everyone, I haven't had time to try this out yet but I will.  I did try the other day making two circles and moving them close together to get the arch, but had a lot of trouble getting an even gap.  I'll be working on it Monday and will you all know how it goes!!

     
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  • Jacob Bugge
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    7. Jacob Bugge,
    Jul 15, 2012 3:24 AM   in reply to Jber505
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    jber,

     

    To create a new circle with the same centre as an existing one, you may select the existing circle and Object>Path>Offset with a positve or negative value (to make a larger on or a smaller one).

     

    That will give you two concentric circles, and you may go on.

     

    If you wish to make a simple stroked path that touches an existing path, set the Offset to (+/-) half the desired Stroke Weight.

     

    If you wish to create closed paths based on inner and outer circles, set the Offset to (+/-) half the difference in Width/Height.

     

    In any case, you should keep copies of the circles that determine the tick marks; always keep copies of crucial steps in the creation of artwork, to facilitate/enable editing and further work, like this.

     
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  • Jber505
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    8. Jber505,
    Jul 15, 2012 5:20 AM   in reply to Jacob Bugge
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    Thank you Jacob, that should difinitely help to keep the gap size consistent between the two circles.  Much appreciated.

     
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  • Jacob Bugge
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    9. Jacob Bugge,
    Jul 15, 2012 7:52 AM   in reply to Jber505
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    You are welcome, jber.

     

    I hope we shall see the final versions. Which models are they for?

     
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  • Jber505
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    10. Jber505,
    Jul 18, 2012 4:37 AM   in reply to Jacob Bugge
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    Hello Jacob;

     

    Yes, I will difinitely put up a photo of the finished dials.  I've been having some computer problems so it might be a few days.  As far as what models these are for...

     

    The top is a 1970 Pontiac and the bottom is a 1970 Camaro.

     

    See ya soon!

     
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