Chapter 9. Graphs, Distortion, and Blends

In case you haven't figured it out by now, the underlying theme of this book is learning to combine the features in Illustrator with each other, rather than just focusing on each feature on its own. This chapter is certainly no exception.

You may be asking yourself what it is that graphs, distortions, and blends have in common so that they deserve to share space within the same chapter. The answer is that for the most part, these seemingly disparate features firmly drive home the notion that using a combination of features can reap big rewards.

After all, graphs on their own can be pretty boring, but with a few Live Effects applied, such as 3D or Drop Shadow, you can end up with a graph that seemingly pops off the page and demands a reader's attention. Not only do tools and effects in Illustrator CS2 help to make for more interesting-looking graphs, but they also help to make for more effective graphs. The Liquify distortion tools can turn a gradient mesh into something special, and the Envelope distortion features can add just the right look to text. As for blends, combining them with features like Symbols and SWF Export can turn static Web art into fantastic animations.

To finish the chapter off on a bright note, we'll even talk about the innovative vector Flare tool for creating cool lens flares.