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_hvcnyc
Participant
February 17, 2021
Question

Help with puzzle-like project.

  • February 17, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 349 views

I am making an artwork which is pieces of acrylic that are like puzzle pieces, slotting in together perfectly within a frame, somewhat like a stained glass sun catcher, to make a rosella. The problem is, I have no idea how to actually do this in illustration correctly. Any help would be amazing 

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2 replies

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 17, 2021

Did you already get in contact with someone who is going to cut this for you?

If not: do that first.

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    _hvcnycAuthor
    Participant
    February 17, 2021

    Well, it is a school project and we do have a laser cutter, so yes. My teacher is quite familiar with illustrator and the cutter but I haven't seen him for some time and can't ask over email. 

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 17, 2021

    So the parts will be cut from different pieces of material?

    Basically you can just draw it in one pice, then use the live paint or shapebuilder function and then arrange the pieces for cutting. Exactly how the pieces need to be arranged (safe distance etc) needs to be discussed with your teacher if you don't know this information.

    Doug A Roberts
    Community Expert
    Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 17, 2021

    Can you show an example of what you are trying to do?

    Also, what have you tried so far and where are you getting stuck?

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    _hvcnycAuthor
    Participant
    February 17, 2021

    So it will be something  like this, where all pieces fit together nicely but of course, without any solder (and just in acrylic)
    I've done something similar when I've just made shapes on different layers and tried to line them up as good as I can, but there's always something that doesn't like up, and I'm not super familiar with illustrator so I have nothing to go off. 

    Doug A Roberts
    Community Expert
    Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 17, 2021

    Assuming I understand you correctly, I would:

     

    1. Draw the line art for your piece, making sure each line overlaps or intersects another (make sure Smart Guides are on to help you)

    2. Use the live paint bucket (K) to fill the line art with your colours, then remove the stroke from the piece.

    3. Object > Live Paint > Expand, then ungroup the result.

     

    You should end up with a separate shape for each area that needs to be cut.

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