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Participant
April 15, 2025
Answered

How can I recreate this stepped spiral optical illustration in Illustrator?

  • April 15, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 368 views

Hi everyone! I'm trying to figure out how to recreate this stunning stepped spiral design (see attached image). I love the blend of clean geometry, optical illusion, and rhythm created by the stepped lines spiraling inward. It almost looks like it was made with a mix of blend and transform effects, but I'm unsure how to control the spacing, angles, and overall form precisely like this.

 

I'm currently using Illustrator but open to Photoshop suggestions too if needed.
Any tips on the best tools, techniques, or even plugins that could help me achieve this look would be super appreciated!

 

Thanks in advance for your help—keen to learn how this was made or hear your approach!

Correct answer Monika Gause

You can draw the circles with the radial grid tool. Use the arrow keys for the number of rings (up, down, left, right)

Then cut the circles, then assign the stroke width and dashes. You have to figure out the sweet spot. https://youtu.be/gSTejp5UJgU 

1 reply

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 15, 2025

A lot of circles.

I have cut the at the top anchor.

And then dashes.

Probebly reverse path direction.

Participant
April 15, 2025

Awesome! Thanks Monika! Can you explain the process step by step please?

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
April 15, 2025

You can draw the circles with the radial grid tool. Use the arrow keys for the number of rings (up, down, left, right)

Then cut the circles, then assign the stroke width and dashes. You have to figure out the sweet spot. https://youtu.be/gSTejp5UJgU