Create a Gradient that follows the curve on the art?

[cbishop01]

I have some artwork that i want to have the gradient follow the top part of the art.  The gradient should folllow the direction of the arrows ( i just put those in there for reference). 

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

You may try a FreeForm Gradient.

[cbishop01]

if this is the mesh tool, i've tried this but the gradients are harsh when i apply them. its more than likely becasue i dont know how to use them but it doesnt feather out like i'm needing.

[Ton Frederiks]

No, it is not the mesh. For Freeform Gradients see:

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/gradients.html

[barbara_a]

Another possibility wouild be to use a Blend.

[cbishop01]

When i tried to apply the blend to it (with the blend tool) it just created a separate shape. It didnt really do the feather that i'm wanting along the curve. I'm not super skilled in illustartor so its possible i'm jsut doing this wrong as well.

[barbara_a]

It's possible to do a blend that would work, but I think that Ton's suggestion of using a custom gradient would give you more control.

Once to fill the shape with a custom gradient, you can add points, momve them around and assign a color to each point. This is the general idea:

[pixxxelschubser]

… or with lines …

[cbishop01]

Thank you both so much!! If i could give both of you the "Correct" checkbox i would. I didnt realize the "freeform" was different than the gradient this will save me so much extra work. You guy are the best!!

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear we could help.

I think you can mark more posts as correct.