Illustrator probably simple fix for fill issue

[tamarad76]

I'm trying to fill this image of a fish. I select the whole thing and then click on the fill area of the toolbar and instead of filling the whole fish black, I get some sort of weird partial on the edges only fill. I'm sure I'm not doing something right but don't know what to google to fix the issue. Also, noobie here so type slowly and use small words. Thanks for your time!

[John Waller]

Moved from Creative Cloud forum.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Looks like there are just path segments, which are not connected, just grouped.

You could take the live paint tool or the shapebuilder tool to fill the area, but before you do that you should set the existing fill to "none".

[tamarad76]

Ok, thanks so much! After I googled what the live paint tool and the shapebuilder tool was, I was able to fill it that way! So it looks like I need to join the segments somehow? Thanks so much for your time!

[Monika Gause]

What you concluded, is correct: In order to just apply a fill, the paths would need to be joined.

You can either draw them that way (by using the pen tool) or use the join command: Object > Path > Join

The shapebuilder tool also joins them while live paint creates a special "live" object.

How to adjust path segments in Illustrator

[KShinabery212]

When I create cartoons and other designs in Illustrator.... I make sure all the gaps in the lines are connected and then I expand the lines... then I change it to live paint in order to fill in the gaps.

But interesting trick.  Lines do not have to be the same color and they can be clear!

So I first draw a character or creation or whatever.  I then duplicate the layer.  The top layer ends up being my safety layer that I do not touch.  I lock it!  Then with the bottom duplicate layer placed at the bottom... that is the layer I work with.  I create clear lines to fill in the gaps.  Then I use Live Paint to fill it in.  

What is cool is inbetween these safety layer and the now colored bottom layer I can add new layers for gradients, shading, highlights and other colors.

Here is an example of what I can create with the described process. Once you figure this technique out you can create really interesting designs, logos, characters or whatever.

[tamarad76]

Ok. That. Is. Awesome! I just need alot more practice and more google! Thanks everyone!