Is (semi-)realistic shading possible in Illustrator?

[default3svo1yssc2q6]

Hey,

I'm fairly new to Illustrator and learn it for work purposes. I got a task, where I need to design a character and shade it semi-realistically. I can't find any ressources on it though. I tried shading with gradients and Gaussian Blur, but the results were as wonky as you can imagine. Most shading technique tutorials look like this (picture 1), but I need something like this (picture 2). So my question is: Is this even possible (for a beginner) in Illustrator?

one of my colleagues says yes, the other no. I'm tending to no....

picture 1                                                  picture 2

[Doug A Roberts]

It's possible. People working like that will make heavy use of use gradient meshes and/or blends.

[default3svo1yssc2q6]

Thanks Doug!

Do you know whether its rather easy or more advanced already?

[Ton Frederiks]

Is this even possible (for a beginner) in Illustrator?

Yes it is possible (do a Google search for Realistic Illustrator art).

And, No not for a beginner (but you can try using gradient meshes or the recent freeform gradients).

[default3svo1yssc2q6]

Thanks Ton!

I guess I will try it. I've seen some videos on it, but I hoped I could avoid gradient meshes. Looks like I cannot haha.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

There's one important thing you need to know about gradient meshes that most tutorials don't tell you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIqGHoLPuuE

And there's a useful free plugin. But even if you don't use the plugin, this document could be helpful:

http://vectorboom.com/load/freebies/freeplugins/mesh_tormentor_plugin_complete_guide/24-1-0-18

And what's important: when building something complex as a face, don't try to build it with just one mesh. Meshes can also be stacked and the edge mesh points can have opacity zero to blend in, so you can build the features of the face separately.

[default3svo1yssc2q6]

Thanks Monika!

I will look into it. Grateful for any help!!