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DigitalChickster
Inspiring
February 11, 2021
Answered

Simplifying a logo with distressed texture

  • February 11, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 2052 views

Hi all! I feel like I should know how to do this, but I'm drawing a blank. I've designed a logo. There's a circle with the icon and words inside it. Over the entire thing, I added a distressed pattern... to make it look... well, distressed. I know there's a way to clean up all that texture that's outside the circle... but I can't quite seem to make it work. What is the best way to do this? I've attached two screenshots... the one on the left is what I want it to look like. The one on the left shows the distressed texture highlighted... it's a mess! 

 



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Correct answer DigitalChickster

I actually found a video that showed me the technique I was not remembering. Here is how to do it:

 

Create artwork (not including the distressed texture)

Expand everything (text, strokes)

Using the Pathfinder, unite everything (first button on top left)

Open Transparency window

Select graphics

Play with the two checkboxes (check and uncheck) until it looks right

Now go copy your distressed texture

Come back to original file and paste that texture INTO the white box in the Transparency window

You can move the texture around now

 

And here's the link to the video that reminded me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XVG1XP1-jU

3 replies

DigitalChickster
DigitalChicksterAuthorCorrect answer
Inspiring
February 19, 2021

I actually found a video that showed me the technique I was not remembering. Here is how to do it:

 

Create artwork (not including the distressed texture)

Expand everything (text, strokes)

Using the Pathfinder, unite everything (first button on top left)

Open Transparency window

Select graphics

Play with the two checkboxes (check and uncheck) until it looks right

Now go copy your distressed texture

Come back to original file and paste that texture INTO the white box in the Transparency window

You can move the texture around now

 

And here's the link to the video that reminded me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XVG1XP1-jU

michelew83603738
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 11, 2021

You want to use an opacity mask. If that doesn't ring any bells for you, there are many tutorials online, it is very simple.

DigitalChickster
Inspiring
February 11, 2021

I've not heard of an opacity mask. I'll research that! Thanks! 

michelew83603738
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 11, 2021
Community Expert
February 11, 2021

The most simple solution is not to apply the texture to the outer circle in the first place. Just bake the texture into the interior elements. If that was your only copy of the logo and you no longer have a clean version then the easiest thing to do would be re-creating the outer circle.

DigitalChickster
Inspiring
February 11, 2021

Good idea. I do have a clean version, so this could work. Thanks.