Creating Objects, Graphs, and Symbols n this chapter, you learn how to create objects, such as rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and stars. In addition, you find out how to create and enhance graphs, add touches of light with the Flare tool, and create really cool repeating effects with the Symbolism tools. This is actually a very important chapter because it introduces the objects, graphs, and symbols that you will often use in later chapters. Be sure to take the time to understand the concepts that are presented in this chapter so that you have an easier time later. I IN THIS CHAPTER Creating rectangles, ellipses,. | In this chapter you learn how to create objects such as rectangles ellipses polygons and stars. In addition you find out how to create and enhance graphs add touches of light with the Flare tool and create really cool repeating effects with the Symbolism tools. This is actually a very important chapter because it introduces the objects graphs and symbols that you will often use in later chapters. Be sure to take the time to understand the concepts that are presented in this chapter so that you have an easier time later. Making Basic Shapes Drawing the most basic shapes rectangles ellipses polygons and stars is precisely what a computer is for. Try drawing a perfect ellipse by hand. Troublesome isn t it How about a square that doesn t have ink bubbles or splotches at the corners A nine-pointed star Drawing these objects and then coloring them in Illustrator is so easy and so basic that after a few weeks of using Illustrator you never have to draw a shape by hand again without wincing and maybe even shuddering. Illustrator exemplifies the true power of object-oriented drawing programming. No matter what you draw you can adjust and move each piece of the drawing independently until it s just right. Don t like the sun so high in your background Pull it down and tuck it in just a bit behind those mountains. Is the tree too small for the house in your illustration Scale it up a bit. This feature is great not only for artists but also for your pesky client or boss who demands that everything be moved except that darned tree. IN THIS CHAPTER Creating rectangles ellipses polygons and stars Using the Flare tool Understanding fills and strokes Designing graphs charts flowcharts and diagrams Using the Symbol Sprayer tools Editing and altering symbols 125 Part I Illustrator Basics And after you create the shape you can move rotate scale and manipulate it in any way you want. Figure shows an illustration drawn one way and then modified in a matter of seconds by moving .
