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View Full Version : Using Strokes for Logo Design, real annoying dilemma!


KGD
11-07-2006, 08:33 PM
hi all-
I have been using Illustrator for years now, but one thing has always puzzled me and hopefully there is a MUCH easier way to do this. When I create a logo, mostly using people that were penned out in Photoshop, then the paths exported to illustrator, I focus on the details of the edges as I would when using the pen tool to crop an image. However, when I want to add and large outline, I get spikes all over the place. I usually just flatten the transparency and manually go in and clan up the spikes, but it is such a hassle! Is there an easier way? I try to keep the outlines flattened so that if they are scaled, they don't distort the finished project. Here's an example of something I did tonight for a client, and what the problem is. ANY HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

The Repro Kid
11-08-2006, 12:04 AM
The spikes are a result of your end joins and mitre limits found in the strokes palette. When your mitre limit is low you will not get spikes but you get an unpleasant drop off of the stroke. When you change your end joins to Round you will eliminate the need for a mitre limit and you will eliminate the spikes, but you will get a round join rather than a corner. Most people just set the joins to round as a compromise because it always looks better than a spike.

Oh yeah, another reason you're getting so many spikes is because you are not carefully tracing your objects. I see spikes in areas that should just be a curve (like the back of the helmet), this indicates you are converting selections to paths rather than carefully tracing.

gazky7
11-12-2006, 08:28 AM
Repro Kid you sound like a Illustrator genius, i have seen many threads where it seems you know the answer immediatly. GOOD1. Ive only been using it for about 4 months and feel fairly confident with most tasks (using photoshop and corel for years)....Q> How long have you been using it?

Keep up the good work.

The Repro Kid
11-12-2006, 12:31 PM
since 1992.

gazky7
11-21-2006, 09:49 AM
I see says the blind man:eek:

Paul C
11-21-2006, 11:46 AM
…as he picked up his hammer and saw…

Repro is the man, or rather, one of the men…

peace

mops
11-29-2006, 01:40 PM
you are the 'men' paul - you and repro.............i wouldnt have job if you guys hadnt helped me back last year ............there's nothing these two dont know - they're like John Mclain but wear better jumpers ;) !

and this solved my problem too - i had spikes and now i dont - how about that !