Editing standard objects

[Michael_R.]

Hey all together,
I built this pencil, it is supposed to finally be used as a texture for a 3D model

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/michael_reiter/PDA/shape-1.jpg

The parts where the red circle is around are the shaped which I want to have smooth, the pencil consists out of various rectangles, which I editet to fit my purposes.
But actually I don´t have clue to get rid of the hard edges, without adding numerous new anchor points.

Best regards,
Michael

[Michael_R.]

anyone who can help me?

[lemur]

You only need to add one anchor point, as far as I can see.

Marked in red- add anchor point, convert to curve. Move point upwards to create curve as would be perceived from pencil lead.

Marked in blue- convert to curves.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/ThePlaidLemur/pencil.jpg

If you are unfamiliar with how to convert anchor points to curves, simply select them with the anchor select cursor (the white one), then click 'convert to curve', which is in the top menu bar. Once these have been converted, you should have the smooth, curved lines you are looking for.

The result:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/ThePlaidLemur/pencilcopy.jpg

[Michael_R.]

that´s what I was lookin for, thank you very much!

[lemur]

No problem! Good luck with your future Illustrator work.