Creating Swirly Type

Posted on 21. Oct, 2009 by admin in 2D GRAPHICS, Illustrator

In this tutorial we will explore the “Average” command in Adobe Illustrator, and learn how to use it in rather unusual way. In this case, we’ll create abstract swirls using relatively simple methods and apply it to type. Let’s get started!

Introduction

Most of you are probably familiar with the Average command in Adobe Illustrator. This is not a very popular tool though, as it is mostly used only for specific needs. However, today we will explore the math behind it and use it for creating some surrealistic swirly shapes. The technique is rather simple, but we’ll spend some time for theory – as I am a teacher and I like explaining and making everything clear.

The “Average” Theory

Let’s spend some time on the theoretical part first. This way you will better understand the mechanism of the “Average” tool and the three integral laws of the “Average Smooth Abstract Swirls” (ASAS) technique I recently invented. However, if you just don’t like much theory, you can move right to Step 6.

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