Gradients

Gradients

1. You cannot apply gradients directly from the toolbar. First, select the object, go to the Properties panel, and click on the Fill option. Then choose a preset gradient from the Swatches panel or create your own using the Gradient panel;
2. Alternatively, when you select an object, select the Gradient Tool from the tools bar and click the mouse button once inside the shape. It will apply a default gradient;
3. Gradients are formed of Color Stops. Double-click on a color stop to change colors using the Color Swatches or Color Mixer;
4. You can adjust the blending of colors by moving the gradient slider, and add new color stops by clicking along the gradient preview. When you click on a color stop, you can change its Location on the slider and its Opacity by manually typing a value or choosing from their dropdown menu;
5. Changing the direction or angle of the gradient can be done using the Gradient Tool;
6. There are three shapes (types) of Gradient:
   • Linear Gradient: The default, creating a straight transition between colors;
   • Radial Gradient: A circular gradient that can be stretched and adjusted;
   • Freeform Gradient: Allows points or lines on the object for more custom blending of colors;
7. You can reverse the color transition from the Gradient panel, and apply gradients to strokes (the outline of shapes), which can have different colors than the fill;
8. Once satisfied with a gradient, save it as a Gradient Swatch for easy reuse;
9. Illustrator's Gradient Tool is super versatile, letting you go from simple, straight-line gradients to more complex freeform gradients, giving you many options to blend colors smoothly across different shapes and designs.

Task

Recreate Opera Logo per the previous video.

Bonus Task

Recreate the Instagram logo using similar techniques.