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As I mentioned in my Illustrator tutorials many times before, texture is a very important part of vector illustration. Apparently, texture can be created from any random objects. Today's tutorial confirms my claims. So let's get started!
Final image
This tutorial is made in the RGB color mode (File > Document Color Mode > RGB color).
Step 1
Let's check out the technique of random vector texture creation on the example of one number. But before we precede, let's create a background; that will help us to choose the colors correctly in future. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a rectangle. I chose not very bright blue for the fill.
Take the Type Tool (T) and print a number "3”; then take another tool, the Selection Tool (V) for example.
Step 2
Keep the number selected and go to the Type > Create Outlines.
Fill the resulting object with vertical linear gradient which consists of two shades of blue.
The colors of this gradient will be most likely editable after the texture is created.
Step 3
Let's start the texture creation. I'm sure, that there are plenty suitable objects for texture creation in your vector files. I, for example, found a vector world map which I used couple of times in Infographics tutorials, here for example. It is advisable to have a complex form texture. Drag the texture into the current document and fill it with solid dark grey.
Step 4
Set the Color Dodge blending mode in the Transparency panel for your texture.
Now we can control the colors of the gradient fill of the number and change grey in order to achieve just the right result or, in other words, the desired color intensity.
Step 5
Type a few characters of world currencies. I use the same font for them as for the numbers. Open the Glyphs panel (Type > Glyphs), and then take the Type Tool (T) and click on the artboard. Now click twice on the needed symbol in the Glyphs panel.
Set the Color Dodge blending mode for the symbol, and adjust the color intensity in the Color panel.
Create a couple more symbols with this technique.
Step 6
With the Pen Tool (P) or the Line segment Tool create a couple of divergent paths with a dark-grey stroke. Apply the triangular profile to them in the Stroke panel and the Color Dodge blending mode.
Step 7
Create two vertical lines with grey stroke. Select them, then go to the Object > Blend > Make. In order to establish the desired effect's parameters, click twice on the Blend Tool(W) icon, or go to the Object > Blend > Blend Options…. Set the Color Burn blending mode for our resulting blend object.
Step 8
If you want to lighten the texture locally, then create a circle with the help of the Ellipse Tool (L) with radial gradient fill from grey to black (R=0; G=0; B=0) and apply the Color Dodge blending mode to it.
Step 9
So, the texture is created; let's restrict its visibility. Double the number three, then place its copy above all created objects.
Select the upper number and all the elements of our texture, then go to the Object > Clipping Mask > Make or use the Cmd / Ctrl + 7 keyboard shortcut.
Step 10
Double the lower part of the number, then place a copy above all the created objects once again.
Turn off the fill and apply the blue stroke to this object.
Our creation of the rest of the numbers won't take that much time as you can use already existing texture, slightly changing objects' location and colors of objects from which it consists.
You can also read about other ways of vector texture creation in the tutorial "How to Create Textures in Illustrator".
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