Adobe Illustrator Tutorial: How to Create a Vector Media Player User Interface

This Adobe Illustrator tutorial is the next in the exclusive series covering the topic of user interface design in vector.

In this tutorial we will learn how to create a modern interface using only vector objects. Yes, you can create a shadow and inner glow of the objects without using raster effects. Learn how to do it at the jump.

Step 1

Start with creation of a background. To ensure that all the interface elements look clear in raster file format, choose the Pixel Preview mode (View > Pixel Preview). Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a square of 6 x 6px filled with gray color.

Now create 10 more squares 1 x 1px with a darker gray color fill and place them as shown in the picture below.

Select all the created objects and go to Edit > Define pattern….

Thus, we have created a seamless pattern.

Step 2

Create a rectangle the size of which corresponds with the size of the background, and apply the created seamless pattern to it.

Open the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance), select the background and create a new fill for it by clicking on the Add New Fill button.

Apply the vertical linear gradient from gray to black and the Overlay Blending mode to a new fill.

Step 3

Create the shape of the media player’s frame; it is a rectangle with rounded corners. I use the Dynamic Shapes Tool (VectorScribe Studio plugin) for these purposes. When you use this tool, you have complete control over the shape parameters and rounding radii of the corners. Apply the same seamless pattern, as with the background, to the object. I decided to make the player’s frame transparent.

It looks like the body as well as the background has a gradient fill.

This is the result of our visual perception, so we need to make some corrections. Using the Appearance panel, add a new shape with a linear gradient to the fill to which also apply the Overlay Blending mode.

You can read full version this vector tutorial on AstuteGraphics.com

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