Mesh fills offer you the power to solve many types of realistic illustrative challenges with a minimum of objects. But, few new users take the plunge and dive into the complex depths of this slightly intimidating CorelDRAW feature. Next, we’ll take some of the mystery out of working with mesh fills and explore a few simple, practical applications. Read the rest of this entry »
When it comes to drawing realistic-looking threads for either illustration or engineering drawings, many users often puzzle of just how to tackle the shape and shading aspects. Here’s one basic technique you can try on your own using the tools available in CorelDRAW 11 to create machine-bolt style threads around a cylindrical object. Read the rest of this entry »
In part 1 of this 2-part article, we learned how to create the illusion of chiseled effects in CorelDRAW 11 using the most basic of shapes. Next, we’ll explore how to deal with more complex shapes and apply realistic color schemes to simulate lighting. If you haven’t yet absorbed part one, now may be a good time since the settings you’ll need to have selected and the techniques covered in those step sequences lay the groundwork for the tutorials which follow. Read the rest of this entry »
In this visit to the CorelDRAW 11 toolbox, you’ll discover a technique to creating perfectly chiseled shapes. Chiseled shapes enable you to create the 3D illusion of shapes which appear either recessed into or raised above a flat surface (as shown next) from simple two-dimensional shapes. Success will depend on your object’s shape, skill with node editing and path commands, and an effect or two. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the most popular effects in CorelDRAW’s tool arsenal is the Interactive Drop Shadow Tool. It enables designers and illustrators to instantly apply the attractive soft, beautiful shadow effects seen in today’s professional-quality layouts and drawings. Drop shadow effects are based on bitmap characteristics, which presents two questions many users often end up asking themselves: What color model is my shadow based on? and; What is the resolution of the bitmap representing my shadow effect? Read the rest of this entry »