I'm brand new at this 'Forum thing' but I'm desperate for a good idea.
I am trying to create colored grid patterns, for example to create a 3D effect for human clothing etc.
So far I do it like this:
1) Draw the shape's outline. 2) Draw the grid lines in both directions. 3) Break ALL grid lines at ALL intersections (including outline)
4) Join the broken nodes to create separate, closed, 4-point polygons. Before this task can be done, a copy for ALL adjoining vectors needs to be made.
5) Separate all polygons for the 1st color (say red). 6) Dito for the 2nd color (say blue).
7) To group 5) above - apply red - no outline 8) To group 6) above - apply blue - no outline
9) Move 7) and 8) as described above on top of each other to form a red-blue grid pattern. 10) Add the outline shape if required.
This method of pattern creation is extremely time consuming. Does anyone know of a speedier version to complete the task?
I appreciate your help - Thank you - hfas
Try this.
Draw the shape. Then use the Graph Paper Tool to create a square grid of approximately the same size. Modify the grid to match your shape using the envelope tool. Then you can break apart the grid and have a bunch of little polygons ready made.
Hello Rikk
Thanks for your quick response. I played with your idea and it works quite nicely - especially after converting the graph paper lines to curves.
The only problem remaining is that the graph paper lines are spaced equidistant. The lines on a grid pattern wrapped on a cylinder, for example, are spaced closer and closer as the pattern approaches the cylinder's edge - thus the desired 3D effect.
Perhaps Corel will introduce a set of such 'wrapping tools' in X4? For my line of work CorelDraw does have many advantages over any 3D drawing tool.
Thanks again - Hans Faessler