Enter a value of 30 per cent and click OK. Once you check this box, the dim images option will enable automatically. Enable the template feature by checking the template checkbox. In the Layers palette, double-click the layer thumbnail to access the Layer Options box. Once the artwork is placed in your ﬁle, adjust the size if necessary by shift-dragging the bounding box corner handle and ﬁt it within the art board. Navigate to the koi.jpg ﬁle provided on the CD and click the Place button. Launch Illustrator and then choose File>Place from the menu. In the ﬁrst part of this three-part series I’ll be showing you step-by-step how to create beautiful outline art, but be sure to check out the next issue so that you can learn how to add colour, work with symbols and master the art of working with clipping masks. This way you can toggle between modes as you work, and have a constant visible guide. Sketch, a template layer will give you the opportunity to keep your sketch visible in Outline or Preview mode. Illustrator’s brushes are the ideal tool for such a task they provide ﬂexibility, control, and lend themselves well to a nonlinear workﬂow.

At the end of it all, when colour and shading are complete, if the line work of the tattoo is not crisp, uniform and sharp, the results will be less than impressive. Arguably one of the most important aspects of successful tattoo design is the quality of the initial black line work. In addition to its natural beauty, it has come to represent advancement and aspiration. In part one of his new Adobe Illustrator masterclass on digital skin art, Derek Lea reveals the beneﬁts of using template layers and explains the intricacies of creating and working with custom brush strokes The koi ﬁsh is one of the most beautiful, popular and recognisable Japanese tattoo symbols. In addition to writing and illustrating, Derek teaches an illustration course at Toronto’s International Academy of Design. Derek Lea is an awardwinning illustrator and author.

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