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Designing a Sunburst Background


This is a tutorial is about creating a background inspired by Asian sunburst patterns seen in artwork in vector format using Adobe Illustrator CS2.


Draw the background shape for the live area which the sunburst pattern will occupy in the end.

Make a group of lines which share the same centre point. Create enough lines to divide the shape into the number of pieces you want.



Place these lines over the live area of the background. Focus the centre point wherever you want and drag the lines out beyond the boundary of the shape


Note: Make a copy of the shape and set this aside so you can use it later for added fun.
Choose the lines individually and navigate to Object>Path>Divide objects below..



Now the background area is a group of shapes making the full shape. Choose alternating pieces and apply a coloured fill. Pick the other alternating shapes and add another fill colour.
Now you have a sunburst vector pattern. You can also add some more depth to it.

To the copy of the shape you made earlier, apply a radial gradient. Make sure that the centre point is similar to the focal point of the pattern. Place it directly over the sunburst pattern and apply a transparency. Play with them to make the right choice for the design.



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