Creating a cast shadow in Illustrator involves duplicating the object, repositioning and transforming it to simulate the shadow, and adjusting its appearance for a realistic effect. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Steps to Create a Cast Shadow:
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Duplicate the Object: Select the object you want to cast a shadow from. Copy and paste it in place (Edit > Copy, Edit > Paste in Place). This creates an exact duplicate directly on top of the original.
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Reposition the Duplicate: Drag the duplicated object away from the original to where you want the shadow to appear. The distance and direction will determine the angle and length of the shadow.
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Transform the Duplicate: Use the Free Transform tool (E) to skew or distort the duplicate to create the perspective of the shadow. You can also use the Shear tool.
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Color and Opacity Adjustment: Change the color of the duplicated object to a darker shade, typically black or a dark gray. Adjust the opacity of the shadow to make it appear more subtle and realistic. The closer the shadow is to the object, the darker it should appear (as mentioned in the reference). Experiment with blending modes (like Multiply) to integrate the shadow with the background.
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Blur (Optional): Apply a Gaussian Blur effect (Effect > Blur > Gaussian Blur) to soften the edges of the shadow for added realism. A subtle blur can make the shadow look more natural.
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Layering: Ensure the shadow is behind the original object. Use Object > Arrange > Send to Back if necessary.
Tips for Realistic Shadows:
- Color Choice: Use a dark shade that complements the scene’s lighting.
- Opacity Variation: Experiment with different opacity levels. Shadows are rarely solid black and often translucent.
- Blur: A slight blur can significantly enhance realism.
- Perspective: Adjust the shadow’s shape to match the scene's perspective.
- Distance: Consider the light source. The further an object is from the surface it casts a shadow on, the larger and more blurred the shadow will be.
- Darker Closer to Original: Remember to make the shadow darker closer to the base of the original object for a more realistic appearance.
