Adding Gradient Overlays to Your Mobius Strip in Adobe Illustrator

In this week’s free Deke’s Techniques episode, Deke applies gradient overlays to last week’s true möbius strip project. This complex set of four gradients, repeated three times, provides the formerly flat strip with a ribbonesque volume.

The process involves isolating one of the three sections of the strip, then creating a series of overlapping custom gradients that can be repeated in the other sections. As a wordsmith for whom shading is one of the secret mysteries of artists, I’m mesmerized by this optical illusion:

One-third of the set of gradient overlays in Illustrator

Which, when spread out to the other sections is gorgeous all by itself, even though its sole purpose is to add depth to the layers below:

The full gradient mobius strip

And here’s what it does when applied over the final result of week’s project:

The final möbius strip created in Adobe Illustrator

Remember, if you missed any of the steps in last week’s exclusive movie, you can get a free 10-day trial by heading to lynda.com/deke.

Deke’s Techniques, adding magical if illusory volume to your mind-bending mathematical möbiuses.

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