[Maryjjean]

Hello. I am relatively new to Illustrator and Tshirt design, print and application. I taught myself Illustrator using on line tutorials etc. My issue is that I have created a graphic for a client that uses gradient colour and am at a loss as to how to create cutlines around the design.

What i usually do in Illustrator is copy the layer with the design to a new layer and lock the original. I then select the copy, expand it and then unite to create a compound shape. I then remove the fill and select Versaworks spot colour for the line. When I try to do this with gradients it just wont work.
Is there a different method for dealing with gradients?
Thanks for anyones help on this.

 

[dcbevins]

When all else fails, (to the point it probably should have been tried first,) just trace it manually with the pen tool.

 

[Maryjjean]

Thanks for the tip!

 

[impression4444]

Hello,

I am extremelly newbie here but, I couldn't help to want to reply.

Might I suggest you look into Gimp? It is a free photoshop clone (to the best of my knowledge). The things it can do are amazing!

Good luck!

P!erre!

 

[dcbevins]

Hello,

I am extremelly newbie here but, I couldn't help to want to reply.

Might I suggest you look into Gimp? It is a free photoshop clone (to the best of my knowledge). The things it can do are amazing!

Good luck!

P!erre!

She was wanting a cut line. This is something done with a vector tool which Gimp is not. A cutline is a path in vector software recognized by a cutting plotter to cut out a sign, decal or transfer. It guides the blade. Gimp has some limited path abilities, but would not suggest Gimp for this. Maybe Inkscape, but not Gimp.

 

[Fbermudez]

take a look at this, I usually just do the last step which is making the pdf and it has worked for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fg1Hmunlcw