Expert: Amy - 3/31/2005

Question
Amy,

I hope you can help me out with my problem. I know how to create a gradient in Illustrator 10, but the problem is that I would like it to have a dissolved effect like in Photoshop. Is there any way to do this? It is going to be used in a logo in which I need the background to be transparent, so that is why I am not doing it in Photoshop. I did try a hatch effect with dots and I got a close effect, but it just is not as intense as in photoshop. Also I tried bringing the dissolved gradient into illustrator and trying to use the tracing tool and that did not work. Is there any way to get this effect?


Thank You,
Angela

Answer
Hi Angela,

I don't quite understand where the dissolve effect needs to be in relation to the part of that graphic that's transparent... but I do know what effect you want.

Could you please send me an Illustrator file SAVED AS VERSION 9? I'd like to understand what you need a little better before attempting to suggest methods to get there.

Effect > Texture > Grain is the first effect I can think of off-hand... but it needs to be used with an Opacity Mask to keep your transparency. Could get complicated.

You can send the file to AmyLynPace@yahoo.com since allexperts doesn't have any way for us to exchange files.  Don't worry about it, I do it all the time! Don't forget - save it as version 9 and include your fonts, if applicable.  

Thanks!

-Amy