To complete the packaging design, it’s often a good idea to tidy the artwork up with a Clipping Mask. This is a technique which we fully explore in our Adobe Illustrator training courses.
In the artwork shown here we want to first add some text, which we perform with the Type tool. In this case we add the text Super Natural in white, and sugar free in red.
Next we group all the artwork created so far using the Rounded Rectangle tool, size 70 x160mm and a corner radius of 4mm. Do so by simply clicking on the artboard for the dialog box to appear. This Clipping Mask will comprise the body of the drink can. Also make a copy of this object with a stroke weight of 2pt. Scale the artwork to fit the inside of the can. Then select all and right-click to select Clipping Mask and Make. Move the can body to the top.
To create the top and bottom can rims, use the Rounded Rectangle tool again to create a shape 65 by 4mm. Use a corner radius of 4mm again. Copy this to the bottom of the can. To create the highlight on the side edge of the can again use the Rounded Rectangle tool to create a vertical thin shape with a white fill and no stroke. Go the the Effects drop-down menu, and choose Feather with a value of 2. Change the shape’s Opacity to 75%. Adjust its position with the Selection tool (the black arrow).
And the artwork is complete, ready to export as a PDF for printing, or as a JPEG for uploading to a website.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or self-taught, our courses will help you gain self-confidence in your Illustrator workflow, as well as adding to your professional skill-set. See many examples of our Illustrator clients’ work on our Facebook page.
Other related Illustrator Blog Posts:
Illustrator workspace
Illustrator basics
Illustrator clipping masks
Illustrator live trace
Illustrator brushes