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How do you make a watercolor effect in Illustrator?

Last updated on January 19, 2023 @ 12:08 pm

Making a watercolor effect in Illustrator is easy.

First, create a new file with the desired size. You can use any size you like, but for this tutorial, I’ll use a 600 x 800 px file.

Open a new 600px by 800px file in Illustrator

Next, open the file in Illustrator and create a new layer. Use the Rectangle Tool (M) to create a rectangle that is the same size as the file. You can hide the first (artwork) layer file to start working on your rectangle without distraction.

Open the file in Illustrator and place a rectangle on top of the file

With the rectangle still selected, go to the Effect menu and choose Stylize > Watercolor. This will open the Watercolor Effect dialog box. But first, let’s add some color to our rectangle. You can use the fill & gradient tool to do so. In this example, I used a freeform gradient. Then, go to the Effect menu and find the Watercolor effect. If not in the Stylize menu, then it should be in the Artistic section. Set your Watercolor effect in the dialog box then click Ok to proceed to the blending process.

Use Illustrator fill or gradient tool to add color to your rectangle Go to Illustrator effect artistic and click watercolor Illustrator watercolor dialog box

First, set the Mode to Overlay. This will allow the colors in the rectangle to show through the watercolor effects. Next, set the Opacity to 100%. This will make the rectangle completely transparent, and the watercolor effects will show through. You can unhide your first (artwork) layer to see the difference it makes.

Set the rectangle Illustrator transparency to overlay

PRO TIP: Watercolor effects can be created in Illustrator using a variety of methods, but there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so. First, watercolors can be very unpredictable, so it’s important to plan ahead and have a general idea of what you want your final image to look like. Second, watercolors can be very time-consuming, so it’s important to have patience and take your time when creating your effect. Finally, remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques until you find the one that works best for you.

Finally, set the Blending Mode to Lighten. This will allow the colors in the rectangle to blend with the watercolor effects.

Select all layers and set the Illustrator transparency to lighten

Now, click OK to close the Watercolor Effect dialog box.

Final artwork with Illustrator watercolor effect

Your rectangle will now have a watercolor effect, and the colors will blend together nicely.

Conclusion

Making a watercolor effect in Illustrator is easy. All you need is a layer and the Stylize > Watercolor effect, and you’re good to go.

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Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.