Mister_JP wrote:I also use Illustrator to create patterns. I even posted a tutorial on another site. I could either post it here, or give a link to the original, however, I will wait to get the green light from Ryan before doing so.
I'll save ya the trouble
Cut-Out Tutorial Using Adobe Illustrator
My full process is a bit different though (which is why I'd rather link to your tutorial than post it here, lest it be considered THE officially endorsed ZP technique). But I do certainly agree that Adobe Illustrator is a must for the nice smooth lines.
A lot of it comes from practice and experience. Besides the fact that Illustrator's Pen tool takes some getting used to, it also helps to have designed and carved a lot of pumpkins. You get a feeling for what works and doesn't work, and the patterns start to come more naturally.
Looking at my earlier patterns, I see some weaknesses (such as areas that are a bit too thin or not well supported). I've actually altered some of these designs to improve them. Do you have an old printout of "Dr. Pumpkinstein", "ZP Logo", "Eye of Newt" or "Dementia the Clown"? You might want to print an updated copy.
I can also say that when basing a stencil on a photo, it's temping to just trace exactly what you see. But that doesn't always equal a good carving pattern. As with most art forms, sometimes you need to draw what "looks right" rather than what is really there.
Whenever possible, I aim to make my designs easy to carve, structurally sound, and long lasting. The last thing I want is for my patrons to get frustrated because their pumpkin broke apart while carving or wilted within a few hours. That's why I will stylize/simplify some areas. Plus, that allows my patterns have more of my own artistic style, rather than simply look like a traced photo.
The real method to my madness? Practice, sketch paper, pencils, blood, sweat, tears, Photopshop, Illustrator, Flash, a Wacom tablet, magic glasses, voodoo chants, a full moon and a horde of Zombie Pumpkins breathing down my neck.
