Custom end points for brushed strokes - zip of file & br

[heyvern]

I found a really interesting technique. It is kind of a strange and weird way to connect shapes... but it has some potential.

Below are links that kind of explain it and also a zip of the moho file including the custom brush I created.

I left out one step in the QT instructions. I added a third style to hide a thin white line where the two strokes join. It is the same brush but uses a lower spacing so the brush covers this thin line. It makes sense when you see it.

Basically I wanted to use a custom brush to create a round capped end on strokes.

One of the problems is that custom brushes with really high spacing only show the image on the first point and each point inside the shape. The last point only shows the image if it is the "right" length based on the spacing value.

I accidentally connected two shapes in a weird way that was very interesting. It allows two separate shapes to be connected into "one" continuous stroke that have their starting points on each "end"... thus... the image shows up on both ends no matter how high the spacing is for the brush. I think I used 300 on the spacing but it could be higher.

The cool part is that the way they are connected keeps the join as a perfect curve. Even though they are two separate shapes.

This could be useful for creating arrow heads... and tails... or anything else that has a front and end on a stroke.

The cool part is that the custom brush changes size with the stroke width so it always matches up.

This is the zip with the Moho file and a single "round" brush. I had to adjust the size of the brush in photoshop to match the width of the stroke.

In the Moho file I made each stroke style a different color so you can see how they work. The shapes are also named.
http://www.lowrestv.com/moho_stuff/capped_ends.zip

This is a really crappy QT demonstrating how to do it.
http://www.lowrestv.com/moho_stuff/screens.mov

This is a QT sample of the results. I colored the shapes so they show up and you can see how they work.
http://www.lowrestv.com/moho_stuff/capped_ends.mov

-Vern

[Atum]

Nice going. Thanks

[heyvern]

Wish I could show more of how I am using Moho... but this is probably pushing it. Dang contracts.


Anyway, this is how I plan to use this technique. This is an extreme close up so the resolution of the brush starts to "break up" but it should be fine in normal use.

Take note of the ends of the strokes. I love this.

I love the corners! Note the connection between the lower lip and chin. Couldn't get that look with standard strokes.

http://www.lowrestv.com/moho_stuff/capped_ends2.jpg


-Vern

[jorgy]

That does look really handy, and maybe should help with people who feel that there aren't enough Illustrator drawing features in Moho.