DIY Kustom Kulture Vector Pinstripes using Adobe Illustrator CS5 | MediaQuest Signs

DIY Kustom Kulture Vector Pinstripes using Adobe Illustrator CS5 | MediaQuest Signs

If you dig old-school kustom kulture pinstriping, here’s a DIY tutorial to help you create your own using the awesome new stroke profiles in Adobe Illustrator CS5. Take it one step further by having MediaQuest Signs produce your design in precision-cut 3M vinyl decals.

Step One:

Pinstripes generally consist of multiple line segments that are symmetrical. Start by using the pen tool to create a vertical line. This will serve as your line of symmetry. Give it a 1 pt stroke weight and a 3 pt dash. Or, if you have a touch of the lazy, just drag a vertical guide.

Step Two:

Focus on creating only one half of your design. Once complete, you will copy/paste/reflect to make the symmetrical second half. Using the pen tool, experiment with your first line segment. Start dropping points, click and drag for curves. Keep it simple using a 1 pt stroke in the color of your choice.

Step Three:

Create a new segment using a different color stroke.

Step Four:

Keep adding segments until you’re satisfied with the result.

Step Five:

Select all of your segments, copy, paste and reflect 90 degrees on a vertical axis using your line of symmetry as the point of reflection. Delete your line of symmetry and you have a pinstripe — awesome!

Step Six:

In order to maintain your symmetry, group each pair of opposing segments so that any changes you make are reflected on both sides. Then start experimenting with stroke weight to beef up your pinstripes.

Step Seven:

Now the cool part . In the stroke pallet is a drop-down menu for “Profile”. Select a segment pair and choose different profiles until you achieve your desired effect. You may also choose to reverse the effect by toggling “Flip Along” next to the “Profile” drop-down, as well as adjust your segment caps and corners by toggling through the various settings in the stroke pallet. Make something cool!

Finished Kustom Kulture Pinstripe:

Once you’re satisfied with your creation, select your pinstripe and go to the top menu drop-down under “Object” -> “Path” -> “Outline Stroke”. Save your design in (ai) format under version Illustrator 8, and it’s ready for the vinyl plotter. Call 319.848.7446 for a quote!