INFOGRAPHIC SERIES - Build a Backpack

Back to school, and need a back back? Build one and also learn how to easily create multiple alternate colored versions with Recolor Artwork. 

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Draw a rectangle for the main body of the backpack.

Pull the Corner Widgets in slightly to round he corners. 

Add a fill and stroke. This is a 2 pt stroke. Create a duplicate of this shape off to the side, we will use this again.

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For the leather patch at the bottom of the backpack, create a rectangle and corner widget the bottom 2 corners. COPY THIS!

Select the main body and click on the Draw Inside mode at the bottom of the Tool bar.

Paste the copied leather patch into the body and move it into the correct position. Click on the Draw Normal mode at the bottom of the tool bar. 

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Ad a rounded rectangle for the front pouch. 

Create another rectangle, rounded top corners for the top of the pouch.

Draw filled rectangles for the straps. Open rectangles for the buckles. 

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Add a simple zipper by using the Line Tool, hot dog the ends in the Stroke Panel to give the rounded cap ends. 

Add an Oval behind the bag for the handle. Object> Arrange> Send To Back. 

With that copy of the main bag you made in step 2, removed the fill and add a dark stroke. This will be the bag shadow noodle. 

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Use the Direct Selection Tool to select and remove the upper right portion of the rectangle. 

In the Control Bar, click on the Opacity Link and set the Blend Mode from Normal to Multiply and the opacity to 20%.

Position the shadow noodle on the bag. Add a white highlight noodle to the top of the bag, 20% opacity, Normal Blend Mode. 

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Add shadow or highlight noodles where needed to help with added dimension. Select the bag and Group it. Duplicate it to make different color versions. 

Select on of the bags, an choose Edit> Edit Colors> Recolor Artwork.
1. Choose the EDIT tab next the Assign tab. 
2. Click on the LINK ICON (to link colors together).
3. Use the Hue, Saturation & Brightness sliders to change all the colors at one time! 
Click OK when done.

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This is a great way to create one piece of artwork and quickly change the colors but keep the same look and feel!