INFOGRAPHIC SERIES - Paper Tape Rolls

Creating dimensional curls in Illustrator can be a bit tricky, here is an easy to understand way to create them quickly and easily for a great infographic element. Add a gradient and you have a great dimensional look. Change the color and length to give different effects. Enjoy!

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Click on the Spiral Tool in the Tool Bar then click on the document. This will open the dialog box. Set the spiral for 8 segments and clockwise direction. 

This will be the resulting spiral.

Rotate the spiral so the end tail will be at the lowest position.

Use the Pen Tool and click on the lowest point of the spiral. Hold SHIFT and clock to the left of the initial point, then up from that point, then back to the midpoint of the spiral as shown. This last point will not connect to the spiral.

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Use the Direct Selection Tool and click on the top most point of the spiral. 

Copy and paste the point and it will result in this curve.

Duplicate the curves in line with each other. 

Select both curves and connect them using Object>Path>Join. COMAND + J. Do this twice to connect both side for a closed shape. 

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Use the Direct Selection Tool and click on the bottom point of the spiral. 

Copy and paste the point and it will result in this curve. Duplicate the curves in line with each other. 

Select both curves and connect them using Object>Path>Join. COMAND + J. Do this twice to connect both side for a closed shape. 

Use the Direct Selection Tool and click on the top of the inside point of the spiral. 

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Copy and paste the point and it will result in this curve. Duplicate the curves in line with each other. 

Select both curves and connect them using Object>Path>Join. COMAND + J. Do this twice to connect both side for a closed shape. 

This will be the 3 resulting closed shapes.

Fill the main shape with a gradient fill. 

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Fill the 3 shapes with a gradient fill as well. 

Place the largest of the curved shapes on top and align it with the top of the spiral. 

Place the mid-size curved shape on top and align it with the bottom of the spiral. 

Send this shape behind the top shape and in front of the back shape.

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Place the small curved shape on top and align it with the top of the inside of the spiral. 

Send this shape behind the top shape and in front of the back two shapes.

Select all the shapes and set the stroke to zero. 

Open the Gradient Panel. Window>Gradient.

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Select the top curve and the middle curve (marked by the X) and reverse the gradient direction in the gradient panel. 

Select the small and middle curved objects and apply a drop shadow to them. Effect>Stylize>Drop Shadow.

This is the result of the shadows.

Select different gradient colors to create different looks and extend the ends to make a compelling infographic.