INFOGRAPHIC SERIES - Water SplaSh

Summer is here, the heat is on and it's time to jump in the pool, swim in the water or run through the sprinkler. Any way you cool down you want to make a splash, and here is a quick way to create a great splash icon in Illustrator. 

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Start with the Line Tool and draw several lines, varying lengths. 

Add a thicker stroke to the lines, pick a darker blue. 

Select all the lines and add an end cap (hot dog the ends).

Use the Width Shape Tool to widen the ends of the lines. 

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Pull the width of the line ends wider and narrower. ​Select all the shapes and choose Object, Expand Appearance to convert the lines to shapes. 

Move all the shapes so the small tail ends are all overlapping each other. 

Select all the shapes, use the Pathfinder Panel and Unite all the shapes.

Use the Direct Selection Tool to select the inner convergence point and pull the corner widgets out.

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Use the Direct Selection Tool on each of the inner convergence points and pull the corner widgets out in varying distances.

This is the result when all the inside corner widgets are pulled out.

Add several circles, vary the sizes, around the splatter.

Select the main splatter shape, then go to Object, Path, offset Path. Set the offset to a negative number and click OK.

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Fill the offset inner shape with a lighter blue. 

Select both the inner and outer shape, use the Blend Tool and click on the two points in correlation with the inner and outer shapes. 

The default for the Blend Tool is Smooth Color. This will blend the shapes and give it depth. 

Repeat the Offset Path steps with the smaller circles. Use the Blend Tool to blend the circles like the main shape. 

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Add some Arcs to the rounded end. Cap (hot dog) the ends of the lines. Add white as the stroke and scale the arcs to fit the rounded ends. Set the opacity down to 60% on the Arcs. 

The smaller dots can be left solid color. You have created a water splatter with depth and dimension. Enjoy this tutorial!