How to make a ribbon effect in Adobe Illustrator

To create a ribbon effect in your design, start by selecting the Pencil Tool and drawing two lines in different colors. These lines should overlap slightly to ensure a smooth transition between them.

Once the lines are drawn, navigate to Object > Blend > Blend Options. In this menu, find the Specified Steps option. This setting controls how many times the lines will repeat between the originals. For a simple ribbon effect, set the Specified Steps to 20. Increasing the number of steps results in a smoother gradient as more lines appear between the originals. 

Next, go to Object > Blend > Make to generate the ribbon effect. The lines will blend together, creating a gradient transition from one color to the other.

If you want to add more complexity to the design, you can return to the Blend Options and increase the Specified Steps to 200 or more. This creates a ribbon that appears almost solid because the transition between the two lines becomes extremely smooth. This technique adds depth and creates a more intricate design

For another variation, try making the bottom original line the same color as the background. This change will create a fading effect, where the ribbon seems to blend seamlessly into the background. It’s a subtle yet effective way to add dimension to your artwork. 

This blending technique is not limited to lines. You can also apply it to shapes, such as circles or other objects, to create visually dynamic effects that can enhance the overall look of your design.

Have fun blending!