Perspective cityscape
Here is a simple, fun project from Ron Kempke. Ron chose a two-point perspective with a low horizon to give a feel for large structures.
To make it easier to follow along, you can download the project file, as well as the images Ron used in the structure exteriors shown above. Adobe Illustrator perspective grids don’t support projecting images, but you can coerce it to do so by applying an Envelope Distort.
Define the grid
This dialog shows the perspective grid settings for this project. Ron chose a low horizon to give the feel of tall buildings and a shorter viewing distance than the default to make the perspective more dramatic. Please feel free to try other settings.
Draw the art
Start by drawing your orthographic views. The sizes should line up in each view or your pieces won’t project into the right place. You should draw your back-most objects first so that their projected counterparts will be in back of other art.
Define the zones
In order to project art into place, you must define the art objects’ relationship with the world around it, or more specifically, with the grid plane in Adobe Illustrator.
Define the planes
The perspective grid must be visible in order for the Axo Zone tool to work in perspective mode, that is, to display and define perspective planes.
Project the ground plane
Select the rectangle in the top view that defines the ground plane (boundaries of the city block). Click the Project Top Right button to project it into the perspective view.
Text content
Project the back-most structure
Select the structure’s left side and shift-click the Project Left button to project it and apply the offset between the street edge and building edge. Now select the right side and shift-click the Project Right button.
Your structure should appear in place in your perspective art.
Repeat for each structure
Hide the perspective grid and enjoy your perspective scene