Create a Sword for a Game using Gravit Designer
In this tutorial, we will be creating a sword from simple geometric shapes and modify them subsequently. In this course you will learn how to use gradients to create light and shadow, how to modify paths, and how blending modes can help you to create distinct effects.
At the end of this tutorial you have your RPG-style sword ready and will know how to apply these techniques to design other weapons and similar types of assets for games.
Let’s start with the sword’s blade.
The Blade
First of all, we need to create a New Design of 500 x 600 px. Create a rectangle (R) with the same size for the background. Apply the linear gradient from light blue (#6FCCF4) to pale blue (#ECEFFF) and change the angle from top-left to bottom-right.
Now we can start making our sword from a rectangle of 30 x 330 px using another rectangle shape. Apply a linear gradient from light green (#ADF7D5) to blue (#54B7D5), running from top to bottom.
Now, right-click on the created rectangle and select Convert to Path (Shift + Ctrl + P). Use the Subselect tool (D) to create a new point at the center of the topmost segment for the tip of the blade.
Let’s sharpen the blade by selecting the left top point and moving it a few pixels to the right, using the arrow keys on the keyboard. Do the same with the right point, moving it to the left.
After that, add two smaller circles of 18 x 18 px at the bottom of the larger rectangle using the Ellipse (E). Place each on one side of the rectangle.
Align all three shapes using the Distribute Horizontally tool. With the three shapes selected, use the Merge tool from the toolbar and select Subtract to cut out the circles.
Drag and drop the shape while holding the Alt key to duplicate it and move it a few pixels to the left. Send the shape backward (Ctrl + Down arrow key). At Appearance in the right panel (the inspector), change the Blending to Screen to create a brilliant highlight.
Copy and paste the shape as done previously, but this time move the copy some pixels to the right. Send the shape backward again, but this time change the Blending to Multiply, creating a smooth shadow.
Now let’s join the top three points of the shape. Select all three shapes, grab Subselect (D) and select all three points. In the Align panel click Align Center to align all points at one point.
At the bottom of the shape, select the rectangle with bright light hover over the shape until the outline of the circle (that we subtracted earlier) appears. Select it with a click. Move it a few pixels to the right, to make the edge thinner. Do the same thing on the other side.
Finally, group the three shapes.
In the next step we will create a bulge for the blade. Add a new rectangle of 13 x 340 px and center it to the sword. Right-click on the shape and select Convert to Path like before. Create a new point in the center of the rectangle and drag it up. Apply the same gradient used in the larger rectangle.
The same goes for the light effect and shade from the larger shape. Group these three new shapes (Ctrl + G).
To finish, add a new rectangle of 1 x 300 px. The easiest way is to create a wider shape first, and then change the Width to “1” in the right panel of Gravit Designer. Apply the white color to the rectangle. Transform it to a path again (Shift + Ctrl + P).
Create a point at the center of the top edge and drag it up. Repeat the same action, but at the bottom of the rectangle. Arrange all shapes as seen below.
The Hilt
Now to the hilt of the sword.
Let’s start creating the cross-guard. Add a rectangle of 80 x 12 px. Apply the vertical linear gradient with two gray types (#868F96 and #596164) and apply round corners of “2” at the top and “1” at the bottom. For that, click on the Advanced Settings button and uncheck Uniform Corners.
Add a rectangle of 80 x 3 px at the top and change the color to a dark gray (#414546). Align it on top of the rectangle. Round the corners by “2” at the top and “0” at the bottom.
Now create a slim 80 x 1 px rectangle at the bottom. This time, round the top by “0” and the bottom by “1”.
To simulate a pattern, clone the rectangle multiple times (Shift + Ctrl + D), arrange the copies within the bigger rectangle and vary their size.
Let’s create some decorations to enhance the appearance of the shaft, consisting of a rectangle and circle. For the former, use a size of 3 x 3.5 px and place it at the left edge. Continue with a ellipse (E) of 5 x 5 px and add it at the same side.
Set up a horizontal linear gradient for the ellipse, going from #EAEAEA at the left to #D6D7D9 at the center and #A09EA6 at the right. Add another gradient for the rectangle, but let it go from #959799 to #CCCACA.
Duplicate both elements using Alt and move them to the right of the bigger rectangle holding Shift, to keep on a horizontal line. Now flip their positions as depicted below.
To make the grip of the sword, we’ll create a rectangle of 12 x 55 px. Apply a linear gradient, going from #868F96 to #596164). Round the the edges of the bottom by “1.”
To create a similar pattern as for the other part of the hilt, create rectangles of 55 px height and various widths. Distribute them within the bigger rectangle and fill them with #414546.
Copy the decorative elements from one of the edges of the cross-guard for the grip, paying attention to the direction of the light, and arrange them vertically.
Let’s decorate the hilt by adding a few more details. Create a triangle of 20 x 15 px and add it on top of the cross-guard. Fill it with a dark gray (#414546).
Copy and paste the triangle, moving a few pixels down. Fill it with a lighter gray (#676F73). Repeat the process and change the color to dark gray again.
Looks nice already, but we have another decorative element in mind: a shiny gem. Create a rectangle with 6 x 6 px and rotate it by 45° while holding Shift. Change the border radius (Corner) to “1” and apply a linear gradient, going from #F2A69E to #EA3D3D. Duplicate the shape, reduce it’s size while holding Shift + Alt and flip the gradient to give it a 3D-look.
Now let’s increase the realism of the sword: Use the Path Pen (P) to create some tilted rectangles for the light. Fill them with blue color (#3967E3) and change the Blending to Screen in Apperance in the inspector.
The last step is to add a slight shadow at the bottom. It consists of an ellipse with a size of 90 x 4 px. Add a radial gradient with medium gray (#575656) at the center and white at the edges. Apply a Blur effect at the bottom of the inspector, with a Radius of 5. For the Blending choose Multiply to blend it into the background.
Congratulations! Our sword is finished!
Great work, my friend! We finished building our sword for a game. I hope you have discovered some new tips and tricks in Gravit Designer, that can be used for other types of illustration.
Don’t forget to share your sword on Gravit’s social platforms or in the comments.
Thank you, and have fun!
