![Final product image](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/33/posts/15518/final_image/vector-flames-illustrator-final2.jpg)
If you want to create vector flames in Illustrator, in this tutorial I will show you how to create an illustration of a burning match using a fire gradient. You’ll learn how to make a realistic match flame that is also fully scalable.
And if you need some vector flames, but you want to save time, you can always download these realistic vector fire graphics from Envato Elements:
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-promo.jpg fire graphic vector](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-promo.jpg)
What You'll Learn in This Vector Flames Illustrator Tutorial
- How to create a burning match in Illustrator
- How to create a vector fire graphic
- How to create a fire gradient mesh
- How to create vector flames in Illustrator
Follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:
1. How to Create a Vector Matchstick
Step 1
Create a new document in the RGB color mode. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a black rectangle. This will be our background. Lock this layer.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-2.jpg draw black rectangle](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-2.jpg)
Step 2
Create a New Layer. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) again and draw a rectangle in the shape of a matchstick. Now fill it with a linear gradient of various shades of brown to convey the light distribution at the edges of the match. Here are the shades I used:
#482217
#efd195
#994521
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-5.jpg add brown gradient](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-5.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-6.jpg create gradient match stick](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-6.jpg)
Step 3
Copy this rectangle and paste it in front with Control-F. Now slightly reduce the height of the rectangle and fill it with a new linear gradient. The shades of brown on this rectangle should be darker than the ones on the bottom rectangle. Here are the values I used:
#310901
#996148
#782803
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-7.jpg add another gradient](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-7.jpg)
![brown gradient applied](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-8.jpg)
Step 4
Select both rectangles and go to Object > Blend > Make. Then go to Object > Blend > Blend Options and set the Spacing to Specified Steps, 50.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-9.jpg create blend transition](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-9.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-10.jpg blend two gradients](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-10.jpg)
Step 5
Create another rectangle of the same width as the previous one. Add a Gradient Fill as shown here. The values I used are:
#340900
#984420
#792702
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-11.jpg create another gradient](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-11.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-12.jpg gradient result](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-12.jpg)
Step 6
Set the Opacity to 0%.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-13.jpg set opacity to 0](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-13.jpg)
Step 7
Copy the rectangle and paste it in front (Control-F). Then resize it to make it very thin, and set its Opacity back to 100%.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-14.jpg make the rectangle thinner](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-14.jpg)
Step 8
Select the last two rectangles and go to Object > Blend > Make.
![blend the rectangles](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-1-15.jpg)
2. How to Create a Vector Match Head
Step 1
Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create a red circle (#e20612
) aligned to the horizontal axis of the matchstick.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-1.jpg draw red circle](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-1.jpg)
Step 2
Take the Direct Selection Tool (A) and double-click the point on the left. Hold Shift an drag it to the left. Then take the Pen Tool (P) and add a new anchor point at each intersection of the head and the matchstick.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-2.jpg reshape the circle](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-2.jpg)
Step 3
Hold Alt and click both new anchor points to cut their handles. Then take the Direct Selection Tool (A) and drag the point between them towards the head.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-3.jpg add anchor points](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-3.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-4.jpg pull the anchor point back](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-4.jpg)
Step 4
Fill the match head with a radial gradient that goes from dark brown to its light shades. Here are the shades I used:
#210900
#994521
#f1ce94
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-5.jpg add new gradient](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-5.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-6.jpg add graient to match head](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-6.jpg)
Step 5
Copy and paste the shape of the head to the back with Control-B. Fill the copy with a solid dark-brown color (#340900
) and shift it slightly to the left.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-7.jpg add shadow to match head](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-7.jpg)
Step 6
Take the Pen Tool (P) and create a place where the wood is burnt. Fill these areas with a linear gradient composed of dark shades of brown color. Here are my shades:
#492117
#240700
Move these two objects below the match head layers.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-8.jpg add brurned wood effect](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-8.jpg)
Step 7
Time to create pores on the match head. Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and draw an ellipse. Take the Eyedropper Tool (I) and hold Shift to pick the color from the area to the right.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-10.jpg add a small ellipse](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-10.jpg)
Step 8
Copy and paste the ellipse in front (Control-F), reduce its size, and fill it with a solid dark brown (the same as the shadow under the match head).
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-11.jpg copy the ellipse](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-11.jpg)
Step 9
Use this technique to create more pores on the match head.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-12.jpg create pores in match head](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-2-12.jpg)
3. How to Create a Vector Match Flame
Step 1
Now I'll show you how to create the match flame. Lock this layer and create a new one. Drag it under the previous layer. Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and draw a big red circle (#e20612
). Using the Direct Selection Tool (A), pull the top anchor point up.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-1.jpg create flame shape](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-1.jpg)
Step 2
Select the shape of the flame, and go to Object > Create Gradient Mesh. Set the number of rows and columns in the dialog box.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-2.jpg create gradient mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-2.jpg)
Step 3
Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to distort the grid a little. Every flame is different, so you don’t have to copy me directly.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-3.jpg warp the gradient mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-3.jpg)
Step 4
Select the gradient mesh with the Selection Tool (V) and fill it with black. Set its Blend Mode to Screen.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-4.jpg change blend mode to screen](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-4.jpg)
Step 5
Now you can color the flame. Select the grid nodes and apply yellow and red colors to them. Nodes that lie beyond the borders of the gradient mesh should remain black, otherwise we would get the sharp edges of the flame, which looks wrong.
Here are the colors I used for the flame:
#fff38d
#d14507
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-5.jpg add colors to gradient mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-5.jpg)
Step 6
Lock this layer and create a new one on top. Take the Pen Tool (P) and draw a similar shape. Turn it into a Gradient Mesh with 4 Rows and Columns, and add colors to it with the same technique. The colors I used are:
#faeda7
#d7651e
#e78c43
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-6.jpg draw fire shape](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-6.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-7.jpg add gradient mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-7.jpg)
![color the flame with gradient mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-8.jpg)
Step 7
Set its Blend Mode to Screen.
![change blend mode](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-9.jpg)
Step 8
Now create two more feathers of the flame with the same technique of creating a fire gradient.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-10.jpg create new flame shape](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-10.jpg)
![add colors to new flame shape](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-11.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-12.jpg duplicate the flame](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-12.jpg)
![flame finished](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-3-13.jpg)
4. How to Create Vector Smoke
Step 1
There is no smoke without fire, and vice versa, so let’s add some smoke. Lock the previous layer and create a new one. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a rectangle filled with black. Set its Blend Mode to Screen.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-1.jpg draw black rectangle](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-1.jpg)
Step 2
Keep the rectangle selected, and create a Gradient Mesh with 2 Rows and 3 Columns.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-2.jpg create gradient mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-2.jpg)
Step 3
Make the two bottom points blue (#7ba9ca
).
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-3.jpg add blue points](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-3.jpg)
Step 4
Now we need to bend the rectangle shape into the shape of a smoke stream. Place the rectangle close to the flame, and then take the Lasso Tool (Q) and select all the nodes of the grid on the right.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-4.jpg select part of the mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-4.jpg)
Step 5
Take the Rotate Tool (R) and set the center rotation at the middle point of the left side. Then rotate the selection to bend the rectangle.
![rotate the mesh to bend it](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-5.jpg)
Step 6
Select the right half of the shape now.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-6.jpg select half of the mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-6.jpg)
Step 7
Bend this selection by placing the center of the rotation in this spot:
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-7.jpg rotate the mesh again](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-7.jpg)
Step 8
Additionally, you can move individual nodes using the Direct Selection Tool (A) to get more control over the final shape.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-8.jpg bend the mesh](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-8.jpg)
Step 9
Move the smoke layer under all the other layers. Create a few more streams of smoke using the same technique. Feel free to use different shades of blue. You can also hide the flame layers to see the smoke better.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-9.jpg create another streak of smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-9.jpg)
![create subtle smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-10.jpg)
![create bent smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-11.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-12.jpg create complex smoke effect](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-12.jpg)
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-13.jpg smoke and flame](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-4-13.jpg)
5. How to Create the Final Composition
Step 1
When working with gradients, it's easier if an object is placed vertically or horizontally. But this composition looks pretty boring. So now unlock all the layers except the background and rotate the whole burning match for a more interesting composition. At this point, you can also resize the background to fit the composition better.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-5-1.jpg rotate all layers](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-5-1.jpg)
Step 2
Copy the background rectangle, select the top layer, and paste it in front (Control-F). Select All (Control-A), and then go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make.
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-5-2.jpg create clipping mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-5-2.jpg)
Conclusion
Having mastered the techniques described in this tutorial, you can create realistic vector flames, lighters, or torches. Who knows, you might want to make a fire! And give it some heat!
![Image: https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-final.jpg vector flames illustrator](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/108/posts/35329/image/vector-flames-illustrator-final.jpg)
Do you want to try other tutorials about creating vector effects? Check out our recommendations:
- Gradient Mesh ToolHow to Draw Vector Peaches Using Gradient Mesh in Adobe Illustrator
- PatternsHow to Make an Illustrator Chevron Pattern
- Text EffectsCreating an Environmentally Friendly Green Type Treatment
- Gradient Mesh ToolHow to Create a Vector T-Shirt Mockup Template in Adobe Illustrator
- Icon DesignHow to Make Social Media Icons in Vector
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