PROBLEM: I was given the task of reproducing an image using Illustrator's gradient mesh tool. The goal was to have the result be as photorealistic as possible.

SOLUTION: I decided to recreate a flower. Using the gradient mesh tool, I replicated each petal separately, including as much detail as possible to ensure a realistic result. I then went back and made another layer with additional details such as water drops and small imperfections found on the flower from my source image.

RESULT: The result was a very realistic recreation of the original flower. I showed several people the original image and my gradient mesh flower, and asked them to tell me which one was which, and many could not tell the difference. I also received good feedback from my professor, who told me to consider submitting this to the online student showcase.