How to apply gradient tool to geometric shapes drawn with pen tool

Question

I've drawn a geometric lion that I would like to apply a gold gradient to so that it fades from front to back, like the gazelle below.

However, whenever I use the gradient color on the lion, drawn using the pen tool, the below gradient happens.

I would assume it's because of how I drew the lion with the pen, but I have no idea how to fix it.

Answer 1

In order to get a gradient to span across a collection of objects, the object must be filled paths. Gradients on strokes only have 3 options and they won't ever "span" strokes.

So..

Do this on a copy of the artwork if you wish to retain teh strokes for easier editing later.

• Set the stroke to a flat color (Black)
• Select all
• choose Object > Expand
• Then apply a gradient fill
• Then use the Gradient Tool to click-drag across the shapes in order to make the gradient fill span the objects.

You can also group the strokes and then use the Appearance Panel to add a new fill to the group of strokes, set that fill as a gradient, and then use teh Gradient tool to span the fill across teh group.

Answer 2

Since Illustrator CC it's not necessary to expand, with this you keep the original paths.

Just apply the gradient to the strokes:

To apply the gradient to all the strokes as a unity, press Cmd + 8 Mac or Ctrl + 8 Win to create a Compound Shape