How can I add perspective to something using Illustrator?

I was trying to recreate this kind of image in Adobe Illustrator.

I had tried perspective grid tools in Illustrator as well as blend options, but couldn't get the proper result. How can I create this using the perspective tool?

Answer

As Scott already mentioned, you want to draw this flat first. Drawing in perspective is much more difficult, and why put yourself through it if you don't have to?

I created this first:

I then grouped these shapes together and made copies of it (in order to create one long horizontal shape).

Now I know you mentioned you've worked with the perspective tool before, but try the following:

Go to View -> Perspective Grid. This should bring up a perspective grid like so:

Now select your shape and go to Object -> Perspective -> Attach to Active Plane and then use the Perspective Selection Tool Shift + V and drag your shape around. You should see it conform to the current plane. Now simple adjust to taste.

There you go! You can always hide/show the grid again by pressing Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + I

The perspective tool may seem pretty complex and scary at first, but once you get used to it is incredibly useful. Make sure you do some more research about it to get the most out of it, because it really is the best way to build shapes with perspective.

Further reading:

And if you have a Lynda subscription...