Live paint is an function in Illustrator which in my opinion doesn't get enough attention and it is a powerful tool. Pathfinders cut the shapes into separate shapes whereas live paint leaves the objects editable it's non destructive. Here's a simple example of a simple info graphic illustration made with live paint showing the average beer consumption.
1. I drew a typical dutch beer glass.
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2. With the pen tool i drew a line marking the top of the beer (beer line).
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3. Select the glass and 'beer line', select the live Paint tool in the toolbox and click to make a live paint group. You can also go to Object> Live Paint> Make.
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4. The separate parts of the illustration will now have a thick red border when hovering above them to show you the live paint sections. When selected the anchor points with the crosshairs shows you that it is a 'Live Paint Group'
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5. Select a yellow swatch, select the Live paint tool and click in the lower part of the glass.
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6. Select the 'beer line' with the group selection tool and drag it up or down to change the amount of beer in the glass.
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Give the 'beer line' a stroke of none to hide it.
The first glass has been copied and the 'beer line' simply dragged down.
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How much the average consumption is I have no idea. If I have to go by our last BBQ all the glasses would be filled to the rim and the scale larger ; - ) Cheers.
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