How to Create a Gearbox Settings Icon Using Simple Shapes. Much can be done in Illustrator without relying on the Pen tool, as demonstrated by the recent hourglass tutorial. Utilizing only simple, predefined shapes, as well as tools like the Pathfinder and transformations, entire illustrations can be created from scratch. In this tutorial, we'll create an icon suitable for portraying options, settings, preferences, etc., similar to OS X's system preferences icon. So let's get started! Want access to the full Vector Source files and downloadable copies of every tutorial, including this one? Join Vector Plus for just 9$ a month. Step 1 Begin by creating a new document of any size you'd like, I've used 600px by 400px, as that's the size used for the tutorial images.
We'll start with drawing the gear. Step 2 Next, select the largest and second largest circles, then open the Pathfinder palette and click the Minus Front button to subtract the smaller circle from the larger one. Now select the other two smaller circles, and do the same. Step 3 Step 4 Step 5. How to Create Colorful Abstract Artwork in Illustrator. In this tutorial, I’ll teach you how to make a colorful and vivid abstract artwork completely from scratch with Illustrator. There will be no need of stock images. You can always make a small sketch how you’d like your composition to be. But that’s not completely necessary because we will be creating the composition while playing with shapes. Final Image Preview Below is the final design we will be working towards. Want access to the full Vector Source files and downloadable copies of every tutorial, including this one?
Join VECTORTUTS PLUS for just $19/month. Step 1 Start off by opening Adobe Illustrator, if you haven’t already. Let’s begin. Step 2 With the objects you’ve just made we will be creating our entire piece. Create a circle with the Ellipse Tool, holding shift while clicking.Draw a square with Rectangle Tool and place it above the circle. I also cut pieces away from the stroked circles. If you played enough with them you could get something like this. Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6. How to Create a Vector Stamp Set in Illustrator. In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a vintage, vector stamp set in Adobe Illustrator. Learn how to build a stamp illustration, shape by shape. We'll construct the stamp border vector shape, highlight the edges, create the branding, and give the vector postage stamp a vintage texture, and final illustrator stamp effect.
Let's get started with making this vector stamp in Illustrator and then transform this into a vector stamp set. Step 1 - Create a Vector Stamp, Get Started Now it's time to begin with making our post stamp in vector. Create a 300 by 300px, RGB document. First, turn on the Grid (View > Grid) and the Snap to Grid (View > Snap to Grid). You can also open the Info panel (Window > Info) for a live preview with the size and position of your shapes. Step 2 Start with the Rectangle Tool (M). Step 3 Reselect the shape created in the previous step and go to the Appearance panel. It's the little file icon placed next to the trash icon.
Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8. Shimmering Cityscape in Perspective, Using Illustrator CS5. The Perspective tools in Illustrator CS5 make it a lot easier to draw in perfect one, two or three-point perspective. Using symbols in conjunction with the Perspective tools will make quick work of this stylized cityscape. Republished Tutorial Every few weeks, we revisit some of our reader's favorite posts from throughout the history of the site.
This tutorial was first published in April of 2011. Step 1 Click the Perspective Grid Tool. Two things appear on your artboard: The Perspective Grid and the Active Plane Widget. A basic 2-point grid is the default setting. Using the Perspective Grid tool, move the Horizon line down, close to the ground level. If you want, you can save this grid as a preset to use for future illustrations. Step 2 If you're new to the Perspective tools, get a feel for how they work by drawing a few shapes in perspective. This is a visual cue that lets you know which plane is active as you draw. Step 3 Select the right plane (Orange) and draw another rectangle. Step 4. Create a Notepad Spiral Brush Background. In today's tutorial, I'm going to show you how to create a notepad spiral pattern brush to then use in a notepad styled background.
It's quick, easy and has many uses. Introduction In today's tutorial, I'm going to show you how to create a quick notepad spiral pattern brush to then use in a notepad styled background. There really isn't much to it, so let's begin! Step 1 Use the Rectangle Tool (M) and hold Alt + Shift and pull outward to create an even square. Duplicate the shape twice and use your arrow keys to nudge each shape upwards as shown below and color them from light grey to mid grey. Step 2 Use the Rounded Rectangle Tool to create a long slim shape for one of the binders and then duplicate it.
Step 3 I'm going to add a shine and shadow to the binding and hole by using circle and rectangle art brushes created from Blends. The shadow blends have a black stroke and a 0.5pt Stroke Weight and set to Blending Mode Multiply, Opacity 20%. Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Conclusion. Create interlocking rings in Illustrator. After finishing this tutorial try to take it one step further, and create a background for the rings like I did here. You could try out an abstract background by copy & enlarging the rings as full circles a couple of times using Object > Transform > Transform Each… and by applying different transparency modes and values for each circle.
Maybe you can also import your creation into Photoshop like I did to add some extra effects and textures. Draw a circle Create the first ring, by drawing a simple circle. Outline stroke Go to Object > Path > Outline Stroke to convert the stroke into a fill. Add stroke With the ring still selected, go to the Appearance panel and click the Add New Stroke icon at the bottom (left) of the panel. Duplicate circle Select the Selection tool (black arrow) and make sure the circle is selected. Transform Again Repeat this transformation, by hitting Cmd/Ctrl + D (Object > Transform > Transform Again).
Horizontal Distribute Center Add color to each ring Outline Stroke Divide. Create a Textured Bunting Decoration with Adobe Illustrator. In today's tutorial I'm going to show you how to create a textured bunting decoration, which you can use to add detailing to a variety of projects including posters and illustrations. This tutorial is specifically aimed at those who regard themselves as beginners. Step 1 Use the Rectangle Tool (M) to draw a tall rectangle with a black fill. Keep the rectangle selected. Enable Smart Guides (Command + U) to help you locate the middle of the bottom side of the shape and add a point using the Pen Tool (P). Do this by slowly hovering over the bottom line until it is highlighted with "Intersect" and then click on the line.
Step 2 While your shape is still selected, go to Effects > Stylize > Round Corners and input the value 4pt and click on Ok. Step 3 We're going to work in the Appearance panel now, so if you've not got it open go to Window > Appearance. I'm going to give the shape a pink/purple fill however you can use any color you wish. Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Step 11. Create a Detailed, Vector Clothespin Illustration. In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed clothespin illustration. It all starts with a simple pixel perfect vector shape building techniques.
Then we'll use the appearance panel and Illustrator effects to add dimension to the illustration. You can use these professional techniques to create quality icons, detailed web graphics, and more. Step 1 Hit Command + N to create a new document. Enter 600 in the width and height boxes, then click on the Advanced button. Select RGB, Screen (72ppi) and make sure that the Align New Objects to Pixel Grid box is unchecked before your click OK. Next, you'll need a grid every 5px. Step 2 Pick the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a 20 by 230px shape. Make sure that this shape is still selected, switch to the Direct Selection Tool (A) and focus on the top anchor points. Continue with the Direct Selection Tool (A) and focus on the bottom anchor points. Step 3 Step 4 Next, you'll need the Round Any Corner script.
Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8. Create a Realistic Leather Wallet with Illustrator. In most vector illustrations, the underlying objects are pretty simple. It's the details and polish you add that really bring them to life. In this tutorial, we'll start with basic building blocks, then use texture and effects to add realism. Let's get started! Step 1 This tutorial will use raster effects, such as Gaussian Blur.
Before you start, go to the Effects menu and choose Document Raster Effects Settings and set it to High. I'm also going to use the VectorScribe plugin from Astute Graphics. First, draw a rectangle 500 pixels wide by 400 pixels deep. Step 2 Using the Direct Selection Tool (A), select the two points on the right side of the rectangle. Step 3 Do the same with the lower left corner, but this time enter 100 in the radius field. Step 4 Draw an Ellipse 130 x 70. Step 5 Add a point to the rectangle at the tangent where the ellipse and the rectangle meet. Step 6 Using the Direct Selection Tool, drag the corner point up until it aligns with the left point on the ellipse.
Step 7. Create a Vector Space Composition in Illustrator. In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a vector space composition featuring the planet Saturn. We'll use simple shapes, various Blending Modes, and follow a strait-forward workflow that is as simple as a basic circle. Check this out yourself at the jump. Step 1 First, we'll create a background for our space composition. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a rectangle filled with a radial gradient that goes from orange to black.
The orange halo will represent the planet's glow, so the center of the radial gradient should coincide with the center of the planet. Step 2 Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create a circle with the center located at the intersection of the guides. Step 3 Create a new circle. Step 4 Use the Ellipse Tool (L) to create an ellipse filled with a black color. Now take the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) and create a simple grid. Color 6 nodes of the Gradient Mesh in white as shown. Step 5 Select the Gradient Mesh and set the Multiply Blending Mode in the Transparency panel. How to Create a Vector Goldfish in Six Steps. In this tutorial I'll show you the process I use for creating a vector goldfish in six easy steps.
The steps are a bit condensed so Intermediate Illustrator users will benefit greatly, though beginners will be able to get similar results, you'll just need to experiment a bit more with these tools and techniques. The vector goldfish is created with the use of the Mesh, Blend and Symbol Tools. Let’s get started! Final Image Preview Want access to the full Vector Source files and downloadable copies of every tutorial, including this one? Tutorial Details Program: Adobe Illustrator CS3Difficulty: IntermediateEstimated Completion Time: 45 minutes Below is the final image we will be working towards. Step 1 Draw the goldfish and scan the drawing. Step 2 Make a new layer on top. Step 3 In this step we'll paint the body of fish using the Mesh Tool. Before we move farther, I urgently recommend you lock all layers you aren't currently working with so that nothing gets inadvertently moved.
Picture 3a Step 4. How to Create a Golden, Vector Compass in Illustrator. In this tutorial I will take you through the steps and techniques of creating a golden compass. For this tutorial I’ve used just Adobe Illustrator and a heavy dose of ingenuity. Let's get stared! Republished Tutorial Every few weeks, we revisit some of our reader's favorite posts from throughout the history of the site. Want access to the full Vector Source files and downloadable copies of every tutorial, including this one? Step 1 Create a circle (width 367px) with fill color and no stroke by using the Ellipse Tool (M). Step 2 Let’s start with the markings. Step 3 Select the rectangles using the Selection Tool (V). Step 4 Select the rectangles (V) and rotate them using the Rotate Tool (Right-click > Transform > Rotate) by 1 degree and click copy in the Rotate Tool Dialog Box. Step 5 Now press Command + D to repeat the rotate copy, and repeat until you get to complete a circle made of small markers, as shown below.
Step 6 Step 7 While this marker is selected, copy and drag it downwards. Step 8. Create a Jar Illustration and Splashy, Purple Text Effect. In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a jar illustration and splashy, purple text effect. We'll craft this with numerous, layered shapes and with various opacities. We'll work with paths and the Pathfinder tools to enhance our text, give it dimension, and style. Let's get started! Step 1 Create a 700px by 560px, RGB document.
Start with the background. Now pick the Rectangle Tool (M). Step 2 Turn off the visibility for the masked shape made in the previous step. You can also open the Info panel (Window > Info) for a live preview with the size and position of your shapes. Now, let's create these shapes. Place these two shapes as shown in the second image, then name them "2" and "3. " Step 3 Let's make some changes for the shapes made in the previous step. Step 4 Continue with shape number 5. Move to shape number 6.
Step 5 Make a copy of shape number 5 (Command + C > Command + F). Step 6 Turn back to visible the background image. Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Step 11 Step 12 Step 13. Create a Retro-inspired Stylized Birthday Cake. In this tutorial you will learn how to quickly illustrate a retro-inspired stylized birthday cake, layered with cream filling and covered with chocolate icing and candles on top. We will use the Pathfinder Panel and basic Pen Tool techniques to create our shapes. With the help of shortcuts, it is easy to speed up one's workflow in order to create simple and stylish illustrations with little time effort. Step 1 I opened a new document in Adobe Illustrator 400 × 400 px big, RGB and 72 dpi. The base shape we will use throughout the whole process is a 240 × 40 px ellipse. I tend to keep a copy of this shape for later reference and uncheck its visibility in the Layer panel.
Step 2 We will now create the main body of our cake. To do this, copy the shape (Command + C) and paste it into the same position (Command + F). Using the Direct Selection Tool (A) select the bottom Anchor Point of the top shape and the top Anchor Point of the bottom shape and delete them. Step 3 Step 4 Create a Dashed Line. Create a Realistic Candy Bar in Illustrator. Realistic renderings can be done easily in Adobe Illustrator. With vector shapes, the objects can be preserved and edited infinitely which is a great advantage over raster objects. A few simple tweaks from the Effects menu and an understanding of basic object rendering can create a bold and stunning finish. In this tutorial, created exclusively for WDD by Wendy Ding, she’ll be guiding you step by step through the stages required to create a realistic candy bar using Illustrator. 1. Start by sketching the overall shape complete with linear guides, which will be used to show how to define the vector shapes that we’ll be drawing on top. 2.
Scan the sketch into Photoshop and adjust Image > Adjust > Brightness / Contrast until the lines are clearly visible. In the Layers panel, double click on the sketch layer to bring up the layer options pop-up window and check Template. 3. It is crucial in vector files to have a logical stacking order of the layers. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Use Warp Effects to Create a Pastel Colored Candies Illustration. Creating a Dramatic Portrait with Chunky Line Art.
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