In this tutorial I will show you how to make a cool colorful text effect using a vector image. This tutorial will focus on showing you the technique, cause I think, once you know the technique you can explore and experiment it further to suit a type effect or a project that you're making. Apart from the text effect, in this tutorial I will also show you:             how to offset the stroke or the double stroke in text/type how to use appearance palette and blending mode and will give you some tips along-the- way           So without...

In this tutorial, I will show you how to create sticker style effect in Adobe Illustrator. Sticker effect is quite common and I am sure, you might have seen it used in various designs. So lets get started and let me tell you, it is quite easy and you can create a sticker style text in no minutes and you can apply the same technique for any graphic illustration as well.                       Step 1 Type down the text, make sure to use a little thicker font, I used Arial Rounded MT Bold. Select the text, right click, and choose Create Outline,...

Often after approving the final label’s design, clients will want to see the design mocked-up as a package. Starting with a final label design, we’ll use Illustrators mesh tools to simulate a 3D package design. Let’s go ahead and do that!                   Final Image Preview       Step 1 Open your approved label design in Illustrator, in this tut I use snack label as an example, which is shown below.         Step 2 Group the objects (Command + G), select it, then apply Envelope Distort > Make...

In this tutorial, we will explain how to create vector skyscrapers and how to set up a vector city with simple steps. This is a beginner tutorial and easy to follow. Let’s get started!                   Final Image Preview             Step 1 Open a new document and select the Rectangular Tool Grid in the Tool Bar.         Step 2 First set the fill to black and the stroke to white. Then click once on the artboard and the Rectangular Grid Option window will pop-up. Apply the settings you see in...

Illustrator’s built in Symbol Sprayer can be a highly useful tool for quickly creating awesome pattern graphics. Let’s look at creating a few vector skull graphics, then combine them into an intricate pattern design to customize a skateboard deck.                         We’ll be using our design to create a custom skate deck graphic, but it doesn’t have to stop there. This technique can come in handy for any design project.       Open up Adobe Illustrator and draw a circle onto the artboard. Hold...

This tutorial is perfect for the advanced beginner who wants to take her skills to the next level. We’ll explore how to create 3D text and use depth-of-field to enhance a design.               Final Image Preview         Step 1 Start by typing each letter separate so you can adjust the angle and 3D qualities of each. I’m using a font called Futura Bold. I’d recommend using a font that is not thin and delicate. The more weight the font has the better. Also, use a grey or light color so when you proceed to the next step you’ll...

In this tutorial I will show you how to create a cute creature from a sketch. This tutorial uses custom brushes, the Paintbrush tool, Pen tool, and the Live Paint Bucket tool. Even if your not a huge fan of the cuteness, you can use these techniques for other illustrations, logos, and vector elements.               Final Image Below is the final image we will be working towards.     Tutorial Details   Step 1 Create a sketch with traditional media or in a design application like Photoshop. Once created, scan in the image and save it on your computer.         Step...

Today we will be making a 2010 Olympic Gold Medal similar in style to those used in the current Vancouver Winter Games. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create an interesting warped metal effect using the Gradient Mesh Tool. You'll also learn some interesting ways to create and use masks while we construct this gold medal.                         Step 1 Start by drawing a circle using the Ellipse Tool (L) approximately 135 px by 135 px and make it a gold color (#D5BB77). Go to Effects > Stylize > Drop Shadow and enter...

This Quick Tip tutorial will guide you through the process of making a vector portrait rapidly. A picture will be used as a guide for black and gray paths. We'll review some shortcuts that will allow you to achieve good quality results with few steps and minimum fuss.                         Step 1 Take a picture of yourself or of an other person.           Step 2 Open the photo in Photoshop, unlock the layer. Using the Pen Tool, create a path around yourself. After the path is completed, with the Pen Tool...

In this tutorial you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about one of the most powerful Adobe Illustrator Tools – Transformation. Discover how it works, learn multiple ways of transforming objects, study the tools of transformation, and many other useful techniques.                 Introduction Illustrator has plenty of tools, panels, and commands that make our work much easier. Among them, however, there are several outstanding ones that I personally consider the most important features of this program. They include brushes, the Appearance...

One of my favorite TV shows of all time is Twin Peaks and one of its most memorable lines is "The owls are not what they seem." Inspired by that ominous truth I decided to create a little illustration. I chose a rather non-spooky scene set at dusk, with a curious owl sitting on a branch and some scenery in the background.             Take a look at what we're aiming for, an inquisitive owl on a branch with dusk scenery in the background. I chose a soft, warm color palette to create a peaceful illustration.         Step 1 Open a new...

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a leaf-filled, vector tree – step by step. Some of the techniques we'll use are custom made brushes to create the leaves, and Gradient Mesh Tool for creating light and shadows. So let's get started!                 Step 1 First, we'll work on creating the custom brush. Select the Pen Tool (P) and draw the shape of a leave. Fill the shape with green and set the Stroke to a darker green.     Step 2 Create a curved line with the Pen Tool (P) across the leave using the same color as...

In this Illustrator tutorial, I will show you how to create a cute bunny character. This tutorial uses simple shapes and gradients that are easy to apply to other character illustrations.                   Final Image Preview       Step 1 Before we start, I wanted to let everyone know I will be using Illustrator CS4 for this tutorial. Don't worry, everything I am creating can be done in the other CS versions, I just wanted to let you know because the panels in the images will look different. Below is an example of the new Gradient...