Articles posted in Illustrator

Illustrator 101 - Guides and Smart Guides

Guides help you to line control objects and paths easily in Illustrator. Here's a short overview of the options and how Smart Guides can take it a step further. Read more

Realistic highlights in Illustrator

A short tutorial on creating realistic highlights in Illustrator using clipping masks. The tutorial covers creating a path, adding a gradient and then creating a clipping mask. Read more

Illustrator 101 - The Twirl Tool

The twirl tool is a great tool that can make complex and eye-catching objects in no time. Here's one way to use it. Read more

Illustrator 101 - Opacity Masks

Opacity Masks are all over the web. Here's a short tutorial on how they work in Illustrator and how you can use them in your designs. Read more

Glossy badges in Illustrator

The star tool and opacity masks make it easy to make eye-catching glossy badges for websites and user interface designs. Here's an example of how to do it, including a downloadable Illustrator file to work with. Read more

Pattern Brushes in Illustrator Part Two

In part two of looking at Pattern Brushes in Ilustrator we look at how to expand brushes to add shapes to corners and the ends of paths. Read more

Pattern Brushes in Illustrator Part One

Pattern Brushes in Illustrator are a great way to create complicated designs in no time. Part one shows an example of how to use Pattern Brushes with circles. Read more

Circular shapes and patterns in Illustrator

Making circular shapes and patterns in Illustrator is straightforward using a simple technique. Here's how to save yourself some time. Read more

Repeating shapes in Illustrator

Here's a simple tip I came across for quickly creating repeating shapes in Illustrator. Give it a try it. Read more

Managing colours in Illustrator CS3

Illustrator CS3 makes it easier than ever to create and manage colours in your illustrations. Here's a short tutorial exploring what's available and how to use it. Read more

Illustrator 101 - The Blend Tool

The blend tool is a great way to build out shapes and design elements in Illustrator. Here's a quick overview of how it works and some techniques to apply. Read more

Rounding edges in Illustrator

Using a simple technique you can round the edges of pretty much anything in Illustrator. Furthermore with the Graphic Styles Panel you can reuse your style over and over again. Read more

Custom brushes in Illustrator

Custom Brushes in Illustrator are an excellent way to add to designs. Here's a short tutorial how they work and how to use them. Read more

Smarter Illustrator with Symbols

Symbols are an extremely powerful aspect of Illustrator allowing you to create illustrations more rapidly, build a library and respond quickly to client amends and changes. If you are not already using them here is why you should. Read more

Creating a comment icon in Illustrator

A short tutorial on creating a vector-based comment icon in Illustrator. The tutorial includes a downloadable illustrator file to work through the example with. Read more

Drawing symmetrical shapes in Illustrator

Drawing symmetrical shapes in illustrator can be a little bit tricky but once mastered it is a technique you can use over and over again. Read more

Illustrator 101 - Line Tools

The line tools offer you flexibility to draw anything from straight lines to spirals. Hidden within the menu you will also find tools to draw rectangles and polar grids. Read more

Pattern Swatches in Illustrator

Pattern Swatches are a hidden gem in illustrator. You can use them to quickly fill shapes with patterns and illustrations. Here's a short tutorial using a t-shirt design. Read more

Illustrator 101 - The Pen Tool

A tool worth learning you can soon have the same control as you do when sketching. It is tricky to master but you can soon be up and running with a little practice. Read more

Illustrator 101 - The Lasso Tool

The final selection tool this allows you to select using a freehand shape. Very useful for intricate drawings it can be much quicker than the other selection tools. Read more

Illustrator 101 - The Magic Wand Tool

No wizards just a solid tool that allows you to select objects based on defined criteria and make quick changes to your drawings and illustrations. Read more

Illustrator 101 - Selection tools

Understanding the selection tools is a must for working with icons or illustrations. Master the basics and you will save yourself a great deal of time. Read more