In the following tutorial, you will learn how to create a simple map icon in Adobe Illustrator. First, using basic tool, effects and techniques, you will learn how to create the starting shapes. Next, using a bunch of rectangles and the Envelope Distort technique, you will create the simple map. Using basic blending and vector shape building techniques along with the Appearance panel, you will learn how to add shading and highlights for the overall icon. Finally, using basic shapes along with a Warp effect and the Appearance panel, you will learn how to create a simple map pin.
7 Undeniable Design Principles You Can’t Ignore
What is design theory and how can you put it to work for you? I’ll cover the principles of design that propel good design to great design. Superficial instruction, where you’re simply told what to do to get a specific result has its place, but you won’t find any of that here—only principles squarely aimed at applying design fundamentals to increase the effectiveness of your work. Take a look.
Create a Simple Stopwatch Illustration in Adobe Illustrator
In the following steps, you will learn how to create a simple stopwatch illustration in Adobe Illustrator. For starters, you will learn how to prepare your document and how to set up a simple grid. Next using basic tools and effects along with the Appearance panel and the Pathfinder panel, you will learn how to create the main shapes of the stopwatch. Taking full advantage of the Appearance panel and using several Transform and Warp effects, you will learn how to make the smaller stopwatch components and how to add subtle shading and highlights. Finally, you will learn how to easily recolor your stopwatch.
The Fundamentals of Shape Design in Adobe Illustrator (Lesson 2)
This tutorial is the second in a series of two lessons on how to use basic shapes to create objects. From hearts to perfect spirals, the fundamentals of shape design outlined in this tutorial are used in everyday design but don’t have obvious methods of creation. If you like productivity, tips, and tricks, this tutorial is a must-read! Did you catch the beginning of the series? Take a look at Lesson 1 first.
How to Create a Pop Art Avatar with Adobe Illustrator
In this tutorial we are going to learn how to recreate the illustration style used for Pop Art. This type of illustration is taken from a printing process named “Ben-Day dots“. The difference between the Ben-Day effect vs halftone effect is that for the first, the dots are always of equal size and distribution. To create this effect, we’re going to be using custom patterns and experimenting with different color combinations to achieve a truly pop art effect for our avatar. Lastly we are going to learn how to keep a pop art style consistent in your avatar no matter the image size. Let’s begin! 
Create A Realistic Guitar Amp Using Patterns
I absolutely love Illustrator’s ability to create seamless and amazing patterns. They are easily one of Illustrator’s most devious features. I have had a couple instances when clients observed some of my work containing patterns and exclaimed, “That must have taken forever!” Since I know how simple and quick it actually was it is only right to do the humble thing and explain, “Yes, yes it did.” In this tutorial we are going to take one of Illustrator’s stock patterns (Dots) and create a realistic Speaker Grill/Guitar amp Illustration. Let’s create some vector nectar!
Create a Simple Ticket Illustration
In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a simple ticket illustration in Adobe Illustrator. In the first steps you will learn how to set up a simple grid and how to create a pixel perfect ticket shape. Using this ticket shape you will learn some basic stuff about working with multiple fills, strokes and effects in the Appearance panel. Finally, you will learn how to add several pieces of text and how to easily multiply your ticket illustration.