For a while, it seemed liked every client wanted grungy graphics. This might sound familiar, “I like it, but can we grunge it up more”. Don’t get me wrong, having some grunge can create a great deal of depth to a design or illustration, but there can be to much of a good thing. This is the technique I use because it is quick and consistent, making it easy to scum up any design or illustration.
Actions are a set of commands or a series of events that you can record and playback in the Actions panel. Actions are great for complex or repetitive tasks. I use the Actions all the time, especially when working with icon sets or buttons, like in the previous tutorial. If you are familiar at all with the Actions panel in Photoshop, you will have no problem with the Actions in Illustrator.
I like illustrating characters, icons, and other highly representative illustrations. I do this kind of work the majority of time in Illustrator, so it’s nice to break out and create my own abstract background vector. Abstract backgrounds are easy to create in Illustrator with a couple of simple techniques. Using Gradient Meshes, Steps Blends and Opacity Masks you can quickly create an abstract background.
In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed cylindrical loading bar vector in Adobe Illustrator. For starters you will learn how to setup a simple grid and how to create the stand using basic vector shape building techniques and some neat linear gradients. Using a complex linear gradient, blending techniques and some Drop Shadow effects you will learn how to create the cylinder. Moving on, taking full advantage of the Snap to Grid feature, you will learn how to create a pixel perfect text. Finally, you will learn learn some neat Stroke tricks and some basic masking techniques.
Every smartphone has built in map software, and designers are sure to need GPS map vector icons. So, In this beginner/intermediate Illustrator tutorial, I will show you how to create a stylized GPS icon using simple shapes and gradients. Using these basic techniques, you can easily create other icons, logos, and illustrations.
What is design theory and how can you put it to work for you? I’ll cover the design principles 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.
Here’s a great tutorial on how to create your own customizable web 2.0 button vectors! These shiny button vectors can pretty much be used for everything, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to transfer these steps to any shape or style.
