This is part 1 of a three-part video tutorial series “How to Draw a Vector Cartoon Illustration”
In this special 3-part video tutorial series, we’ll show you how to create a cartoon character illustration in Adobe Illustrator using custom brushes, simple drawing and inking techniques, and finally, colorful gradients.
For some, this process may sound intimidating, so we’ve broken this down into three easy-to-follow video segments, so let’s start with the basics. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a custom brush in Illustrator using simple vector shapes. We also explore the various scale options for your brush, so you can find the type that best suits your needs. So check it out, and stay tuned for part 2 as we explore drawing and inking in Illustrator!
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With Halloween right around the corner, you may be looking to add a dark side to your designs, and the following tutorial will get you started down that gory path. In it, you’ll learn how to create a simple hatchet illustration in Adobe Illustrator using the grid and the snap to grip feature, along with basic tools, effect and vector shape building techniques. Next using basic blending techniques and taking full advantage of the Appearance panel, you will learn how to add colors and highlights for your hatchet. Finally, you’ll learn how to create simple blood drips and how to add subtle shading for your hatchet.
In the following tutorial, you will learn how to create a 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator using only a piece of text. For starters you will learn how to create a dark, textured background and how to easily center it. Moving on, using a simple piece of text, taking full advantage of the Appearance panel and cleverly adjusting some of Illustrator’s basic effects, you will learn how to create this bold, 3D text effect.
In the following tutorial, you will learn how to create a simple menu bar and a sleek web ribbon in Adobe Illustrator. For starters you’ll create pixel perfect shapes using the grid and Snap to Grid option. Next taking full advantage of the Appearance panel and using basic vector shape building techniques, you will learn how to add highlights and shading for your menu bar. Finally, using the Zig Zag, the Rounded Corners effects, a complex linear gradient plus some simple Pathfinder options, you will learn how to create the web ribbon.
In the following tutorial, you will learn how to create a simple calendar icon in Adobe Illustrator. For starters, you will learn how to setup a simple grid, how to take full advantage of the Appearance panel and how to create a subtle texture. Next, you can learn how to use the basic Pathfinder options, how to easily align your shapes, how to cleverly use the Roughen effect and how to create a simple pattern. Finally, you will learn some basic masking techniques and how to wisely use the Transform effect. 
