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40 Excellent Illustrator Tutorials

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Learning is a process which continues throughout the life of an artist, graphic designer, and illustrator. Along the way, designers find the task of mastering Adobe Illustrator a large obstacle which requires practice and experience in using the vector-based application. Practice comes in the form of tutorials, which offer tips, tricks, and artistic styles from other designers who have mastered certain techniques based on their experience.

Learning is a process which continues throughout the life of an artist, graphic designer, and illustrator. Along the way, designers find the task of mastering Adobe Illustrator a large obstacle which requires practice and experience in using the vector-based application. Practice comes in the form of Illustrator tutorials, which offer tips, tricks, and artistic styles from other designers who have mastered certain techniques based on their experience.

From these tutorials, a designer can polish their skillsets on a variety of topics which will strengthen their own artwork. Sometimes a simple tutorial has tips which may have been overlooked based on the subject of the tutorial. By looking past the subjects of the tutorials, an endless array of learning opportunities exist. Essentially, the tutorials become not only a teacher but a “class” which a designer can repeat as often as necessary to refine their skills.

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This post presents 40 excellent simple to complex Illustrator tutorials and presents the overall techniques of each tutorial, summarized in a brief overview. The purpose is to pick and choose among the tutorials based on the areas that need improvment. Whether your are a seasoned professional or a designer just starting out, these Illustrator tutorials offer a way to brush up on your skills.

Adobe Illustrator Tutorials

Gradient Mesh Bell Pepper Tutorial

Use multiple smaller Meshes to create a realistic object

to create a realistic object Learn to use the Eyedropper Tool (I) to sample colors from a reference photo

How to create a Television Icon

Using Offset Path on an object

on an object Learn to use Gradients to create surface texture and depth

to create surface texture and depth Create a reflection using an Opacity Mask

Working with 3D Objects and Transparencies to Make a Vector Cola Bottle Design

Learn to “cut” up an image in Pathfinder and use the pieces in 3D Revolve to create solid objects

and use the pieces in to create solid objects Map art (symbols) onto a 3D object

Create a Multicolored Splashed Text Effect in Adobe Illustrator

Learn to use Offset Stroke on text

on text Apply a Pattern Swatch to text

Illustrate a Malevolent Skull in 8 Steps

Working with a sketch and outlining with the Pen Tool (P)

Use Outline/Preview modes during design process

modes during design process How to use the Reflect Tool (O) to save time

Create A Wood Grain Texture

Use Raster Effects, Live Trace, and Expand to create a texture

to create a texture Learn to use the Warp Tool (Shift +R) to customize a texture

Illustrator ring shape via overlapping crescents effect

Create abstract geometric shapes with Linear Gradients , Align , and Pathfinder

, , and Learn to use Smart Guides (Cmd/Ctrl + U)

How to Illustrate a Brain Icon for OSX and Vista

For faster coloring, use the Live Paint Bucket (K)

Bonus Lesson: How to turn art into an icon

Create a Realistic Candy Bar in Illustrator

Tips on stacking order for the Layers Panel when using a sketch

when using a sketch Create realistic creases in paper

Where to place shadows/highlights and why

How to Create a Vector Smiley Icon

Working with Radial Gradients

Copy design elements for symmetry

Learn how to use the Isolation Mode

How to Create a Radial Mesh in Illustrator and Make a Vector CD

Create a radial mesh from a Radial Gradient and the Mesh Tool (U)

and the Learn the finer points of selecting mesh points

Create a Clipping Mask

Illustrator full spectrum spirograph

Using the Rotate Tool ® to create abstract shapes

to create abstract shapes Learn to use Transform Again to save time

How to Make a Cartoon Style Cereal Box Logo in Adobe Illustrator CS3

Effectively use Strokes , Align Stroke , and Selection Tool (V) to modify fonts

, , and to modify fonts How to use 3D Extrude & Bevel Options to Create 3D Text

How to Create a Gearbox Settings Icon Using Simple Shapes

Use the Rotate Tool ® to rotate shapes relative to another shape

to rotate shapes relative to another shape Create a metallic texture using shapes and Radial Blur

Design a perforated metal backing using Gradients

3D Effect Extrude and Revolve

Learn to use simple shapes to create a 3D object with Extrude & Bevel

Illustrator Tutorial: Realistic Orange

Learn to use Plastic Wrap Effect and Sponge Effect to create an orange peel texture

and to create an orange peel texture Effectively use Opacity in an illustration

How to Create Semi-Realistic Scissors in Illustrator

Using shapes and Gaussian Blur , create an aged metallic texture

and , create an aged metallic texture Learn to add highlights on metal contours

How to Create a Hippy Van Vector in Illustrator

Trace a photo with the Pen Tool (P)

Expand strokes to add Gradients

Illustrator Quick Tips #1 - Complex Symbols with Pathfinder

Use the Gradient Tool (G) to create a 3D effect

to create a 3D effect With the Pathfinder Divide , create abstract shapes

, create abstract shapes Learn to use the Blending Mode Multiply

How to Make a Vector Diamond Ring in Illustrator

Use Pathfinder to create a compound shape

to create a compound shape Create a metallic finish with Gradients

Create a diamond with Linear Gradients

Create Fun, Eye-catching Text with Adobe Illustrator

Use the Free Transform Tool (E) on text to create depth and perspective

on text to create depth and perspective Highlight and shadow placement on text

‘Women and Cats’ How-To Advanced Tutorial

Learn about shading/highlights in vector portraits

Use of Transparency and Opacity Masks

Turn Any Font Into a Sketch Font

Learn to use the Scribble Effect and Roughen to create a font

and to create a font Create a custom Graphic Style

How To Create A Realistic Pendrive in Adobe Illustrator

Learn how to align objects to the Artboard

Create a realistic metallic surface using Linear Gradients

How to Create a Rainy Window Vector Background

Create an abstract background with the Mesh Tool (U) and circles

and circles Use Gradients , Inner Glow , and Warp to design raindrops

, , and to design raindrops Learn to make a Symbol from artwork

Draw a Cute Purse Using Simple Shapes

Modify shapes using the Warp Tool

Use Pathfinder Exclude to create new shapes

to create new shapes Learn to design a simple pattern

Quick Tip: Horizontal Align to align anchor points

Make a Christmas Light Bulb in Illustrator

Create a quick glossy orb using Gradients and the Blend Mode

and the Add an image to a round surface using Pathfinder

How to Create Shiny, Vector Dice in Illustrator

Learn to use the 3D Extrude & Bevel

Create highlights on a 3D object with the Gradient Mesh Tool (U)

Create a Cute Vector Monster from a Pencil Sketch

Learn to rough in a character using the Pen Tool (P)

Use tapered brushes to create a sketch style





Create symmetric shapes using the Rotate Tool ® and Ctrl+D

and Overlay images using Symbols and Color Burn

How to Draw A Realistic Vector Light Bulb From Scratch

Create a metal thread contact with Effects and Gradients

and Use the Zig Zag Effect to create wires

Create a Character Mascot with Adobe Illustrator CS4

How to set up an Adobe Illustrator file to trace with a sketch

to trace with a sketch Create a Custom Art Brush

Hit the Mark with a Realistic Vector Dartboard

Using Transform Effect to create segments

to create segments Save time with Live Paint

Learn to create bent wire numbers

The Shane Harper way to go Lineless!

Add details to a drawing with the Pencil Tool (N)

Alter shapes quickly using the Knife Tool

Illustrator Tutorial: How to Make an Icy Cocktail

Simulate “glass” using Color Burn and Gradients

and Gradients Create Water Drops quickly

Create a Simple Vector Creature in Illustrator

Learn to use Guidelines effectively

effectively Use the Reflect Tool (O) for symmetry

for symmetry Change end caps on Strokes to alter paths

Create an easy landscape scene in Illustrator

How to use the Crystallize Tool to create shapes

to create shapes Learn to use the Free Transform Tool (E) to create perspective

How to Create a Killer Chainsaw Bunny Character

Learn to trace with vectors

with vectors Block a character in using the Pen Tool (P)

Blueprint-Style Text in Adobe Illustrator

Use Scribble Effect to create a hand drawn font

to create a hand drawn font Learn to use an Opacity Mask with a Gradient

Create a Cute Lipstick Tube

Working with shapes and Pathfinder

Learn shading tips for 3D Objects

Design a Reflection on a shiny surface

Conclusion

These Adobe Illustrator tutorials are just a sample of some of the free learning opportunities available online. Learn to look past the tutorial subject and find what skills the tutorial covers. After all, it’s never too late to go back to school!