illustrator

Happy Tree Friends in Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:11:11 +0000

I should have done this tutorial sometime ago as Happy Tree Friends is already a old animation series (it was lauched in 2000), but it still really fresh. As everyone who enjoy this series, the contrast between the cuteness of the characters and the violence and gore that they get into it's what made this series a classic.

Just in case you have never seen it before here's a link. Now talking about the tutorial: I decided to not be gore as the series and so this image is way more softer. Anyway, this is a beginner tutorial, so no one should get any trouble on doing it, have fun guys.

Step 1

First of all open Adobe Illustrator and create a 20 x 20 cm canvas.

Later, using the rectangle tool (M) make a blue square on the background.

Using the pencil tool (N) or the pen tool (P) create this round shape on the background, it may look randomic but htis kind of shapes are classicaly used on retro cartoons.

Step 2

Let's skip to the title, you can grab the typeface used on this link. I wrote the name of the show then outlined the font (command + shift + O / ctrl + shift + O).

I duplicated it and sent to front a version with a orange outline and yellow fill

Step 3

Ok, before going to illustrator I decided to sketch a bit and besides the fact my sketches got really ugly, I got a main idea for the following steps. So, my idea was to make Toothy hugging Giggles strongly almost suffocating her.

I've been using the outline view a lot lately, as it make things easier to organize on Ai. Just press command + Y / ctrl + Y to acess this mode. Let's begin with toothy body, so first let's draw some parts of his boy using basic shapes as circles, use the ellipse tool (L) for the task. Let's begin by drawing his head.

His belly and body.

His feet.

His tail.

His ears, use the path eraser tool to erase part of the ellipse, you can find this tol on the pencil tool panel.

The insed of the ear can be achieve using the pencil tool (P).

Use the previous tool to crea the smile, teeth, the eyes and the nose of our buddy.

Toothy got some freckles, create them using the ellipse tool (L).

I used the pencil tool (N) and the pen tool (P)to create the legs of the squirrel.

Organize and group all the elements and get back to the normal view, it's time to add color.

Step 4

I first made a few hachures on the tail of this buddy.

The logic behind this coloring process it's wuite easy, as you're about to see that almost every path will have a outline and fill.

I use mainly the 5pt. oval brush for the outlines.

I created a layer with all the colors I used on each character so you guys can do the coloring process the easier way.

And here's a rough shadow created using only ellipses, the idea here it's not to be a perfect shadow as it's from a childlook cartoon.

And yes, despite all the violence and the gore of the original show I decidd to insert a little more fluffyness on this illustrations so I draw some hearts using the pen tool (P).

Add some light using the brsuh tool (B) with a brighter color.

And spread the love.

Yep, I know what you're think and dont worry, toothy it's not handicapped, I just going to make his arms on other layer (command + L / ctrl + L) with the rest of Giggles.

Step 5

Drawing Giggles will be beyond the easy, let's begin by copying Toothy's body and rotate him using the selectio tool (V).

You can alos copy part of the head.

As any character on HTF got some characteristics on their face that make then unique and recognizable beside the fact that they all were made from the same default. Giggles got a light section on the face.

I've made her with the mouth wide open because she trying to breath, use the pencil tool (N) to draw it.

Do the same thing here.

Add some wrinckles to it using the brush tool (B).

Use the pencil tool (N) to draw the throat, tongue and teeth.

Use the ellipse tool (L) to make the pupil an the eye, you're going to have to make a little triagle with the pen tool (P) and then use the minus front option to get this kind of 50's pupil on the character.

Use the previous tool to draw the eyelashes, the dark circle and the wrinckle.

Later just duplicate the eye, reflect it and reposicionate it on the other side.

I must admit I hate drawing arms and hands, but in this case this was not a big deal, as thery are wuite simple in terms of shape. So i just used the pencil tool (N) and a couple of time to do it.

Same thinig here, nothing really difficul, just make sure the positions make sense.

Finally I added some movement lines and that's it.

Conclusion

Download the Adobe Illustrator File

Download the Adobe Illustrator file used for this tutorial

About the author

My name is Marcos Torres, I'm Graphic Artist from Porto Alegre, Brasil. You can get to know more about me by acessing my Personal Website or by following me on Twitter: @marcos333. You can also see some of my last projects at my Flickr.

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Create Plants Vs. Zombie Type in Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:03:19 +0000

Nowadays it seems that the good video-games era is coming back. Super fancy and graphic elaborated games dominated the early 2000's , but the simplicity and replayability of games as Plants Vs. Zombies will always be more fun than cinematics and complex plots. Anyway, let's skip to the tutorial that it's about this last game.

Well, let's not enter on a discussion about what are the best good games nowadays, because we have a tutorial to do. I would classify this one as a intermediary tutorial, but even If you're experienced in Illustrator, you might find some good insights and ideas on it, have fun.

Step 1

So, let's first open Adobe Illustrator and create a 70 x 15 cm canvas (command + N / ctrl + N).

Step 2

Well, in order to make this less harder I decided to use some fonts as a base to the type, although they're not the same as the original, so that's why we should od some adaptations. I used Impact fo the "plants" type and Samdan for the "zombies' type, i just substituted the "S" for the one on the Impact font.

Let's dispose them like this.

Step 3

Let's started with the plants type, first create some outlines (command + shift + O / ctral + shift + O), then ungroup them and resize and posicionate them on a less organized way. Also add some green to yellow linear gradient on them.

So, using the pencil tool (N) I made a few adjustments on it's corners turning them on round fluffly letters.

After adjusting it, add some bold dark green stroke on it. On the stroke panel, choose to use to align the stroke outside.

Now duplicate the type, select all the letter then go to the pathfinder panel > Unite. Make it one shape.

Select the duplicated type and go to Object > Path > Offset Path and set the panel like the one bellow.

Turn the new outline into black, then send it to the back of the previous type.

Don't forget to do a few adjustments on this outline like removing some holes.

Now using the pen tool (P), create this leaf shape on the first and last letter, then unite them with the letter later.

Using the previous tool , make a few wrickles n the leaves.

Now finally, let's add some reflexes. Use the previous to do that, don't forget to put them only on one direction, in this case, always on the right side.

Ok, now we have a emboss effect properly done, let's skip to the zombie type.

Step 4

I did the same process on the zombie font, first turned it all into aoutlines, then ungrouped and adjusted it a bit.

I added a linear grey gradient on all letters.

Then using the pencil tool (N) I did a somekind of 3D perspective, nothing fancy, just used the space between the letters "m" and 'b" as a vanishing point.

And added some gradients following the perspective I used.

Let's add some thick black stroke.

And here's the trick part: I decided to add some light on the bottom of the letters using the pencil tool (N), create and place them like the samples bellow. Don't forget to use a transparent gradient.

I didn't want to detail it a lot, so I finally ded a couple of random round shapes to look like holes, duplicate it and just posicionate both layer a bit searate in order to give it some depth.

Also added a big gradient on the back of the type to look like fire.

Step 5

Finally, let's do the last thing: the grave. It's easy, first using the pencil tool (N) create the stone shape, then duplicate and use a darker color to look like a perpective.

Add some cracks using the previous tool and the "VS." type on it, use the same font as the one on "zombies".

Use some white lights to enhance the cracks.

And also put white layer of the text above to give depth on it.

Draw the pile of earth using the pencil tool (N).

Use the pen tool (P) to create the texture over it.

As you may have already noted, I'm using the hard gradient technique on the objects here, so it really don't depends of the tool you're using, If you got the logic of it, you will know what to do next.

Finally, add a blue background with a radial gradient on it, hoep you guys enjoyed doing this.

Conclusion

Download the Adobe Illustrator File

Download the Adobe Illustrator file used for this tutorial

About the author

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The Artist Inspiring Design in Illustrator and Photoshop

abduzeedo — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:12:50 +0000

A few weeks ago I watched The Artist. Since the first time I saw and read about the movie I got curious about it, especially because it was a black and white movie. I wasn't expecting that much from the movie but I got really impressed in the end and ended up loving it. The style, the story and the little dog makes it a very pleasant experience.

So in this tutorial I decided to create a tutorial based on one of the scenes of the movie. The one in the very end in which there were a skyline while the 2 main characters were dancing.

The whole process won't take you more than 45 minutes to get the same result. However this should be considered more as a case study than a tutorial in terms of details.

Step 1

Open Illustrator and create a new document. With the Rectangle Tool create two rectangles to create the first building that will be in the center.

Step 2

Using the rectangle tool again, create a rectangle and with the Direct Selection Tool (A) modify the rectangle to sort of skew it. After that duplicate it and move it to the right.

Step 3

With the Blend Tool, create the details on the facade of the building.

Step 4

Create a rectangle with dark grey and move it below. Also duplicat the facade details and flip it horizontally. The idea is have one side with light grey (1) and another with dark grey (2).

Step 5

Create more details using the rectangle tool and the direct selection tool to add some perspective.

Step 6

Still with the rectangle tool, let's create some more buidings. Now with some perspective converging to the main building. The perspective doesn't need to be super perfect, but make sure it's good enough to look convincing.

Step 7

Keep adding a few more buildings. Move the higher ones behind the lower ones.

Step 8

Once you have one side right just duplicate it to make the other side.

Step 9

Time to Photoshop. Copy the main building and paste it Illustrator.

Step 10

Copy the other buildings and arrange them in the document. The main building in the center will be behind the others.

Step 11

For the main building, create a layer on top and then go to Layer>Create Clipping Mask. With the Brush Tool (B) and a very soft brush, paint with white to create a sort of radial light effect coming from the bottom. Repeat the same for the other buildings.

Step 11

Select all buildings and light effect layers, then duplicate them. Go to Layer>Merge Layers. After that go to Edit>Transform>Flip Vertically. Then go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur. Use 10 for the radius.

The idea here is to create the popular wet floor effect.

Step 12

Fill the background layer with black.

Step 13

Add a new layer and fill it with black. After that go to Filter>Noise>Add Noise. Use 45% for the Amount with Gaussian for the Distribution and Monochromatic.

Step 14

Go to Image>Adjustement>Levels. Change the black input to 160 the grey to 1.00 and the white to 205. That will create some stars in the black background.

Step 15

Add a white frame to your design. To do that is pretty simple. Create a new layer and fill it with black. Go to Layer>Layer Styles>Stroke. Use 70px for the Size and white for the color. After that just change the Blend Mode of this layer to Screen. What is black will be invisible and what is white will be shown.

Step 16

Now just add your text. I used a font called Andes for that. Also duplicate the background and the buildings then merge them into a new layer. Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur. Use 10 for the amount.

Change the Blend Mode of this layer to Overlay at 50% Opacity. Duplicate it again and change the Blend Mode of the new one to Soft Light at 60%.

Conclusion

Time to add some paper texture on top of the all layers to add the nice vintage look. I used two paper textures using Overlay and Multiply for the Blend Mode.

The result is simple but it looks the way I was envision since I saw the movie. I got really impressed by the classic style of the movie and wanted to make a nice interpretation.

Download the Photoshop file

Download Photoshop file used for this tutorial

About the author

Abduzeedo is a blog about design. There are all sorts of articles for those who want to look for inspiration. Also you will find very useful tutorials for the most used applications out there, with a special selection of Photoshop Tutorials and Illustrator Tutorials. You can get in follow us via Twitter at @abduzeedo

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Create Courage, The Cowardly Dog in Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:41:42 +0000

I don't know about you guys, but Cartoon Network was like the Disney of the Tv channels when I was a kid, such a big range of awesome series and characters. So today I decided to pick one of them and highlight on a tutorial. I know some of you may not be familiar with Courage so here's a brief video that explains a bit this hilarious character.

I would say this tutorial it's half a case-study and half a tutorial, I'm just saying that before someone may complain of the fast pacing on some parts. Anyway, If you're used with my illustration tutorials, this will not be a big deal, please have fun.

Step 1

Ok, let's begin opening Illustrator, create a 31 x 23 cm canvas. Let's begin with the background.

Using the rectangle tool (M) create two big rectangles and thin one between then, just like the sample bellow.

Select the upper one and go to the gradient panel, create a golden radial gradient on it, use the gradient tool (G) to posicionate it on the right place.

Add another gradient on the lower big rectangle, use the previous tool to place it on the correct place.

I decided to apply a pattern on the upper one in order to make it look more like a grandma house ambient. You can get this texture here.

Later I used the blending mode multiply, with the texture over the previous gradient.

I also decided to apply some wood texture on the ground, go it on the same place.

Yeah and as you can see, i did the same with the thinner one, just watch for the bleding modes and the gradient directions.

Step 2

So, I did a rough sketch of what I would like to obtain, the main concept was to make Courage's shadow a frightening demon image. Also, trying to make the best use of the lightning. Create a exclusive layer for the shadows (command + L / ctrl + L)

Ok, let's start by the shadow, using the pen tool (P) start by the leg and elbow, the shadow got a refraction on the wall, that's why it look like bend on the half.

Before proceeding on the rest of the drawing, you should give attention to the hands, since as most people know, some hands can be very tricky to draw.

Ok, then draw the rest of the body as the original sketch. Paste the hand you created, duplicate, reflect and resize it to the other side, then use the pathfinder option called Unite to make then and the body one piece. Unite the legs also.

Use the pen tool (P) to create the demonic ways, it's pretty much just like drawing triangles, don't forget to add a bit of perpective on it.

After that, draw the sharpy teeth mouth, then select both mouth, eyes and body, go to the pathfinder panel and use the option called Minus Front.

Finally, add a black to white gradient to the shadow, use the gradient tool (G) to place it correctly. Then use the Multiply blending mode to make it look like a real shadow.

Step 3

Ok, let's skip to the main part, first create a exclusive layer for him (command + L / ctrl + L). Start by making a circle on the belly using the ellipse tool (L).

Make a circle and use the previous shape to make a clipping mask over it.

Drae the tail using the pen tool (P)

Use the ellipse tool (L) to create the eyeballs.

And the pupils.

Make the head using the rounded rectangle tool

Use a simple circle to make the cheek.

And also to make his lips

Draw his nose using the pencil tool (N).

Use the previous tool to make the ears.

Draw the sad eyebrowns using the pen tool (P), just make sure they loo like damn scared.

Use a ellipse and sharpy shape to create the mouth.

Use the pen tool (P) to trace the rest of the snout.

The leg it's quite simple: Make it using the pen tool (P), then using the ellipse tool (L) make the fingers, use the selection tool (V) to adjust them.

Then you're going to just redo this process three times again.

Now let's start blending the shapes, first start by the feet, select all shapes and use the Unite option at pathfinder panel.

I used the path eraser tool to erase the bottom of the leg and so give the impression of normal drawing dash.

Ok, now unite all arm shapes.

Unite the head and body shapes.

And all the mouth circles and shapes.

Remember the eyebrowns? Ok, let's duplicate both of them, select this copies and the eyeballs and use the Exclude option at the pathfinder panel, this will remove the eyebrown shape form the eyeballs, just don't forget to remove the rest of the shapes.

Step 4

Let's add Courage main colors on the shapes we already have. Then let's start adding some fine details.

Using the brush tool (B) to make the whiskers.

Use the pen tool (P) to make the wrinkles.

Also use it to make the teeth divisions.

Add some grey shades on the ears and nose using the pencil tool (N) and the pen tol (P).

I also added this shades using a similar process used on the legs.

Step 5

Let's make anotehr new layer. I drew some drips and pools of blood on the floor, that's pretty basic you just need to draw some round shapes using the pencil tool (N).

Then add some white reflexes and lower their opacity.

I also added some shades and made a clipping mask on them.

I went back on the shadows layer and added some behind those drips on the same direction as the demon shadow.

Step 6

Ok, the tv it's pretty simple, first let's draw half of the body using the pen tool (P), also I drew the top of it.

Add some perpective corners.

Use the rounded rectangle tool to create the monitor.

Duplicate, reflect and Unite it.

Make the antenna using first a circle and them creating this sharpy shapes using the pen tool (P).

Duplicate the monitor shape, then go to Effect > Grain. Let's turn this on real Tv, so use the same set up as the picture of the panel bellow.

Add a shadow and a light on the antenna.

Ok, now let's add some flat colors on it.

But in order to look like a real Tv, it should have some knobs, it's pretty eays to create them, as you can figure out on the pics bellow.

Also decided to add a speaker on it, doing the inverse process used on the knobs in order to give depth on it. Later just added a grid over it, just to look as old fashioned speakers.

I decided to use a really classy font on the title inside the Tv, so I used this one, don't worry it's free and quite useful.

And another sans serif font for the lettering, nothing special.

Step 7

Let's go back to the shades layer and make some for the Tv, it's quite easy, just do on the same direction of the previous one, use the pen tool (P) for this task.

Now that all the shadows are set, let' only verify If your layers are organized as they should be.

Now we just need a main light source, so make a big rectangle that fits all the canvas, use the gradient tool (G) to posicionate it's focus on the lower right on the screen. Then go to the tranparency panel and use the blending mode called Overlay.

Conclusion

Download the Adobe Illustrator File

Download the Adobe Illustrator file used for this tutorial

About the author

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Easy Hulk Logo on Illustrator and Photoshop

marcos333 — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:10:57 +0000

Being a great fan of comic books, I always loved the visual identities used for some famous characters. Most super-heroes logos are like a incorporation of many aspects of the characters and their superpowers. I always liked Hulk logo as everytime I look at it I always remember his famous quote "Hulk Smash".

This is a intermediary tutorial, so it's not as long and it's not as hard as my usual tutorials. As always, a tablet will be pretty handy here, but in case of not having one, you still can do it with a mouse, you're just going to have a bit more of difficulty on some parts. Anyway, hope you guys have fun and understand the simple dinamics behind this logotype formation.

Step 1

First I did a really simple rough, making 2 lines and 4 columns to simbolyze the letter tracking. Then just draw the 4 letters on a really squared version, tryin to make then quite similar.

Put it on Illustrator and use the round rectangle tool with a 0,5 cm radius to create the letter shapes. I rather use some smoother shapes as this, than just simple and sharp rectangles, because it looks less flat.

After you done all the letters, you should select them all use the pathfinder option called Unite in order to make all pieces just one.

You can also adjust some corner by creating another round rectangles over it and using the pathfinder option called Minus Front, this will get the type a all round appearance.

I used a sans serf typeface for the lettering, this one it's called Gotham Black, but you can pretty much a use a similar sans serif heavy typeface.

Outline it (command + shift + O / ctrl +shift + O), adjust the tracking between the letters as we're going to apply a offset path and so they should not overlap each other. Ok,now go to Object > Path > Offset path and set the offset to 0,2 cm.

You should get something like these, now let's apply a soft gradient using the gradient tool (G).

Step 2

Let's make the cracks around the lettering, it's quite simple, but it will be easier If you use the pencil tool (N) an a a tablet, as the irregularity of it it's easier to get this way then using a more flat tool as the pen tool (P).

Now it's time to add the reflexes to it, the logic it's simple: Put the lights on the top of every crack, at first I mays not make any sense, but just take a look at the samples bellow and you understand it.

Let's repeat the same procedure on each one of the big letters, but this time let's make it more detailed. It should look like a brick based shape, so first you're going to draw horizontal lines, then the vertical lines. Later using the pencil tool (N) add some cracks and ajust the lines to look more irregular.

This is a bit boring on the beginning, but as you understand the dynamic behing it, you will start doing it faster.

Using the same lightning rule applied on the lettering, do it again on the big letters. Remember: the light comes from the top, so most lights should be directed to this side.

Step 3

Now that we have the vector type ready, let's open photoshop and add some textures and effects. First make a black background using the paint bucket tool (G).

Paste the type as a Smart Object and select it by command + click / ctrl + click on its layer.

Then make a new layer and using the paint bucket tool (G) fill it with a neon green. Duplicate this layer (command + J / ctrl + J).

On the first one (the one on the top) you're going to apply a motion blur (Filter > Blur > Motion Blur) with this settings. Then, set his blending mode to Soft Light.

On the second one you're going to apply a radial blur (Filter > Blur > Radial Blur) with this settings. Don't forget to put both behind the smart object layer.

You should get this:

You can also add a soft outer glow on the type smart object (Layer Style > Outer Glow).

I used this grunge texture to give a a more realistic appearance to the image, you can download it right here. So first I paste it and used the smart objetc selection to create two new layer with it (command + J / ctrl + J).

On the first one I used the blending mode called Multiply and set the opacity to 50%.

On the second one I used the blending mode called overlay, in order to lighten it. Don't forget to put the one with the Multiply on the top and the overlay one bellow to get his final effect.

Conclusion

Download the Adobe Illustrator File

Download the Adobe Illustrator file used for this tutorial

About the author

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Create a Creamy Ice Cream Poster on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:05:39 +0000

Hi everyone, before someone say it's winter on the north pole, I gotta say it's damn hot here in Brasil, so I though a tasty and frosty illustration would be a good exercise to do.

This is a step by step tutorial forwarding some of the previous tutorials. The idea is to incentive the idea of playing in Illustrator. It's a simple tutorial but it will deal with some pretty basic shapes, but a good knowledge of the softwares tool will make things quite easier for you, also if you are using a tablet for this tutorial. So, let's do it.

Step 1

First all did some warm ups and rough sketches to get the main idea of what I was going to do. The idea was to make a happy ice cream and a creamy type turning into a tongue at the end.

So, let's open Adobe Illustrator and make a new canvas with a A4 size.

Using the rectangle tool (M) make a light blue rectangle fitting all the canvas.

Using the pen tool (P) or the star tool you're going to create a triangle that will be the base of the ice cream. Use a beige as fill color and 5 pt. Oval dark brown stroke.

You should adjust the lower corners using the pencil tool (N).

I made some hard shadows one the bottom of the triangle using a hard gradient gradation of ellipses. Ok this was a bit hard to understand, what I mean was to use the ellipse tool (L) to create some ellipses over another with the darker on the center and the lighter on the border.

As every form can be decomposed on simple and basic shapes as triangles, squares and circles, the ice cream form is basically a couple of spheres.

Also added the little wave on the top using the pencil tool (N).

Well, you should make some adjustments using the direct selection tool (A) on the vector points so the circles look more organic.

Here's a trick: When trying to draw something melting, first draw the drop and fat part of it. Later just make the bridge using the pencil tool (N),but why would be better drawing this way? You know, most time I try to draw the drop at once it happens that it get's really flat without the sinuos curves that giver it a melting apperance.

Ok, now just select all the pink shapes of the ice cream and use the pathfinder option called Unite. Then just give it the same fat stroke (5 pt. Oval) that you used on the base.

Step 2

So, let's add some lighter pink inside, use the pen tool (P) for that task.

Draw a smple mouth silhouette using the previous tool.

Some wrinckles.

A red tongue (no strokes).

And some light pink inside this fill, let's also add some brightnesses.

Using the ellipse tool (L) I made this eye silhouettes, they're going to be useful later when we try to make some brightnesses on the eyes.

Let's not forget he's teeth, use the pen tool (P) to create this shape.

And add some grey shading on it.

Ok, so duplicate the white ellipse and turn it brown. Then make a triangle on the top using the pen tool (P), select both shapes and go to the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Minus Front.

Then just duplicate it.

Make some eyebrowns and a second filling inside of them.

Ok, now let's add some more brightnesses on the head, start with some on the eyes, then go to the drops and the rest of the head. Use pencil tool (N) for this task. Don't forget that the brightnesses shold be always inside the lighter pink area, as we're trying to make a hard gradation effect.

Step 3

Let's go back to the base (or should we call it body?). Anyway, don't forget to put the head on a separate layer and create a exclusive for the body. Let's first make some semi-circles bellow the head using brow and orange.

Use the pen tool (P) to make the orange shape inside the body, this will later give a feell of depth on it.

Use the previous tool to crete some hashing on the body, classic squares as we see on waffles and Vans shoes.

It's quite boring to do this, but yeah, you're going to make beige squares on each of these parts using the pen tool (P).

Later, using the Minus Front at the pathfinder panel, you're going to create some brow borders around the beige ones. This will take sometime, but as you finish you will get effect we're trying to reach.

Step 4

The arm it's pretty basic. first draw the silhouette using the pencil tool (N).

Let's draw part of the glove here.

Make a lighter brown fill inside the arm.

Using the pencil tool (N) I drawed the palm and the indicator finger.

The other two fingers closed.

And, of course, the toe.

Now let's add some details as wrinckles using the brush tool (B).

Then we need some shades on it, I decided to make pink shadows as it's more funky than just classic grey. Create them on the parts that would be darken using the pencil tool (N).

Now go to the transparency panel, select all shadows and choose the blending mode called Multiply.

Also give a little swing on it using some brushes.

Step 5

Let's skip to the type, I used the Val font, a really cool and fat typeface. You can grab it at Font Frabric.

So I wrote "Creamy!" and transformed the font in outlines, then used the same light pink fill of the ice crem on it.

Now go to Object > Offset Path and create a 0,4 path on the letters. After that select the letter and the offset path and group each of them (ctrl + G / command + G). This will avoid the letter to overlap each other.

Add that same stroke on it.

Now let's just add some glows around each letter using the pencil tol (N).

Ok, now let's do the tongue and unite it with the "!".

It's quite simple: draw the tongue shape then select the offset path from the "!" and use the pathfinder option called Unite.

Do the same thing with the light pink fill.

Add the main wrinckle of the tongue using the pen tool (P)

Now let's add some glows along the tongue.

Mkae a shadow suing the same light pink, go to the tranparency panel and use the blending mode called Multiply on it.

Step 6

Just added a coupe of triangles around the indicator finger.

I think that after doing all the previous steps, this part is going to be quite quick. First draw the dribble and the drops, use the pencil tool (N) for the dribble and the ellipse tool (L) for the drops.

Change it's opacity to 70% to give a more realistic definition.

Add some shades using a darker blue, use the Multiply blending mode on them later.

Then let's finally add some light blue as glows all over it.

Step 7

Final step guys, just a little type exercise. Using again the Val typeface I wrote "for sure".

Then as before I just outlined it, used a offset path with a darker color and added some glows along the type using the pencil tool (N).

The easiest way to create splashes like this is using the crystalizze tool, first make a ellipse then set the tool to work correctly and positionate it on the center of the sphere to create equally sharp borders.

Later I just duplicate the same shape to do a inner fill and a hard shadow.

Conclusion

I hope you guys got a better understood of aspects over vector illustration that a have not explored this way before. Even If you haven't followed the whole tutorial, I hope you learned some good tricks today.

Download the Adobe Illustrator File

Download the Adobe Illustrator file used for this tutorial

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Create Sonic The Hedgehog Opening on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:05:41 +0000

The other day while I was cleaning up some stuff in my bedroom I've found my Sega Genesis - Mega Drive in Brazil, one of the first 16 bit consoles released in the 90s. I remember most of my friends were more into Mario Bros because they had a SuperNES. I played Mario Bros years later, but at that time my eyes were focused only on playing frenetically Sonic The Hedgehog almost everyday.

So, continuing our "nostalgic tutorials" series this one will be about this classic game opening, sure this will probably give you some really good memories so let's do it. Just a warning before we can proceed: this is an more advanced and step forward tutorial, so a previous knowledge of the software and the character will be really helpful. Also, this can all be solved with a mouse, althought using a tablet will make it way more fast.

Tunnel

I kind of don't know If that's a tunnel or a giant ring on the opening titles, anyway the first thing you should do after creating a new document on illustrator is to create a perfect circle using the ellipse tool (L) + shift. You're actually going to create four of them, use a white fill to understand which is under and which is bellow.

So I added a blue metallic linear gradient on two of them, a more intricate golden gradient on one of the circles and a black fill on the circle on the front in order to symbolize the hole.

I also wanted a hard shading on the golden circle, so I just created a white circle, selected the soft light blending mode, pulled it a bit to the right downward diagonal and made a clipping mask (ctrl + 7 / command + 7) with a duplicated golden circle.

Let's add some stars, first click on the start tool to create specifi star with the parameters bellow.

Make another one inside of it. Then add some blue gradients, use a stronger on the one inside and a softer on the outside.

I also added a drop shadow on each of them to look more funky.

Then duplicated it and alligned like the picture bellow.

Here's the first we're going to use for the SEGA logo, you can get it here

So, after I wrote SEGA I turned the font into outlines (ctrl + shift + O / command + shift + O) and added the same blue gradient used on the circles.

Ok, now go to Object > Path > Offset Path and set the parameters like this. Use a white fill on the new path.

Wings

Never quite get why there's wing on theis opening, anyway I just draw then using the pen tool (P). Then add a grey radial gradient on it. I also used the same offset path here, so you can pretty much repeat the procedure.

Don't forget to duplicate and flip it to the other side (just right click and go to Transform > Reflect).

Ribbon

Using the pen tool (P) I made this shape with a little hook shape on the end, this will be like a folding of the ribbon. On the sequence I just made the extremity using the previous tool.

I added some red linear gradient, just watch for the gradient directions, they will help to enhance and give depth to the image.

To make a the white shapes, I basically duplicated the red ones and adjusted it using the selction tool (V) and the direct selection tool (A)

I also added a shadow by creating this shape right on the ribbon folding then selecting the blending mode called multiply.

Ok, then just duplicate it and flip it to the other side. I also added the stars used on the circle, but on a larger size.

For the main title first I wrote "The Hedgehog" using Hevletica (you can use Arial with you prefer), turned it to outlines and used offset path on it.

You can get the next font that we're going to use on the Sonic type here.

I outlined the type and added a mettalic intrincate gradient.

Ok, then access Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel, set the parameters like the ones bellow.

Now that we just finished this part, let's add a black background by creating a big black rectangle using the rectangle tool (M).

I decided to add some shiny stars so I clicked on the star tool and configurate it to make some thin 4 points stars. I also added some golden gradient on them.

Sonic

Ok, here's the most anticipated and also the toughiest part of the tutorial: drawing Sonic. Before trying to draw this character on the final pose, I made some several studies of it and it's body structure and movements, Sonic is one of these classic big-head cartoon characters, the hardest part to understand it's how you will place the eyes. So, I would suggest you guys to try some sketching looking to some original images, it's good to understand the logic behind some characters, that's enhance you graphic repertory.

So, after a lot tests adn studies, I tried to make the classic Sonic pose and laced it on the Ai file on the bottom to help you guys. As you can see I divided the character in a lot o ellipses, this is way of showing the body struture, where are the main parts and the joints.

After putting it on illustrator, I started tracing over the most simple shapes, mostly ellipses,like the ones in the eye, head and body.

With some help of the pen tool (P) I traced the rest of the body, I know this may not make much sense right now, but this is the best way to vectorize a character with less effort.

Ok guys so right now here's a great test for you, as I know our readers are really good this should be piece of cake: using the pathfinder tool called Unite, you should wisely unite some of the traced part in order to get this vector Sonic. Don't worry, this is just a test, If you don't feel confortable on trying, there's a ready vector version on the downloadable file.

After we got it all vectorized, let's add some flat colors, I like to do that before adding gradients and shadows as it's better to preview how we should add light and shadow on the image.

I started with the eye, adding some grey radial gradient, then added some grey gradient on the nose and on the eyes.

I decided to substiture the beige for a hotter color as a orange gradient, just watch for the gradient directions and formats (linear and radial).

The glove it's a bit intricate, so here's a tep by step on the gradient directions, watch it carefully.

Finally I added some blue radial gradient on the top of him and posicionate him on the scenario, right behing the ribbon.

Final Result

Although the tutorial was really step forward, I hope you guys got a better understanding on character design, as this will always be a really tough part when doing a illustration. Studying movements, faces, gestures it's wuite important for any illustrator. Hope you guys enjoyed this lesson.

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Click here to download the Illustrator file used for this tutorial.

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Merry Christmas from Abduzeedo

abduzeedo — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 02:02:24 +0000

We here over at Abduzeedo wish you a Merry Christmas to all of you. We know that it's last minute but just in case you haven't sent a greetings card to your beloved ones we are sharing an artwork created by Amanda Macedo.

Download the artwork in Illustrator

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Create a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Parody on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:48:36 +0000

Hi guys, as often I do , today I am going to demonstrate another of my parodies around some famous cartoon character. As we were into a nostalgic vibe lately, I thought that the TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) would be something fun to do. And so I decided to make a baby version of it, with a baby Donatello and a grandpa Master Splinter, not on a high detailed type of illustration, but on a more cartoonish way.

I also tried a fun effect with the title type so it could look like kids blocks, besides that I must admit this is a more step forward tutorial, so If you got some better understanding not only on the software, but also on drawing techniques. It will be way easier to solve it. Anyway, hope you guys have fun and remember that this is all about sharing knowledge and tips, If you learn anything from this I will be really thankful to you because that's our goal.

Sketching

One of the best drawing exercises anyone can do it's to draw famous characters, why? Because learning types form other pencilers and illustrators will increase you visual repertory, that means not just your techniques will improve but also your creative insights will be improved also. Before getting to the final idea, I decided to explore a bit the turtles character, as their body structure is a bit unusual from a classic human form used on most comics.

Well, after some hours I got this insight of making some kind of joke around the change from "Teenage" to "Baby" on the title. So my idea was to make the classic lettering on the top, although I thought about not using the classic green "turtles" logo and replace it by a kids block type would be way more interesting. So, now we can open Adobe Illustrator, on the downloadable original file on the bottom of this post we inserted the sketch so you guys could use it as a guide.

Title

Let's first make the classic headline, draw a rectangle using the rectangle tool (M)

Use the direct selection tool (A) to pull one of the vector points.

Ok, now duplicate it and flip it horizontally to the other side.

Select both parts and use the pathfinder option called Unite.

Duplicate it again, this time use a red fill on it and place it in front of the black one so it will looks like a hard shadow.

I decided to write "Baby Mutant Ninja" using the font called Headline, you can grab it here. Ok, so let's proceed to the "Turtles" type, first I select a more childish type face, Cooper it's a really good option in this case, please don't you dare to use Comic Sans!

So we're going to writes "turtles" and than make some outlines on it (command + shift + O / ctrl + shift + O). Than let's create some rectangles with light colors using a internal stroke and set it as the image bellow, first go to the strokes panel and set it on the align stroke option. Some will say that it would be better to just do two rectangles, but I just think this is a lazy way to do the same thing.

Anyway, get the letters and put then inside the squares using the same fill, then drag and drop then on the symbols panel. Name them so they can turn into a symbol.

Now create another square using one of the light colors, go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel > Map Art.

On the Map Art panel you can set the position and size of the image that will be displayed on the cube. Use the preview to make things easier.

Repeat this with all the letters and try to display then randomly.

Let's add some shadows, first create a ellipse using the ellipse tool (L), then go to the gradients panel and generate a fading radial black gradient, make sure one of the extremities it's invisible (0% opacity). Also use the Multiply bleeding mode on the opacity panel.

Ok, now put them bellow the cubes.

Donatello

Let's start with head, first make a circle then adjust it (use the direct selection tool (A) for that) and create a extra vector point on it (use the pen tool (P) for that).

If you're following my tutorials form a long time you already know I'm addicted for this brush: 5 pt. Oval. Go to the brushes panel and select it.

Draw the mask using the pencil tool (N). Then use the ellipse tool (L) to make the node and then use the pen tool (P)
to make the ties.

I'm also addicted to wrinkles and so I decided to add some here and there, not too many of course.

Make a ellipse and adjust it using direct selection tool (A) and the pencil tool (N) to make the mouth.

Make the tongue using the pen tool (P) and use the mouth contrast to make the outline.

I love hard and plastic eyes, they look so bright and happy, hard to find a better way to make you character look happy without this childish element. it's quite simple: make a big black circle and tow white circles inside of it.

The rest o the body it's really simple, you're going to make a big ellipse, adjust it and make a muscle division using the pen tool (P). Okay, this was the belly, then just duplicate the same shape, drag it a bit to the right, use a green fill and thick stroke. Do the same thing on the shell.

As a baby, our turtle should use a diapers, so make another circle and adjust it using direct selection tool (A) or the pencil tool (N).

Make a sort of belt over it using the pen tool (P) and make a circle on the middle, write the letter "D" on it.

You can make his legs by simply using ellipses and blending them together using the Unite tool on the pathfinder panel. Then just duplicate it, flip it to the other side and adjust it to the correct perspective.

The process behind the arm it's actually the same, just a bunch of ellipses arranged and blend together.

Don't forget to make this clamp on his arm, make first a ellipse then use the pencil tool (N) to create the wrinkles on each side. Use the brush tool (B) to make a wrinkle on the middle of it.

Ok now just duplicate the arm, send it to back and adjust the perspective. Now let's place our little buddy exactly were he was supposed to be on the original sketch.

Master Splinter

Master Splinter is actually a bit more boring to draw on this case, so If you're note good with the pen tool (P), you may get a bit dizzy on this part. So first I traced the robe with previous tool, then added the detail on the chest, I also draw the the tail.

I traced the head using the pen tool (P), I really like those bitten mouse ears so to get this I just inserted two circles over the ear, selected everything an used the minus front option on the pathfinder panel.

Just made a ellipse and used the brush tool (B) in order to make the division on the teeh.

I also used the pencil tool (N) to draw a simple earring on it.

You can copy and paste the eyes, since they are exactly the same, just adjust the volumes.

I decided to add this big thick eyebrow using the pen tool (P) on Splinter to give him a old and condolence look, that type of look your grandpa probably use/used to look at you.

The nose it's a adjusted eclipse and little white circle on the the extremity.

Using pen tool (P) I create the shape of the mouth, a wrinkle on the end of it to look like he's happy. Another wrinkle between the eyes to give depth and, of course, to create the whiskers.

I wanted him to have those old grandma hairstyle, pulled to the back with some hairpins on it. So first I made a ellipse, another ellipse and adjusted it with the pencil tool (N) to get that cracked look on the bottom.

Using the pen tool (P) I made some hachure to give some depth on the hair. After that I create this hairpins unsigned the previous tool and the ellipse tool (L). Fist I made then on the back, duplicate then and brought then to the front. As I wanted to give the impression they're indie the hair I just pick the copy I did and cut it using the pencil tool (N).

This part may seem a bit messy, but it's simpler than you may think. First make the sleeves holes using the ellipse tool (L). Then make the robe wrinkles using the pen tool (P).

I hate to say that, but there's not a shortcut for drawing both hands, but you can try to use ellipses as we did on the previous character, If you don't fell comfortable to use such tools as the pen tool or the pencil tool.

Some may say this is a cheap trick, but as we should always thinking about layers on a drawing, I really don't need to draw the whole hand in this case If I'm going to place the pizza in front of it.

In order to create the pizza shape I first draw a triangle using pen tool (P), then adjust the borders to look more round using the smooth tool. In order to look more fatty, I duplicated this shape and placed it below with a darker color, also created a border using the pencil tool (N). And of course, this is mozzarella pizza, so I draw some circles using the ellipse tool (L) to represent the meat pieces.

At last but not least, I create a classic comic balloon on the side of our little Donatello, okay guys we just finished it, hope you like d the process and tips.

The Final Result

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Beginner Tutorial: Easy Clock Icon on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:16:51 +0000

Hi everyone, today we're going to do a really simple exercise on creating this slick clock icon on Adobe Illustrator. If you're beginning in using this software, well this tutorial will be very suitable for you, so let's begin!

Just a little reminder: this is a beginner tutorial, even though some of you are really skilled with Adobe Illustrator, I would recommend to take the time to read this as you can get some insights and ideas out from this tutorial. Please comment If you have any questions, problems or doubts, have fun!

Step 1

Let's open Illustrator and make a 15 x 21 cm canvas. Using the ellipse tool (L) and make a ellipse on the center of the canvas.

Let's fill it with a radial beige gradient.

Then duplicate it using the selection tool + alt or by just pressing command + c / command + v (ctrl + c / ctrl + v). Enlarge it proportionally by holding shift + selection tool. Now apply a metallic linear gradient over it.

Make another ellipse using the same gradient, but this time change the gradient direction to give the sensation of depth.

Make a circle inside the beige one, adjust the stroke to about 90 pt or more, it need to cover the whole circle. Then access the strokes panel and set a dashed line with 9,3 pt of dash, then go to the transparency panel and choose the blending mode to Soft light.

Make a semi circle by using a circle and a square in the middle of it, select both and use the pathfinder option called Minus front, that must give you a semi circle. After that go to the gradient panel and make a white gradient with 0% of opacity on one of the sides. Then duplicate your semi circle and flip it to the other side.

Let's make some golden dots to indicate the hours. Use some golden radial gradient on it, duplicate and adjust the position by using the align panel.

Duplicate the first four and then make a rotation. Do it twice till you got the twelve hours of the clock on the desired position.

I decided to simplify and use a common serif font (Capitals), let's make a classic hard shadow effect. First make the number using a grey color. Then duplicate it and put a white color copy over it.

Step 2

Let's make another fading gradient, this time using black on one of the extremities. We're going to make this ellipse and fill it with this radial gradient.

Let's create other ellipse on the top of this shadow using the ellipse tool (L) , let's add a red radial gradient on it

The second arrow can be achieved by using the pen tool (P), just remember to create ellipse on the bottom of it and blend both using the pathfinder option called Unite.

Using the ellipse tool (L) make the minutes pointer, adjust the vector points using the direct selection tool (A). Add a grey gradient, adjust the darker area to be next to the ellipse, so it will look like a shadow.

Duplicate the previous shape, re-size it so it can fit inside the pointer and then add some golden gradient on it.

Duplicate the big pointer and send it to back. Use a dark grey fill on it then go to Effects > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Set the radius to 7,4 pixels.

Repeat the same procedures on the other pointer.

Step 3

Let's make the legs, first make a rectangle and rotate it a bit on the bottom of the clock, don't forget to send it to back.

Make another rectangle and adjust the two vector points of the bottom using the direct selection tool (A).

Make a ellipse on the extremity.

Add some grey metallic gradient on both three, make sure they're all in the same direction.

You can also add some shadows over it by making a rectangle with a black fading gradient and then using the blending mode called Multiply, quite easy.

Let's make a shadow bellow the clock, use the ellipse tool (L) to make a grey to white gradient.

Step 4

Let's make the bells, first make ellipse and add a gradient with the darkest part on the top.

Create a rounded rectangle, click on the icon to adjust the corner radius, set it to 1 cm.

Now make a rectangle crossing on the middle of it, then go to the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Minus front.

Adjust the remain piece and choose a metallic gradient to put over it.

Make a little rectangle on the top of the rounded shape an then a bigger rectangle over it. You should be pretty cautious while trying to create the gradient for the clock pin, so it should look like it has some sort of slots to adjust, so make a complex gradient.

Okay now we just need the ring breaker, this should be piece of cake. Using the pen tool (P), make a shape then just duplicate it and reflect to the other side.

Final Result

Download the Illustrator File

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RAWZ Logo Design Process

abduzeedo — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:08:53 +0000

We over at Abduzeedo always think in ways to find great inspiration to be featured on the blog as well as help people to promote their work. It's quite hard sometimes to curate the amout of work we receive via email and social network links. That was the context that we had in mind when we created RAWZ. We wanted a simple way for people share their work and inspiration with us, it would be a raw version of Abduzeedo. No curation.

The idea for the logo also was inspired by the concept of being raw. No symbol just the word and a very customized typoface. So in this sort of tutorial, case study we will show you the steps that took to us to come up with the logo.

Step 1 - References

The word RAWZ is very short and it has some nice characters to play with like A, W and Z. The idea was come up with a very simple font with no much details, as the name suggested, very raw style. Looking for some inspiration we found some nice examples of how to play with characters, especially the well known Avant Garde and of course the classic from the 80s Over the Top.

Step 2 - Sketches

With some references and ideas in mind it was time to sketch them out. That is without any doubt one of the most important parts of the process because you can try lots of variations very quickly. You can also see if the idea you had was as nice in real life as it was in your head.

Step 3 - Computer

After a few sketches we got a quite interest idea to explore in terms of typography so it was time to open Illustrator and make it happen. Using the Line Segment Tool and the Pen Tool we created the letters. As you can see, we started with the A then with that symbol we created the W by flipping it vertically and duplicating it. There are some other interesting details like deleting part of the middle area of the W, connecting the Z and the R.

Step 4

Once we finishing creating the paths we started playing with stroke sizes and edge styles. In this case we tried rounded edges but it wasn't that raw hah! Also the R wasn't right because of the angle of the top part.

Step 5

The first thing to do here was to created a simplified version of the R. Also we went back to sharp edges. But the angle wasn't right.

Step 6

Time to keep the lines straight. The A and W break the baseline and the to alignment creating a really nice effect. Also we tried lighter and bolder versions here until we decided that this one was the best.

Step 7

In order to give a stylish look we decided to add a hairline inner stroke in the center of the word. It created a really nice effect sort of mixing vintage with a very modern fontface.

Conclusion

To make it a little bit friendlier we added some rounded corners, very subtle but it definitely gives a nice touch.

As you can see in this quick case study, creating a logo is much more than playing with Illustrator, there's always some goals to reach and message to pass along. Tutorials don't exactly show the whole creative process but they give you an idea of the workflow. I hope that might help you to come up with your own workflow in the future.

For more information and to submit your inspiration and work to us visit http://raw.abduzeedo.com/

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Beginner Tutorial: Create Super Mario's Head on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:50:06 +0000

Hi everyone, following my latest beginner tutorials today I'm going to show you how to create a Super Mario face using mostly simple and easy to create shapes. As every kid born in the 80/90's , I'm still a huge fan of this Nintendo character, so this will be another "nostalgia tutorial" , hope you guys enjoy it!

Just a reminder: this is a beginner tutorial, eve though some of you are really skilled on this software, I would recommend you to take a a time to read this as you can get some insights and ideas from this tutorial. Please comment If you have any problems or doubts, have fun! And before we can begin, please listen to THIS while reading.

Step 1

So, the deal on this tutorial is to create this Mario's face using the most round and simple objects as possible, why? Not just because it's easier than using the pen tool for it, but as drawing analysis, understanding that everything is created by simple and geometric shapes. It's a work of observation and it really takes time to understand, but with time you will find easy to see shapes on every object you see.

Ok, so I saved a color pallet on the source file so you guys don't need to screen grab this JPEG or getting busy figuring out what colors we're going to use. Let's begin by creating a ellipse using the ellipse tool (L).

Make another ellipse using the previous tool and adjust it using the direct selection tool (A), this will be the nose.

Mkae another ellipse on the right side of the big one, this will be the ear.

We're going to create more three ellipses on the bottom of the big one, this will be his chin, Mario being a chubby guy should have some cheeks.

Then select all those three, the ear ellipse and the big ellipse, go to the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Unite. They should turn all into one.

Add some beige fill to it and go to the brush panel, choose the one called 5 pt. Oval, it's a good one for cartoon characters outline, so use a thick one. Use the path eraser tool on the pencil tool (N) panel to erase past of the nose, like pic bellow.

Step 2

Let's skip to the eyes, basically you're going to crete several ellipses and one last sphere using the ellipse tool (L).

Add some color and fill as the examples bellow.

For the other eye you're basically going to duplicate or do the same procedures, don't forget that this one should be with the nose partially on the front.

The mustache is really piece of cake to do, first make a line of ellipses with different sizes like the sample bellow.

Select all them and use the patfinder option called Unite.

Use a black fill on them.

Make another ellipse over them and use the pathfinder option called Minus front.

Don't forget to put the nose on the front.

And add some thick stroke on the mustache.

Step 4

Oh the eyebrows, just another piece of cake part. First make two ellipses under the eyes as the samples bellow.

Make the intersection with other ellipses like the sample bellow.

Then just go to the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Minus Front., then add some black fill on it.

The ear detail is the only part made 100% using the pen tool (P), If you're not used with the tool you still can try to do it using the brush tool (B) or using some ellipses and pathfinder modes to achieve it.

Super Bald Mario heheh ok let's start to give some sense on it guys. Let's proceed by creating the mouth.

First let's make a ellipse and adjust the vector points using the direct selection tool (A).

Make a ellipse over it and use the pathfinder tool called Minus Front.

Use the brush tool (B) to give this little detail, use a thick brush.

I love using this tool: use the pencil tool (N) to draw the tongue, do the same procedure to draw the teeth.

Step 5

Ok I'm tired of looking to this bald Mario, so let's put a hat on him and give him some hair. First make a ellipse and a circle like this.

Add some red fill and a thick stroke on it.

Make the white circle where we are going to put the "M".

Use the brush tool (B) on the hat to add this detail.

The flap is bit tricky to do, first create a ellipse using the ellipse tool (L).

Make a sphere bellow it and use the pathfinder option called Minus front.

The result may be a little messy, but first you should ajust Mario's head using the direct selection tool (A).. After it you should adjust the flap like the samples bellow

Draw the "M" using the pen tool (P), that's no big deal.

In order to draw the hair let's first make two circles, resembling almos a "8".

Then using the pencil tool (N) or the pen tool (P) to make this part.

Select all and choose the pathfinder option called Unite.

Add some black stroke and a brwon fill on it and we're done.

Final Result

Download the Illustrator File

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Beginner Tutorial: Create Dexter on illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:05:44 +0000

Hi everyone, I decided to insert some nostalgia on today's tutorial. Since I'm a guy born in the early 90s, I thought sharing how to draw Dexter would be really interesting and fun. If you've ever watched Cartoon Network you'll probably recognize this little fella at first sight.

Let me repeat a simple nugget of information: It's a beginner tutorial, that's right, not too many difficult tricks on today's lesson, but if you want something more wicked, you should definitely check out some other illustrator tutorials on the site HERE, thanks.

Step 1

So let's open Adobe Illustrator and make a blank canvas (command + N / ctrl + N), let's not stick with a specific size, use the one you feel more comfortable with.

Here are the colors used on the character, you don't need to screengrab it, it's already in the downloadable file at the bottom of the Tut.

So, let's begin by making its body. First make a rectangle using the rectangle tool (M).

Go to the Brushes panel and choose the one called 5 pt. Oval, it's my favorite since it creates a smooth and thick outline, great for cartoon characters.

Now let's make two spheres using the ellipse tool (L), this will be the head and ear. Make a huge one almost at the top of the rectangle, don't forget to add some beige and stroke on it.

Let's get a bit familiar with pathfinder panel, but first let's make a cut rectangle. You can do it by using the rectangle tool (M) then adjusting one of the anchor points using the direct selection tool (A). Select both the big sphere and the shape then use the pathfinder option called Minus Front.

Then let's repeat this technique in order to define the head and neck of him. This time we're going to use the pathfinder option called Unite.

Do the same thing with the ear.

Step 2

Let's draw the boots, it's best to use the pen tool (P) when trying to draw this one. Then just add some black fill on it.

Let's duplicate it by selecting the boot and using the selection tool (V) + alt.

Right click over it, then go to Transform > Reflect. Reflect the vertical Axis.

Step 3

Lets add a button using the ellipse tool (L) and a line using the line segment tool (\) on his suit.

Let's make his hair. Using the ellipse tool (L) make an ellipse, then using the direct selection tool (A), adjust each point like the the image below.

Again using the same tool and make two ellipses.

Use the pathfinder option called Unite to make them all one.

Using the brush tool (B) you can make these details on the hair.

Step 4

In order to make the glass, let's first make a sphere using the ellipse tool (L).

Make a rectangle above it, select both, then use the pathfinder option called Minus Front, add a black fill on the shape.

Duplicate it and use a blue fill, then using the ellipse tool (L), make a sphere inside of it.

Duplicate and adjust the three paths using the selection tool (V).

We're going to need to use the pen tool (P) again in order to make the mouth, but that's no big deal.

Use the line segment tool (/) to make the teeth and the temples.

Finally let's add a white fill on the boots then let's make a sphere on the bottom using the ellipse tool (L).

Step 5

You know something, I really hate drawing hands and I bet you don't like it either so let's try to make this part easier. First make two ellipses using the ellipse tool (L)

Make a bigger ellipse on the center.

Using the polygon tool or the star tool, make a triangle.

Use the pathfinder option called Unite to make it one path.

Using the pen tool (P), make this open rectangle. And add a stroke on it.

You're going to repeat nearly the same technique for the other arm, using the rectangle tool (M) make the arm.

Make the triangle again and a sphere.

Don't forget to add the stroke on it.

This ellipse will be the toe, after creating it use the path eraser tool to cut only a part of it, later you're going to understand why.

Make a rectangle between the toe and the hand, it's not a big deal.

Using the ellipse tool (L), make the other fingers around the rectangle.

Now create a sphere using the ellipse tool (L), then use the Unite option at the pathfinder panel to make the object.

Add a bottleneck using the rounded rectangle tool.

Using the pen tool (P) you can create the green liquid inside the bottle.

Add some bubbles using the ellipse tool (L) and don't forget to add some simple reflexes on it later.

Final Result

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed trying this. I've tried to make things easier for you guys as you can see we pretty much used basic pre made shapes and avoided using the pen tool. However, even If you're "vector king" there's always some good tricks to learn on a beginner tutorial like this one.

Download the Illustrator File

Click here to download the Illustrator file used for this tutorial.

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Quick tip: Make a Worm on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:04:04 +0000

Hi everyone, today I'm going to show you some quick tips on how to make a simple but effective vector illustration inspired on the classic video game, Worms. If you are from the 80's or 90's you probably heard of it or had the chance to play it, it is "the predecessor of Angry Birds" in the words of my mate Mike Austin.

On this quick tip I will have a more tradicional illustration approach, focusing less on tools and more on drawing and logic, hope you guys appreciate it and show your version on the comments, have a good time.

Sketch

Sometime ago I thought that movement lines, geometric shapes and croquis were totally bullshit, but the thing is you can't make a proportional and equilibrated illustration without a appropriate sketch of it. So first I made a rough line of the movemment/pose I wanted.

I opened Photoshop to draw the sketch, I divided the body in a circle that would be the head, neck, breast, belly and limbs (or sort of). This allows me to make a more proportional and equilibrated character.

On the following I made a outline to have a better Idea of the silhoutte.

Now I tried to place the main characteristics and expression of it.

Erased the circles, now it's ready to "ink" using vectors.

The Worm

After placeing it on illustrator. the first thing I did was create its shadows by using the ellipse tool (L).

Using the pen tool (P), I made a rough trace of the silhouette in beige.

I added a loose stroke over it and as always I decided to expand it's appearance to make things easier when resizing and adjusting it to look more hand drawn. You can do this by accessing Object > Expand Appearance.

Make a trace on the helmet using again the pen tool (P).

Use the brush tool (B) to make the stroke on it.

Draw the eyes using the pencil tool (N) or if you prefer do it using the pen tool (P).

Same thing for the mouth hole.

And the same fo the strip.

Using the pencil tool (N) let's draw the two lines of teeth, leave a space on the borders of each one, as it was gnashing then in panic.

Add a stroke on the strip fill then expand it's apperance as already showed above.

Add some circles using the ellipse tool (L) to indicate the holes used to adjust the helmet.

Add a stroke around each eye and expand their appearance too.

In order to make the eyes, first make a circle using the ellipse tool, make another one and place on the corner of the previous one.

Select both and now go to the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Minus Front.

Place them inside the eyeballs.

Using the pencil tool (N) create these random shapes over the helmet, use different green shades to look like camouflage.

Select all them, make a trace around the helmet shape and then make a clipping mask (command + 7 / ctrl +7).

Also draw some gray shapes on the border of the helmet, select them and choose the blending mode called Multiply, pretty simple.

Uinsg the brush tool (B) I drawed the wrinckle on the cheek and the chin of the Worm.

Using the pencil tool (N) I drew some shadows on the teeth, then made a clipping mask over it to fit in.

Make the eyebrown by using the pen tool (P), add a white fill on it.

I repeated the same technique of shading used on the teeth on teach eye, it's pretty simple, should no take much time of you.

Let's add some shades on the body, I used a darker beige color for this. As you can see, I was very specific about the lightning, as it should make sense. So the eyes, chin and helmet generate shadow on it's body.

Ok, the worm is done.

The Dynamite

Using the pen tool (P) draw this dynamite body.

Using the ellipse tool (L) make the shadow of it.

I traced the top of it to make a top, then added a darker red.

Using the brush tool (B) you can draw the fuse.

The sparkle can be drawn using the pen tool (P), then just copy it, rotate it, resize it and add a orange fill.

Also added some lights on the right side using the pencil too; (N).

Made the same on the left side to make the shadow, that's it, it's finished.

Conclusion

I hope you guys digged this tutorial and learned some quick tips on making simple illustration, but at the same time effective. Don't forget to share you results and doubts with us, see you next time.

Download the Illustrator File

Click here to download the Illustrator file used for this tutorial.

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Create a Zee Vintage Label on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:48:43 +0000

It seems that the past 3 years had a boom of retro design, starting with the "cosmic neon lightning" 80's aesthetic that I think most of you are already bored about. Not just because it became a trend, but also because everyone with a photoshop could emulate one. So here's the thing, this new retro wave more focused on 50's and 60's design and illustration seems to be really different, why? Because most of it is hand drawn, and when it to comes to drawing, you wouldn't believe how many designers can't do it.

Let's assume, the last 20 years were pretty revolutionary to design since the computer took a big role on productivity and creation. But he also created patterns and made things more similar, some designers can't even work "old school", since they rely too much on the computer and that's not good. Drawing is a really personal rechnique, you will ever found two persons who will drawn a flower the same way, even with they pratice it. I think that's a thing this trend is rescuing. But, before someone asks, today's tutorial it's not about drawing, it's more about emulating, but sure you should thing about this subject.

Step 1

First of all, let's open Adobe Illustrator and create a new canvas with 21 x 21 cm (8,27 x 8,27 inches).

You probably already know I'm addicted to guides, they're quite useful to get layout orientation, but not exactly a need to. But If you want to use some, just unhide them (command + R/ ctrl +R) and pull from each axys to the position desired.

You should divide your layer like these, use command + L / ctrl + L to create new layers.

Using the rectangle tool (M) make this big square that fits over the canvas.

Make a rectangle inside, using the previous tool.

And another black one inside the white one. You can use the pathfinder option called Minusfront here, but it's not really necessary.

Step 2

Make this thin rectangles around the borders, use the align tool to help you out.

Then go to the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Minus Front.

Uisng the ellipse tool (L) make a circle with the center exactly on the edge of the black square. If you're using guides this will be way easier to posicionate.

Again, using the Minus Front option, get ride of this part on the square.

Repeat the same procedure on the other corners.

Using the ellips tool (L)let's make this circles filling the space the orther one took. Select the cirlce and the frame, then go to the pathfinder panel and choose the option called DIvide.

You're going to get this:

Just repeat the same proceure on the other corners.

Step 3

You probably already kno the hard gradient trick (aka. hachures), he can be really handy when trying to create a stylish frame. Using the polygon tool create a triangle. Then resize it using the selection tool (V) to make it thiner.

Tunr it black and make a group of at least three triangles that fit the white rectangles space on the frame.

Copy and paste on the other spaces.

This is a new trick a learn recently: create a square using the rectangle tool (M), then use the pucker tool on it, just set all the options to be lesse heavier.

You should get these flower shape:

Place it on the corner, then create another one inside of it with a white fill. Also add a circle inside of the last one.

Let's make a circle using the ellipse tool (L), then another one but in the corner.

Also make some leaf shapes using the pen tool (P). Copy and paste all this shapes on the other corners.

Step 4

Let's make the type, you can get this font here. First make a circle using the ellipse tool (L), then use the type on path tool, you can find it on the text type menu, it' pretty easy to use. I just wrote "Design and Web Development", then press command + O / ctrl + O to turn the type into curves.

I just copied the previous flower ornament and changed the colors to give contrast. Paste one on each extremity of the type.

Let make a circle using a white fill and a black stroke on it.

Access the stroke panel and choose to use a stroke inside the path, also add 7,53pt dashed line on it.

Using a black fill, I wrote "by" using the same type.

I dig a lot those old icons used on books and ad's with a more simplified shapes. So, as a way to symbolize the Design and Web development, I decided to use a brush and a eye. Let's start by the eye, make two circles, one with a fill other with just a stroke.

More two circles inside of the white one.

Make this dashes around the iris using the pen tool (P).

Let's make a brush, first draw this pieces using the pen tool (P).

Using the previous tool, let's add this reflexes.

Now duplicate all the shapes and just right-click on it, go to Transform > Reflect, turn the Vertical Axis.

Step 5

You can grab Snake Oil Font at Legacy of Defeat, I must say I'm addicted to this font. First you should write "ZEE", then curve it before anything command + O / ctrl + O.

Make a lot of thin rectangles using the rectangle tool (M), then use the align tools to keep an order on them. Doube-click on the letter of the type (not the shadow areas) and duplicate it.

Make a clipping mask all over the rectangles using the letter shape (command + 7 / ctrl + 7), repeat this procedure on other letters.

Also added a simple detail using the pen tool (P).

Step 6

Let's a make a trapezium using the rectangle tool (M), then adjust it using the direct selection tool (A). Duplicate it and sue the option called Unite.

I made tis folds on the ribbon by simply using the pen tool (P) and space between the shapes.

Add some of the hacures used previously. Just don't forget to add a clipping mask on them and using the direct selection tool (A) leave a space between it and the original shape.

You probably already familiar with the blend tool. In order to get a hard gradient using it, you just need to make two rectangles, one large and one thin. Then click on the tool icon and a panel will pop up, set spacing as Specified Steps and use just 5.

Grab the result and place it on the ribbon letting, duplicate it and reflect it. Then finally add a clipping mask over it.

OLd trick: Write Est. 2004 using this font. Then write agian over using a black fill, just to make a hard shadow.

Step 7

We need to add some grain in order to give that used look. We will need a little help from Photoshop so. Open it and make a squared canvas, place the whole art as a Smart Object.

Get this book texture here, using the magic wand (W), select the texture of it randomly. Back to the Smart Object layer, use this selection and create a mask, if necessary use invert the selection (command + I/ ctrl + I).

Conclusion

Trying to simulate vintage design is more about rethinking how people would create such graphics in a era without computers and, of course, lots of references. Most of the things done on the 50's and 60's were hand made, even If they look really sharp and clean, the methods and techniques were pretty basic. So part of trying to reach this aesthetic is to going back to what i call fundamental: drawing technique. If you don't know how to draw what you do on the computer, you should definitely worry about, because a good designer can't rely only on a tool. That's it. thanks for you time, hope you enjoyed it.