illustrator

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

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 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.

Download the Illustrator File

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

About the author

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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

Download the illustrator file

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 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

Download the Illustrator File

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

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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

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Psychedelic Design in Photoshop and Illustrator

abduzeedo — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 03:25:12 +0000

It has been a little bit more than six months since I moved to San Francisco, California. As you might know, I am from Brazil so it's quite a big change, however I've been having an amazing time here, constantly learning new things. That's why I've decided to try something different for this tutorial, a Psychedelic image using Illustrator and Photoshop.

I think it's very important for a designer to have as many visual references as possible. That is useful because it will give you more ideas when trying to come up with design solutions and that way you won't end up doing the same thing all the time. But just looking at references is not enough, at least not for me. I have to do things in order to learn the little subtleties that make a design look like a legit representation of a period in time, psychedelic in this case.

So in this tutorial I will show you how to create a psychedelic design using Illustrator and Photoshop.

Step 1

Open Illustrator and start a new document. The idea is create a psychedelic design using typography elements only. Start typing the first phrase you want to use, in my case I typed "Abduzeedo Six Months" using the font Butterfield Demo. You can download it at http://www.dafont.com/butterfield.font

Step 2

Add 3 more phrases and make sure they match the lenght. It's impossible to do that without adjusting the kerning of each sentence. So in some you will have to increase while for others reduce the kearning.

Step 3

Once you have the 4 sentences rotate them to create a square.

Step 4

To connect the sentences you will have to create some elements. I add some basic rectangles matching the letters that start and end the sentences. Use the image below for reference.

Step 5

Once you finish creating the connectors for the sentences you will have an image like the one below.

Step 6

With the Rectangle Tool (M) create a square, in black, then move the square made out of the sentences on top of this square and change the color of the text to white.

Step 7

Create a new square, this time with white like the image below. The idea here is add a new square made of texts. To do that just repeat the first steps of this tutorial. The size of the fonts will be the same, but the sentences will be shorter though.

Step 8

Create a third square of text, this time you can reduce the font size. I simply duplicate the second square and resized it to fit the area. Note the way I inverted the colors for each square.

Step 9

For the colors use #662D91(1) for the biggest square, #DA1C5C(2) for the biggest text square, #BE1E2D(3 red) for the second big square, #FBB040 (4 - yellow), #2B3990(5) for the dark blue, #27AAE1 (6) for the light blue.

Step 10

Open Adobe Photoshop and create a new document. I am using 2560x1440 pixels for the size. Fill the background with #383324 for the color. It's a dark green.

Step 11

Copy the vectors from Illustrator and paste them in Photoshop.

Step 12

Now it comes the time to add some textures in order to make the design look old and sort of destroyed. The texture I am using is a stock image courtesy of Shutterstock called Closeup of rough blue and you can find it at http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-83457697/stock-photo-closeup-of-rough-bl....

Once you placed the image in your document, mask it so it will only be shown on top of the vector design.

Step 13

Change the Blend Mode to Divide. Divide is a really cool Blend Mode because it sorts of give the look and feel we are looking for when it comes to old and dated designs.

Step 14

The colors were too saturated so let's try to change that. Go to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Hue and Saturation. Change the Saturation to -35. Make sure that this layer is on top of the vector and then go to Layer>Create Clipping Mask. By doing this the Hue and Saturation will be applied only to the vector.

Step 15

Again place the texture, this time on the whole document.

Step 16

Change the Blend Mode to Divide at 20% Opacity.

Step 17

In order to create a trully psychedelic image we need a crazy background. I am using a nice image from Markovka called abstract seamless pattern with underwater life: fish, seaweed. Endless romantic texture with doodles, courtesy of Shutterstock.

Conclusion

Change the Blend Mode to Overlay at 40% and we have a nice an subtle background. As you can see the whole process of creating a psychedelic design was quite simple. I was heavily inspired by some old posters I saw in a book and as I said before I wanted to exercise that in order to understand the little details that make a design look like that, especially the typography and combination of colors.

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Create The Itchy and Scratchy Show Retro Version on Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:56:37 +0000

You know that a person is a Simpson's addict when he not only knows the name of the children's TV show of the series, but he also try to make a retro version of it. Yeah, that's right, today we're going to learn how to make a 50's version of The Itchy and Scratchy Show.

This time let's try something different and use a reference for this one, so If you're not good at drawing, don't worry, I insert my sketch on the original file to help you guys. Also I know some of you like some montages I do with the final illustration, so you can grab the mockup tv at the end of the post If you want it. Have fun and don't forget to watch The Simpsons.

Sketch

Sometime ago I used to think that sketching using skeletons was an idiot thing to do, but come on, I just need time to see that trying to do that without nodes was quite disappointing. You can't have a good idea of direction, perspective and size without it, even If you're drawing cartoons, you got use some models on characters. This book wrote by Matt Groening itself quite explain all the use of models on th echaracters of the series.

After making a rough sketch using a really thin brush, I just make another layer and use a harder brush to make things more clear. This is quite good to do, because it let me really free to comit mistakes and don't erase then, but incorporate it to the main idea.

The Background

Ok, time to open Illustrator, create a simple A4 (29,7 x 21 cm / 11,69 x 8,27 cm) RGB, 300 DPI.

I dropped the original sketch with a good trasnparency to not interfere on the illustration, make a new layer above it (command + L / ctral + L).

I really love GRIDS, you actually don't have to do this, I just did because a matter of organization of the whole layout.

Using the rectangle tool (M), create this rectangle that fits outside the canvas, add a linear grey gradient on it, with two greys on each extremity and a white on the center.

Then go to Effect > Pixelate > Color Halftone.

Zero all the channels and set max radius to 15 pixels.

The Titles

Let's try something really foxy this time, using the pen tool (P) make this light simmetric curve.

If you click on it using the text tool (T), you will see the shape became writable.

I just wrote Abduzeedo wuing Bazar font, grab it here.

Let's make a ribbon, first draw the central shape using the pen tool (P).

Repeat the same procedure to create the extremity. / Repita o mesmo processo para criar a extremidade.

Let's fast forward it, I just added a few hachures and detail using the previous tool, just do the same.

Same old good trick: Copy it, reflect it and place it, I think you guys already know this.

Place the previous title above it, curve everything and use a bold stroke to make contrast.

Added the classic "proudly presents" using Helvetica Bold.

I really like this font: The Black Bureau, you can download it at The Legacy of Defeat, wrote the name of the show using it, then curve everything and place it like the sample.

I really dig that old shadow effects used on some titles, first copy the white words, turn to black, send to back. Copy then again, ungroup both and use the Minus Front option on each letter. Sure, this will tatke sometime to achieve, but it's slick.

Scratchy

Head

Make two new layers (command + L / ctrl + L) and name them "Scratchy" and "Itchy".

Let's use the sketch as reference, first draw the face shape using the pen tool (P).

Use the ellipse tool (L) to create the nose, than adjust using the direct selection tool (A).

Dry the eyeborws using the good and old pen tool (P).

Man, I just love these retro characters eyes, they are way simple, just make a little cut on one side.

Fill the nose with black, let a little shpere on the extremity.

Make the mouth using two simple dashes with the pen tool (P).

Watch for the head/hair shape, this is actually one of the things that makes this character so recognizable, don't forget to turn it black, no strokes.

Draw the whiskers and then just copy, reflect, resize and place then on the other side.

Here's a cool thing about old cartoons: most of them had to deal with only two color and so it was natural to use contrast resources to show shapes. So, in order to show these whiskers, you got to create a white stroke with the pen tool (P), use command + Y/ctrl + Y to make easier to see the outlines.

Make the classic tongue and add a wrickle on the middle.

I also added a lot of minor details using the pen tool (P), jut to make the illustration more handmade.

Body

Let's begin by drawing the black fill parts, draw the torso and then the two legs, you go to make a space between the right leg and the body to give the idea of distance.

Do the tail again using the pen tool (P), watch for the spaces between it an the body, they're necessary.

Axe

Draw only the outline of the axe, really piece of cake.

I know this will be a bit boring, but all the folling shapes were created using the pen tool (P). So, take your time and observe what they mean.

Body

Ok, back to the body, using the ellipse tool (L) draw the belly.

Also add these details on this specific parts, I'm actually giving contrast to the shapes in order to make them look sharper.

Of course you probably was missing something on the feet, so add these simple dashes on them to make the fingers.

Also a simple detail on the tail.

Hands

I hate drawing hands, I admit. But these ones were pretty easy, just draw a couple of spheres using the ellipse tool (L), adjust then using the pencil tool (N). Use the same tool to draw the rest of the hand.

Remeber this brush: 5 pt. oval brush, my favorite, really easy to use and nice results while drawing characters.

The other hand is way easier due to it's angle, first draw the shape, then draw the details using the pen tool (P) and the ellipse tool (L).

Axe

Back to the axe, let's add these "white shades" unsing the pen tool (P) along the axe part.

Arms

This arm is piece of cake, taking advantage of the contrast you can basically draw this shape.

The other one just need some white wrinkles to appear, this shall be no great deal.

Shadow

Last part, you can take a rest after this. So, this is quite simple, we're goin to make a BW gradient and then use the halftone efect used previously. Just make sure to turn the shadow elliptical.

Itchy

you're going to make basically the same procedure on this character face. First draw the face using the pen tool (P).

Make the ear an the hear, don't make the other ear on the same shape.

Draw it separately , like this.

Command + Y / ctrl + Y to see only the outlines and create a stroke over this hear.

This are exactly the same eyes used in Scratchy. The nose is a simple ellipse created using the ellipse tool (L).

Add a few lines to make the mouth more funky.

Use the brush tool (B) to draw the mouth, then add a black fill inside, use the contrast to make the tongue.

Add a few more shapes to make it more loose.

The teeth are simple round shapes, you can achieve it using either the brush tool (B) or the pen tool (P).

And here's a final wrinckle on the ear.

Body

Itchy wears a little coat, so let's start by drawing it using the brush tool (B).

Make the belly and the body.

Draw the other side of the coat.

Let's be biref with his legs, so draw the first one and just copy and reflect it.

Add the dashes to symbolize the toes.

Use the brush tool (B) to draw his tail.

Add dashes to ehance the contrast between the legs and body.

Make the sleeve using the brush tool (B).

Draw the arm.

Then the hand using the brush tool (B) again.

And simple detail to make the toe.

Use the brush tool (B) to make the other sleeve.

Make a black hole on it and then the arm.

Use the brsuh tool (B) to draw the hand shape.

Of course, you can just skip this part by copying the Scratchy hand.

Yep, copy the same shadow used previously.

The Trap

So first I draw this rope on Itchy's hand, the idea was to make something crossing the canvas.

On the other side, behind Scratchy, using the rectangle tool (M), I started drawing these big hammer.

Made the rope using the brush tool (B)

Added a lot of hachures to give depth on it.

Also a little engine, first I drawed this oval shape, then add a stroke on it and set a 4 pt dashed line.

Some outline, a shadow and a base over it.

This was supposed to be one of that fake arms trap that we used to see on old cartoons.

Added a hinge using only the ellipse tool (L).

Copy the Itchy hand or redraw it all over.

Finally the cog, first create a few circles using the ellipse tool (L).

Add some recangles, copy then and spin it.

Then finally add some 4 point stars using the star tool.

Final Step

Just to give a final retro look to it, let's add a few gradients. Right now you can hide the sketch layer and hide the rulers (command + ; / ctrl + ;).

Make a rectangle over the canvas and add a radial BW gradient on it, go to the transparency panel and choose the option called Multiply.

Make another gradient over the canvas, use a more golden gradient on this one, change he's opacity to 70% and then use Multiply.

Conclusion

As you see, even a simple illustration can be detailed as hell, but I hope you got a better understanding about contrast and know how about creating in BW. That's it guys, don't get frustrated If you didn't achieve the final result, do one part at time and do your best, I see you next time.

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Download the Mockup PSD used for this tutorial

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Create an Angry Birds Parody in Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:42:51 +0000

Most video games that I've played lately have not been as charming as Angry Birds. Why? Because nowadays most games focus too much on realistic graphics and improved AI. They just forget the basics of fun games like Super Mario World. If you have not played this game yet you shoudn't miss the opportunity; it's really addicting. Ok, enough talking about it, so inspired by a session of Angry Birds I decided to make this cool parody and teach it to you guys. Hope you dig it as much as I did.

Besides the fact my last tutorial was pretty advanced, this one is actually for beginners and intermediates, you won't need good drawing skills and a tablet to do it, so go ahead guys and have fun. Also, there's a Ai file at the bottom of the post if you need to open it to have a better understanding.

Background

Step 1

So here's a sketch of this illustration...I know, pretty ugly, but the sketch is just a guide for my steps in to the final result, so I never refine it. The concept was to make a scene of reunion before a confrontation with each character dressed like classic war movies heroes.

Ok let's open Adobe Illustrator and create a A4 canvas (29,7 x 21 cm), RGB, 300 DPI.

Using the rectangle tool (the shortcut is the letter "M") create these two rectangles on the canvas.

The bigger one will be the wall and the little will be the floor, so add a lighter green fill for the wall and a darker for the floor.

Let's start with the board, first draw a grey rectangle using the rectangle tool (M).

And make a darker one inside.

Choose the rectangular grid tool, click once on the canvas to set the parameters like the ones below:

Also change its opacity to 20%, use only a green stroke, no fill.

As some of you already know, the Pig King is the main villain of the game, so I just wrote "Subject: Pig King" on the board as an identifier, I used this font .

I made an illustration of the pig king on the board, outline only, like those classic war panels. So, first draw an ellipse using the ellipse tool (L).

Make two little ones behing the bigger one on the superior left diagonal. These will be the ears and the big one will be the head. Use a green stroke and a black fill.

Use the same tool to create the eyes, make one, duplicate, reflect and place it on the other side.

The nose follow pretty much the same procedure, you just need to adjust its shape using the direct selection tool (A), don't forget to make the two cavities.

Add these details on the ears.

And let's not forget the jaw, draw it using the pen tool (P).

Let's not forget the eyebrows, make them using the pen tool (P).

A king is not a king without a crown, so draw it using the pen tool (P), then add some ellipses on the bottom to look like jewels.

Step 3

I decided to put a calendar on the wall, so let's start by making the paper sheets using the rectangle tool (M).

Add a red rectangle on the top.

Using the ellipse tool (L) make the holes, then using the rounded rectangle tool make the metal rings.

Decided to use the original Angry Birds Font to write Jun 6, why June 6? Because it's D day (Normandy landings), just an analogy.

Step 3

Also decided to create a classic dart board. First make two ellipses one inside the other like the sample below using the ellipse tool (L), make one with a black fill and a white stroke and the other using the inverse combination.

Double click on the blend tool (W) to open the panel, set spacing as specified steps and set 3 steps, now choose the two circles to get this result.

Ok, let's make another circle with the same size of the white one above this blend, let's add some monter stroke to it. Go to the stroke panel and set the align to internal, weight to 90 pt and dasehd line to 25 pt dash.

Let's make some darts, draw this shape using the pen tool (P), duplicate, reflect and use the option called Unite on the pathfinder panel.

Now place it on the dart board.

You can duplicate it using the selection tool (V) + alt and then resize and place it around the dart board. Change the color fill so that it doesn't look boring.

Well, the background it pretty much ready, time to draw the angry birds.

Red Bird

First thing: create an ellipse using the ellipse tool (L), then using the direct selection tool (A), change the vector points till you get this messy shape.

Again with the ellipse tool (L), make this two shapes and put them on the top of the body shape.

Select everything, then access the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Unite.

Also give a cool stroke to it, I usually use the 3 pt oval brush, it's really good when drawing cartoon characters.

Using the pen tool (P), draw these wrinkles on the cockscomb.

"Is he flying, floating or something?" is a famous quote a teacher asked me once when I showed him some drawings, after that I never forgot to add shadows and a floor on my illustrations. So, make this ellipse white a really dark green fill on the bottom of the body.

Create this board stick using the pen tool (P), send it to back like his grabbing it.

Using the pen tool (P) make his belly using only this color fill.

Use the ellipse tool (L) to create these two ellipses.

Make the eyebrows using the pen tool (P).

Make the beak using the pen tool (P).

Use the ellipse tool (L) to make the iris.

So I wanted to make him more angry, so I add this two shapes using the pen tool (P) on the bottom of the eyes, to look like he's staring at you.

Of course, I added this dark red shapes to cover the eye parts that were left.

And added these circles using the ellipse tool (L), they are stains this birds has.

Make these black fill shapes using the pen tool (P) to create his tail.

I confess that Charlie Sheen's Top Gun inspired me to add this stripe on the head. Ok, so you can either draw it using the pencil tool (N) or the pen tool (P).

Add these wrinkles using the pen tool (P).

Add this little ball using the ellipse tool (L) to look like a knot, then make the stripe part using the pen tool (P).

Repeat it again and just send the other part to back.

The Big Brother

You're going to follow basically the same steps to draw these and the other birds, so this one will be a lot easier. First make this fat round shape doing the same procedure used on the red bird.

Using the ellipse tool (L) maek his shadow with a dark green fill.

Copy the stick from the previous bird and place it like this.

Make his belly using the pen tool (P), I added some wrinckles on some parts.

I just copied the previous bird beak and adapted a few things on this one.

Create the eyeballs using the ellipse tool (L).

Don't forget the iris.

This eyebrow is way more thick then the other birds, because he should look like a really grumpy guy, ha! Create it using the pen tool (P).

In order to look like a 80's commander, let's make a classic green beret using the pen tool (P).

Don't forget to add a little star using the star tool.

I know, this is quite boring, but you will have to create this dark cirlces around the eyes usgin the pen tool (P) to give him a tired look.

And also add these "time stains" on his body using the ellipse tool (L).

Copy and paste the same tail used on the other bird.

Make this wrinckles using the pen tool (P).

Now place this two buddies on the scene just like this.

Yellow bird

Make a triangle using the polygon tool with the settings bellow:

Use the smooth tool to make the edges softer.

Add a dark green shadow cirlcle bellow the body using the ellipse tool (L).

Make the eyeballs and iris using the ellipse tool (L).

Use the pen tool (P) to create the beak.

Use again the same tool to create the white belly fill.

And to create his eyebrows.

The tail of this specific bird is not like the others, is more wil I would say. Draw it using the pen tool (P).

Let's draw a cap for this bird, first make the base using the pen tool (P).

Then make the flap using the same tool.

Add some hair here, you can copy his tail and just ajust it, adding and taking vector points of it.

Add this little black piece in order to look like it's an adjustable plastic snap closure in the back.

Copy the star from the big brother's beret, place and adjust it here.

Let's put some depth on this scene: Select the whole yellow bird, go to effect > blur > gaussian blur.

Set the gaussian blur to 9 pixels.

Now place him in front of the big brother.

Blue Bird

This bird is pretty simple to create. First make a circle using the ellipse tool (L).

Make another two ellipses and place them on the top of the body shape.

Access the pathfinder panel and choose the option called Unite.

Add a dark green shadow, create it using the ellipse tool (L).

Use the pen tool (P) to create the beak.

The eyes are pretty squeezed, you can draw them using the pencil tool (N).

Add some iris on them.

Don't forget the wrinckles on the top, add them using the pen tool (P).

Make the tail using the pen tool (P).

He's got this orange circle around the eye, add this using the pen tool (P).

Let's give him a badass staring looking, just add these two eyelids using the pen tool (P).

Just to make things more classic I added some these war painting on his face using the brush tool (B), use a black/white charcoal brush.

Add these two dog tags using the rounded rectangle tool .

These trick is really cool: make a line of dots with the approximate width of a chain to pu on the birds neck. Group and drag it to the brush panel.

Choose to create a new art brush.

It will be placed among the other brushes, then you will need only to select and use the brush tool (B).

We're going to add the same ammount of blur on this one, so go to effects > blur > gaussian blur.

Set the gaussian blur radius to 9 pixels .

Now place him in front of the red one.

White Bird

Ok guys, I promess you this is the last one, ok? So, make this egg shape by creating first a ellipse using the ellipse tool (L) then adjusting it using the direct selection tool (A).

Add the dark green shadow on it's bottom.

Ok, looking on that way it may look weird, but this is the tail of this bird. Draw it using the pen tool (P).

Make the beak using the pen tool (P).

The following things will be all created using the pen tool (P): cheeks, eyeborw, belly.

Watch for this helmet or he may look like a pan.

Add some stripes using the pen tool (P)

You can copy the stripe from the red bird or just make it all over again, is up to you.

Add some hair on the back of the helmet.

And some little points on the top of the helmet, use the brush tool (B) for this one.

Blur again guys, go to effects > blur > gaussian blur.

This one will be a bit more intense, so set the radius to 20 pixels.

And place him on the center of the scene like this.

Final Step

No kidding, this is the final step hehe so after making all the illustration we need to add some interesting lightning on it. Let's make a lamp, first draw a circle using the ellipse tool (L).

Make this hsape using the rectangle tool (M).

And tis one using the pen tool (P).

You're going to make this big trapezium using the pen tool (P), make sure it fit outside the canvas.

Set it's opacity to 40%.

Then go to the transparency panel and choose the blending mode called Overlay.

Using the rectangle tool (M) make a big rectangle that fit over the canvas. Add some radial black and white gradient to it.

Go to the transparency panel and choose the blending mode called Multiply. That's it guys, hope you achieve it.

Conclusion

Well, I hope you had fun doing this tutorial. Don't worry If you didn't complete all of it, just learning how to draw at least one of these birds is already a lesson. I hope I helped you guys on having a better understanding about characters, depth and lighting. That's it, have fun and take care.

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Create a Badass Gas Mask in Illustrator

marcos333 — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:55:48 +0000

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I dropped my last illustrator tutorial and so I decided to teach a really classy lesson this time. I've been a huge fan of vector art ever since I started working as an art director then as an illustrator. And I always appreciated the work of some of the masters like Pale Horse Design, Hydro 74 and Chris Vector. Their extremely detailed illustrations are really eye catching and sharp, I always wanted to understand how they do that.

Years and lots of hours of illustrating later, I think I can finally understand aspects such as sketching, outlining, shading, hachures and filling that are most used to make great artworks. So, today we are going to learn how to create this gas mask using only vectors. This is a really advanced tutorial, not only for the ones who are familiar with this software, but for the ones who are used to making traditional illustration too. I hope you learn a bit about depth, shading, hachures and other aspects involving this illustration, and, of course, have fun. So hey, If some of you get a bit confused, please contact me later ;).

Sketch

As always, I try to sketch the idea before going to the software, I think a sketch is more than 50% of the work, it's the concept, it's when you see what can be possible and what cannot. So my suggestion to you is to always try to test every graphic possibility before refining it. Think about the sketch as a rough diamond, you know it's a diamond, you just need to understand how to refine it through a better way.

Outline

Step 1

One thing I started to note is that every artwork has some kind of outline. That's when the artist tries to a set the parts of the illustration without refining it. So, let's open Illustrator and create a 22,55 x 20,5 cm (8,88 x 8,07 inches) RGB, 300 dpi.

Using the rectangle tool (the shortcut is the letter M), create a square that fit outside the canvas

We're going to need some rulers to help us, press ctrl + R / command + R to visualize them, then pull one vertical and align it to the center of the canvas.

We're going to use the pen tool (P) to create this part of the face, use the direct selection (A) If you need to adjust any of the points.

Select the face shape and using the selection tool (V) + alt , duplicate it.

Right click on the duplicated side, a panel will pop up, choose the option called Transform > Reflect. Then, choose to reflect the vertical Axis.

Go to the pathfinder panel, select both sides and choose the selection called Unite to blend it all together.

Use the line segment tool (\) to create a divisory between the face, it will be used later.

Step 2

Using the pen tool (P), we're going to create the shape of the glasses.

Use this tool again to make this shape and give the idea of depth on it.

Just duplicate the glasses shape, resize and place it using the selection tool (V).

Use the pen tool (P) to create this shape and give the idea of a border on the glasses.

Just duplicate, reflect and place on the other side.

Step 3

Let's make the part where the elastic is usually held. Use the pen tool (P) to create this shape above the glasses.

You can make a litte pill shape using the pen tool (P) or the ellipse tool (L) and adjusting it later.

Make this tiny shape behind the pill shape using the pen tool (P).

Make this shape using the pen tool (P) and the grabber it's done.

Duplicate, reflect and place on the other side.

We're going to use the same shapes, we're just going to adapt to put them on the top of the mask.

Step 4

I bet you thought I used the 3D tool to achieve the filter shape, but no. One thing I noticed from a long time using this software is that the 3D render (as the gradients) make the files slower and heavier, so studying vanishing point and other depth disciplines can be pretty handy not just for drawing, but to make files lighter. Ok, back to the filter, use the ellipse tool (L) to make the bottom of it.

Use the pen tool (P) to create the whole shape, adjust the error using the direct selection tool (A).

Use the ellipse tool (L) to make the socket part.

Duplicate and resize the same cirle.

Use the pen tool (P) to make the bridge of the filter.

Make another circle in the bottom using the ellpse tool (L).

Make a ribbon shape on the body of the filter using the pen tool (P).

Finally make a little circle inside the circle of the bottom using the ellipse tool (L).

I really dig this trick to make the fans follow this procedure. First create a circle using the ellipse tool (L), use only a black and thick stroke (20 pt or less).

Go to the stroke panel and set the dashed line to 2pt dash. You should get these.

Select it and go to Effect > 3D > Revolve, set the parameters by using the preview to see if everything is on the right perspective, or just copy mine.

Duplicate, reflect and place it on the other side.

Step 5

Let's make the central filter. First create a perfect circle by using the ellipse tool (L) and holding Shift.

Use the pen tool (P) to create the shape that fits the nose.

Make this shape using the pen tool (P) to make the border.

Add this other one to give depth to this part.

Make another circle inside the main circle.

This is really cool: Proximity and distance can cause depth effects. So here we're going to duplicate the previous circle and just adjust it a little bit smaller.

One more circle with a bigger spacing.

Remember the fan vector? Go there and get a copy of it without the Revolve effect, place it on the center.

Yeah, you must be tired of making circles hehehe but here goes another one.

And another one...

...and another one...

...and the last one, watch for the proximity used here, or you probably won't get the depth effect.

I also added this shape to be like sustentation piece, use the pen tool (P) to create it.

Then duplicate, reflect and place on the other side.

Do the same thing with the lower part.

Ok, so the outline is finished, now let's skip to the shading part.

Shading

Step 1

Before starting this part we should "clean the mess", so go and adust your layers like this, make an exclusive layer for the central filter and hide it for now.

Let's begin with the right filter, using the pen tool (P) you're going to add these black shapes on the ribbon.

Some of you may fear this type of hachure as a drunk fear rehab, but you've got to use it. It takes time to master and make it quick but go easy with the pen tool (P) using a white fill and you're going to achieve it.

Just add this divider to make the reflection on the ribbon clear.

Go to the little circle of the bottom of the filter and make this shape using the pen tool (P).

Duplicate, resize and use the Minus Front option on the pathfinder panel to make a hole in it.

I call this type of filling "Cracky filling" because it's not uniform, it can be simply achieved by using the pen tool (P).

Now this is a really old trick that I already showed you guys on the Hellboy tutorial: Create a triangle, make it slim, duplicate it many times and group it.

Ok, now go to the body of the fliter and place it like this the hachures. Make a trace on the area you want to be filled using the pen tool (P).

Make a clipping mask on it (ctrl + 7 / command + 7).

Repeat the same procedure on the other extremity, just watch the direction of the hachures.

Let's create some black shapes on the bridge using the pen tool (P) to make some reflexes.

I added some cracks to look like it's embedded to the mask, this will take some time, but as you see, it's just some sharp shapes using the pen tool (P).

I also added some "cracky filings" on this part.

The filter is done, time to go to the rest of the mask.

Step 2

So, using the pen tool (P), you can make the indie part with black fill, but let a border space to create a white stroke on it. You can add some details like the hachure on the top and other extremities.

On the lower part of the mask just did the same thing.

You've got to get something like this, then we can start adding some minor details. Now you can show the central filter layer, to make some shading around it.

Using the pen tool (P) you can add some hachure shapes, like this one below the glasses.

Also one next to the nose part.

On the top of the glasses.

And a lonely hachure here.

Let's apply some hachures on the elastic grabbers next.

Step 3

These are really tiny details, so don't worry If they get a bit strange, nobody will notice from a far distance. Start by adding this hachure on the side of the grabber using the pen tool (P).

Add some black space shapes on this part.

Do the same here.

And here.

Do the "cracky filling" again on this part.

No shortcuts here, it's a boring hacure, I know, but do it easy with the pen tool (P).

Following the same idea of the other grabber, add a hachure here.

Some black spaced shapes here.

The same here.

And here.

"Cracky filling" on this part.

And the "boring hachure" on the center.

That's it, time to start the glasses.

Step 4

First make a big black fill inside the glasses cavity using the pen tool (P), but let a thin white space on the left/upper side.

Let's add some classic rectangular reflections on the center of it, use the pen tool (P) for it.

Yep, you're going to have to do one by one of this sharp shapes to make this curve hachure, don't forget to use the "alt+click" trick on the vector points to mute the curves.

After you do the first one, you can just copy and adjust it on the other places using the direct selection tool (A).

Repeat this procedures here...

...and here.

Use some "Cracky filling" around the glasses border.

Group all these elements, duplicate, reflect and place it on the other side.

That's it, time for the final step.

Final Step

Before anything, make a new layer above the central filter layer and call it "shading". Using the pen tool (P) , let's start by making these reflections on the center of the filter.

The ruler on the center will be pretty handy right now. Unfortunately, you're going to have to make shape by shape here, but don't worry, you're basically going to duplicate and reflect it on the following steps.

Reflect horizontally here.

Use a "cracky filling" on this part.

You can copy the previous hachures and adjust to insert on this part (or just make some new ones, which I found way better and faster).

Duplicate, reflect horizontally and place it.

Do the same here.

And here.

More hachures guys! hehehe just follow the same procedures and everything is going to work fine.

Duplicate, reflect horizontally and place it.

Just duplicate the first one and place it here.

Just duplicate the second and place it here.

Lets use the triangles again on this part, make a group and place it above the fan part.

MUse the pen tool (P) to trace the area you want to set it and make a clipping mask (ctrl + 7 / command + 7).

Duplicate, reflect and place it on the lower fan part.

More "cracky filling" on this border.

Make some hachures with the pen tool (P) here.

More "cracky filling" on this part.

I must admit here I tried some really random shapes with the pen tool (P), but as the aesthetic effect was sucessful, I decided to maintain them.

Ok, now just group everything (ctrl + G / command + G), duplicate, reflect and place on the other side.

Conclusion

By this point, even If you did all these steps, you're probably wanting to kill me hehe just kidding guys. I know how hard it is to master some techniques, it takes time and a lot of observation to understand some aspects. Even If you have not followed the whole tutorial and just read it, you probably have learned a bit. You can download the file with the illustration at the end of the post, use it to study or for whatever you guys want, it's a little gift to you, have fun.

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Artistic Printing Inspiration in Illustrator and Photoshop

abduzeedo — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:07:04 +0000

This morning I was tidying up my apartment then I decided to organize my books, I didn't bring many books to San Francisco, only the ones I really like, and among them there is The Handy Book of Artistic Printing: Collection of Letterpress Examples with Specimens of Type, Ornament, Corner Fills, Borders, Twisters, Wrinklers, and other Freaks of Fancy. I love this book because it's full of letterpress examples, like type, ornaments, corner fills borders and much more. So after a few minutes checking the book out I decided to design something using Illustrator and Photoshop inspired by some of the artworks I saw.

So in this tutorial I will show you how to create an vintage style letter press effect using Illustrator and Photoshop. The process is quite simple but it's a good exercise and will definitely broad your skill set.

Step 1

Open Illustrator and create a new document, the size is not important we will just create the basic shapes and then in Photoshop we will apply the effects to give it the nice letter press style.

So in Illustrator start off by creating a circle and a rectangle, then with the Direct Selection Tool change the rectangle so the right side is smaller thant the left.

Step 2

Select both objects and go to Object>Path>Offset Path. Use 4mm for the Offset.

Step 3

For the circle use 3pt for the stroke of the inner circle, and for the rectangle use 4pt for the inner object. After that you apply the offset command in both objects but using 2mm. The idea is create another element between them. So for the rectangle one apply a dashed stroke by selecting the option Dashed Line. Use 1pt for the dash and 5pt for the gap. Also make sure the Cap and the Corner are with the Rounded option.

Step 4

Repeat the same thing for the circle but then use the Square option for Cap and Corner.

Step 5

Time to fill out the objects. Illustrator comes with some really nice Swatch Libraries, go to Window>Swatch Library>Patterns>Basic Graphics>Basic LInes. Select the last one that is vertical lines. Fill the circle with that one.

Step 6

For the modified rectangle using the Line Segment Tool (/) create 2 lines like the image below.

Step 7

With the Blend Tool (W) select one then the other line to create the blend effect. After that double click on the blend tool icon to open the Blend Options. Change the Spacing to Specified Steps and use 69 stepts.

Step 8

Duplicate both objects and rotate them. After that add a circle with and repeat the same offset effect we created in the previous steps. In the center add a sqare and rotate it 45º. Repeat the same offset effects but fill the object in te center in black. Also notice that the big circle has a dotted stroke, that one was done by using 7pt for the weight, 1pt for the dash and 10pt for the gap with rounded cap.

Step 9

For the big circle fill let's use the Blend Tool once again. So copy the circle (Command + C) and paste in place (Command +F), then resize it a little bit (1). Copy and paste in place again and make the new copy much smaller (2).

Step 10

Apply the Blend Tool (w) by clicking on the 2 circles. Then double click on the blend object to edit it. Use Specified Steps with 30 Steps. Also I used 2pt for the Stroke weight.

Step 11

Here I just added the Abduzeedo Symbol and the word Abduzeedo using the Type on Path Tool, in which I duplicated the big circle to use as the reference path for the effect.

Step 12

Go to Windown>Swatch Libraries>Patterns>Basic Graphics>Basic Graphics_Textures. After that create a rectangle and then fill it with one of the textures. The Illustrator part is done, now it's time to Photoshop.

Step 13

Open Photoshop and the first thing to do is import a texture, old paper texture. The one I am using is from Shutterstock and you can get it at http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-43075990/stock-photo-the-old-shabby-pape...

Step 14

Copy the rectangle with the texture from Illustrator and paste in Photoshop. Then in Photoshop change the layer's Blend Mode to Color Burn.

Step 15

Now copy the whole symbol without the Abduzeedo word in Illustrator and paste it in Photoshop. Make sure that the background of the symbol is white.

Step 16

Duplicate the symbol 4 times moving it a few pixels up for each copy in order to create a 3D effect.

Step 17

Go to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Hue and Saturation. Use 40 for the Hue, 40 for the Saturation and 14 for the Lightness. Also make sure that the adjustment layer is on top of the other layers.

Step 18

Go to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Levels. Use 0, 0.55 and 255 for the Input levels, the change the black output to 73.

Step 19

Here is an example of the final colors you have to have in this point. Notice I also added another text at the bottom.

Step 20

With the Magic Wand Tool (W) change the tolerance to 3 then select a part of the old paper texture. After that go to Select>Similar

Conclusion

Group all objects (text, and shapes) into a folder then with the marquee selection still active go to Layer>Layer Mask>Hide Selection. This mask will make your effect looks much more realistic. Also you can change the blend modes to linear color burn or even color burn to make it look like super old and burned, however you would have to duplicate it a few times to make it dark enough.

Anyway, this tutorial was just an exercise I decided to do while checking an amazing book called The Handy Book of Artistic Printing. I love finding inspiration from books and trying to recreate images I see and like in order to improve my skills.

Download the Photoshop File

Click here to download the Photoshop file used for this tutorial