120+ of the Best Illustrator Tutorials EVER!
This post is the ultimate resource for all your Adobe Illustrator tutorial needs. You can learn so much from these 120+ top Illustrator tutorials, which include everything from vector Illustrator typography, to vector character design and learning Illustrator tools. Enjoy…
120+ Best Illustrator Tutorials…
Create a clean retro badge in Adobe Illustrator
In this tutorial we are going to create a clean retro-looking badge/burst in Adobe Illustrator. These are great for adding to a website, advertisement, banner, etc to help the text stand out… [link].
How to Create an Aerial View Illustration of a Car in Adobe Illustrator
In this tutorial, I will show you how to create an aerial view of a car using Adobe Illustrator. The nice part about illustrating it from this angle is that you only have to draw half of the car! As reference, I am using a photograph I took of a diecast model MINI [link].
❤ SEE ALSO: How to Camp on the Roof of Your Car?
Create a Professional 3D Twitter Icon in Illustrator
Learn how to create a sleek & professional Twitter icon or button using Adobe Illustrator. To create this icon we’ll be using must know methods and techniques to create this attractive icon which can be used for various design projects [link].
❤ SEE ALSO: Who Used the Hashtag Before Twitter?
Create An Awesome Space Rocket Avatar in Illustrator
Create a blank document, standard maximum icon size is 512 by 512 pixels (for Leopard). Create a vertical guide down the middle and draw the right half of the hull’s profile with the Pen Tool… [link].
Creating a Detailed Eye from Stock in Adobe Illustrator
In today’s tutorial I’m going to show you how to create a detailed eye from a stock image in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll work from some basic skin shading around the eye, to eyelashes, then a detailed iris and even eyebrows in this vector workflow [link].
Simple organic shapes the Illustrator way
In my post from a few weeks ago, I demonstrated how to create simple organic shapes in Photoshop. In the comments a reader asked me “how to accomplish the transparency effect using Illustrator”. I thought why not showing the same creation in Illustrator while we’re at it [link].
Tracing a Vector Face From a Reference Photo
There are numerous ways that you could approach using a reference photo in illustration, an obvious option being to ‘trace’ the photo. Since there are so many microscopic details in a photograph you have to make numerous decisions on how you want the image to look in the end [link].
How to Create a Golden, Vector Compass in Illustrator
In this tutorial I will take you through the steps and techniques of creating a golden compass. For this tutorial I’ve used just Adobe Illustrator and a heavy dose of ingenuity [link].
How to Add Decorative Glamour to Your Ordinary Script Font
Sometimes you need to go a little bit wild with your typography. In these cases, you can either take the easy way and choose a fancy font from some of the free font site like Dafont or Urban Fonts, or get creative and give some extra sparkle to your ordinary font, creating a typographic design which can stand by itself [link].
Create a Vibrant 3D Pixel Type Treatment
In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a fun 3D pixel font type treatment. Using a free font, gradients, and Illustrator 3D filter, you will easily create a type treatment that you can apply to many other fonts [link].
Creating a Bazinga! Text Treatment in Adobe Illustrator
With this tutorial I’ll show you how to create a Bazinga text effect made famous by Sheldon from the sitcom The Big Bang Theory in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll be using some techniques to add multiple effects to a single shape, also duplicating and copying objects quickly, as well as creating a pattern and even rotating that pattern without disrupting the shape it’s applied too [link].
Using Gradients to Create a Slick & Fun Cartoon Worm in Adobe Illustrator
In this tutorial, I’ll be showing you how to draw a slick and funny worm character from rough sketch to the final illustration. I’ll be using various Adobe Illustrator tools and blending options. Let’s get started! [link]
Illustrator’s Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide
If you use Adobe Illustrator, then it’s almost certain that you use the Pen tool when creating your paths. This comprehensive guide aims to introduce or remind you of features, shortcuts, and methods for working with what is arguably Adobe’s most essential tool [link].
Create a Candy Inspired Vector Snowboard Design
Learn how to put together a sweet candy inspired design in Illustrator by cutting, splitting and joining vector paths to produce an intricate weave of shapes. We’ll then add some finishing touches with subtle shading and a cool striped overlay to add depth to the design. The final concept will them be ready for being mocked up as a custom snowboard design [link].
Use Adobe Illustrator to Create a Clean Website Layout
This tutorial is perfect for the beginning to intermediate Adobe Illustrator artist. We’ll cover how to layout a website and prepare it for use on the web. Also, we’ll use the recently released Website Elements Freebie to mock up the design as well [link].
Design a Vector Pencil Cartoon Character
This is a step-by-step tutorial where I will show you how to create a character in Adobe Illustrator using a sketch template merely as a guide. The piece we are going to make is a crazy and multicolored pen character [link].
How To Create an 8-Bit Pixel Character in Illustrator
This tutorial takes that idea to the extreme by using nothing by the rectangle tool to create a simple 8-bit style pixel character. Pixels are usually associated with Photoshop, but the great thing about Illustrator is your artwork is 100% vector, so unlike Photoshop you can scale your design to any size while retaining those blocky 8-bit characteristics [link].
❤ SEE ALSO: Pixel Vincent Van Gogh.
How to Create Smoky Brushes and Type In Illustrator
I’ve always been fascinated by smoke, and have experimented a lot with it. So in this tutorial, I explain how to create realistic smoke, make it into a brush and use it for type. Let’s light up our vector cigarettes and get started smokin’! [link]
How to Create Realistic, Vector Bubbles
In this tutorial we will learn how to create realistic colorful bubbles. We’ll cover numerous techniques and build this illustrations step by step. Set aside a couple hours for this one! [link]
How To Create a Cool Vector Yeti Character in Illustrator
Follow this step by step Illustrator tutorial to create a cool vector Yeti character. We’ll use as many basic shapes as possible to achieve that quirky style of illustration, then bring the character to life with a palette of cold colours [link].
How to Create a Transparent Battery Icon
In this tutorial, we’ll create a detailed icon of a battery similar to the one used for the iPhone touch. The battery “fuel” color can be changed as well as the “fuel” level, allowing the icon to be used to create a battery or power meter for applications, or simply as a graphic in any type of design [link].
Illustrator Tutorial: Realistic Vector Orange
In this step-by-step Illustrator tutorial, you will learn how to make a photo realistic vector orange using Adobe Illustrator CS3. We will cover lots of Illustrator effects like sponge, plastic wrap and accent edges. A very good Illustrator training tutorial for beginners on drawing fruits [link].
Create a Cute Vector Penguin Character in Illustrator
Follow this step by step Adobe Illustrator tutorial to create a simple vector penguin character. We’ll be using many of Illustrator’s basic shapes to create the structure of the character, which makes this tutorial great for beginners [link].
Creating a crazy cool logo
In this post I will show you how we created the logo. I will skip the drawing parts, yes there were tons of drawings before going to the computer, because when they stole my computer and backups in 2006 they took all my photos of the drawings [link].
How to Create an Open Book with Illustrator’s 3D Extrude & Bevel Tool
In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to create an open book mostly with Illustrator’s 3D Extrude & Bevel Tool. We’ll create open pages with graphics and add a wavy background. The book can be customized by applying your own graphics to the pages [link].
Create a Tasty Burger Icon in Illustrator
In this delicious tutorial I’ll show you how to create a three-dimensional, scrumptious burger using Adobe Illustrator. Remember that I’m a vegetarian, so you should definitely appreciate the effort! [link]
How To Create a Vector Sponge Art Effect in Illustrator
I’m sure we all remember painting with sponge (or potato!) stamps as a child, but back then we didn’t really appreciate the cool distressed effect the printing technique created. Today designers and illustrators strive to add that retro/vintage style to their work with textures, so in this tutorial we’ll cover the process of creating a cute kids style illustration complete with a vector sponge stamp effect [link].
Adobe Illustrator tutorial: create a 6-egg box (not necessarily for Easter)
In this tutorial you will learn how to create a 6-egg box (full of eggs). We will use 3D Rotate and Revolve Effects. We will also play a lot with masks. You may download the source file [link].
Create a Cool Ribbon Style Logo Graphic in Illustrator
Follow this step by step Illustrator tutorial to create a cool ribbon style logo graphic with gradients and effects in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll create the graphic as a vector design to allow scalability as a logo and add flat and mono versions to keep the logo versatile [link].
How To Create a Cute Vector Mushroom Character
Follow this step by step Illustrator tutorial to create a cute vector mushroom character with a Japanese kawaii influence. We’ll create the basic structure using Illustrator’s basic shapes, add variation in the linework to define the character then finish it all off with some vibrant colour fills [link].
❤ SEE ALSO: The Real Mario Brothers.
Create a Playstation Controller in Illustrator
This is a tutorial less focused on drawing skills and more into the Illustrator tools, so this should not be that hard for beginners. You execute it using a mouse or even a track pad… [link].
Create a repeating pattern in Illustrator
With the growing number of smartphones and tablets supporting higher screen resolutions, designers are increasingly starting to move away from bitmap textures in favour of vector-based patterns… [link].
Design cool, scalable pop art with Illustrator
During this tutorial you’ll discover some visual simplification techniques that you can use on photographic images, re-constructing them into a matrix of coloured vector circles in a pop art style… [link].
Create Courage, The Cowardly Dog in Illustrator
I would say this tutorial it’s half a case-study and half a tutorial, I’m just saying that before someone may complain of the fast pacing on some parts. Anyway, If you’re used with my illustration tutorials, this will not be a big deal, please have fun… [link].
Happy Tree Friends in Illustrator
Now talking about the tutorial: I decided to not be gore as the series and so this image is way more softer. Anyway, this is a beginner tutorial… [link].
Video tutorial: Breathe life into your pattern swatches
I’ve been asked many times how I apply pattern swatches to objects to make them look real and 3D. This tutorial will help you quickly apply your swatch or graphic to a garment so that you can judge whether it will work, and at what scale [link].
How To Create Seamless Patterns Using Illustrator
We have another great illustrator quick tip to share with you. The quick tip utilizes how you can use the pattern feature in the latest version of illustrator, in order to construct seamless vector patterns [link].
Make Watercolor and Marker Style Portraits with Illustrator
With this tutorial, we are going to work through ways of creating digital portrait illustrations that have a unique and somewhat tactile feel of marker and watercolor. This tutorial will focus on using a drawing tablet and Adobe Illustrator. There will be a focus on technique and technical settings, but the overall product will rely on your own personal style and taste [link].
How to Make a Flat Screen HDTV in Adobe Illustrator
This tutorial is going to walk you through the process of making a nice flat-screen HDTV. This could be great for showing off images or videos, or just honing your Illustrator skills. We will cover a variety of tools including the Gradient Palette and the Pathfinder Palette [link].
How To Create a Vector Soldier Character in Illustrator
Follow this step by step Illustrator tutorial to create a simple vector soldier character. We’ll begin by building the structure of the character with basic shapes, then adjust the line weights to create definition between the elements. To bring the character to life we’ll add blocks of colour before finishing it all off with a simple shading technique [link].
Create a Stunning Retro Futuristic Typography
Retrofuturistic design is a return to, and an enthusiasm for, the depictions of the future produced in the past, both in science fiction and in nonfiction futurism of the time, which often seem dated by modern standards. We always strive towards creating a better future. Whats more compelling than envisioning one [link].
Create a Retro Triangular Pattern Design in Illustrator
Follow this step by step Illustrator tutorial to create the popular retro style pattern design made up of lots of colourful squares and triangles. The process is pretty simple, making this a good tutorial for newcomers to Adobe Illustrator [link].
Create a Burning, Vector Match Using Gradient Meshes
In this tutorial you will learn how to create realistic vector fire, using the Gradient Mesh Tool and Screen Blending mode. Believe me, there’s nothing overly complicated [link].
Create a Cute Vector Reindeer Character in Illustrator
With Christmas being just around the corner I thought it would be fitting to create a festive themed tutorial. Follow this step by step process to design a cute little vector reindeer character. We’ll begin by creating the basic structure of the character with basic shapes, then build up the details with gradients and effects [link]
How To Create a Grumpy Troll Character in Illustrator
Follow this step by step Illustrator tutorial to create a grumpy Internet troll character. We’ll start the process with a basic pencil sketch then build up a complete vector character design with linework, colour fills and basic shading to create a funny cartoon mascot [link].
How to Turn Glasses into a Great Geek Icon
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make a cool, or should we say geeky, glasses icon. You should be versed in Adobe Illustrator’s tools to complete this tutorial. You’ll learn how to take creative license and create an illustration that uses a photo reference, but differs a bit in the final design [link].
Create a Sketchy Hand-Drawn Camera Illustration in Illustrator
In this tutorial, we’re going to use Illustrator (and a bit of Photoshop) to create an image that looks roughly hand-drawn on textured paper. We’ll be creating a camera illustration in this rough sketchy style [link].
Swirl Mania in Illustrator by Abduzeedo
In this tutorial I will show 4 ways to create swirls, and by mixing them you will learn some very powerful techniques that will allow you to easily make tons of different styles of swirls [link].
Craft a Vector Collegiate Notebook Design
Learn to create how to create a vector collegiate notebook design, which consists of a realistic vector notebook and accessories. It’s also the perfect base for creating a cool website header theme! Advanced knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is required to complete this tutorial [link].
How To Create a Simple Landscape Scene in Illustrator
Today’s Illustrator tutorial is perfect for beginners. You don’t need to be a master illustrator to create cool artwork, just using simple shapes and limiting yourself with a small colour palette can result in some great designs and artworks. In this tutorial we’ll use Illustrator’s basic shapes and tools to create a stylized landscape scene illustration then finish it off in Photoshop with the addition of some texturing [link].
Design a Fun Invoice Template with Illustrator and InDesign
You’re a designer: your invoices need not be boring! Follow this tutorial to set up a fun yet professional-looking invoice template using Adobe Illustrator and InDesign [link].
How to Create Perfect Radial Shapes in Illustrator
One of our latest design packs that we just released contained 50 different styles of radial shapes. We received a good amount of feedback and questions on how we created them. In this tutorial, I will walk you through the creation process on how to effectively recreate some perfect radial shapes [link]
How To Create a Cubist Style Logo Design in Illustrator
Follow this logo design process walkthrough to see the making of a cubist style logo design made up of lots of detailed vector facets. Not only will we be creating the actual design in Adobe Illustrator, but I’ll also be describing the whole logo design process in this tutorial, from the initial sketches right through to finishing off the final design [link].
How to reduce EPS file size
Sometimes it happens to everyone – you create a really cool vector illustration and want it to submit and sell on microstock, but you found, that the exported EPS file is too big. What can you do, to make the EPS file smaller? Here you will find several tips and tricks for reducing the EPS file size [link]
How To Design a Print Ready Die-Cut Business Card
Follow this step by step tutorial to create a cool business card design in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll begin creating the vibrant pattern effect, then we’ll lay out the contact information and set up the final print ready file ready for sending off to your chosen print firm [link].
Illustrator Tutorial: Gradient Mesh Flower
Gradient Mesh can be a wonderful tool to master but the learning curve can bring a bit of frustration to the beginner, I myself found it confusing at first but with a little practice and a simple plan I was able to get around a few of the tools weaknesses and avoid snapping Wacom pens in anguish [link].
How to Create a Gearbox Settings Icon Using Simple Shapes
Much can be done in Illustrator without relying on the Pen tool, as demonstrated by the recent hourglass tutorial. Utilizing only simple, predefined shapes, as well as tools like the Pathfinder and transformations, entire illustrations can be created from scratch [link].
How To Create a Patterned Vector Skateboard Design
There’s something about designing for unusual applications such as skateboard decks that really makes the design process much more fun. Maybe it’s the unique canvas size that makes things a little more challenging, or just the cool feeling you get when you see it mocked up as a complete deck [link].
Design a Vector Audio Speaker Icon In Illustrator
In this intermediate tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a vector speaker icon. When you break down the elements you’ll find it fairly easy. We’ll be using some ellipses with gradients, the Grid Tool, and the Mesh Tool to create this icon design [link].
Tips for Working with the Gradient Mesh Tool In Illustrator
One of the most amazing and confounding tools in Adobe Illustrator is probably the Gradient Mesh tool. Working with this feature allows the user to divide almost any shape into a mesh. Each intersection of two lines (horizontal/vertical) can be colored with a solid color [link].
Create a Cool Vector Robot Character in Illustrator
In this tutorial we’ll use various tools and techniques to create a simple vector robot character. With this robot being made of lots of basic shapes it makes for a great tutorial for beginners to get to grips with the Illustrator application [link].
Create Colorful, Layered Paper Type in Illustrator
In winter, here in the Ukraine it’s rather cold and snowy, I oftentimes find myself creating colorful illustrations that compensate for the cold weather. Today I will show you how to brighten your mood by creating vivid illustrations with layered paper text and ribbons. We’ll create custom type and use Illustrator effects extensively to optimize our work [link].
Let’s Make a Playful Yet Robust 3D Letter Design
This tutorial is perfect for the advanced beginner who wants to take her skills to the next level. We’ll explore how to create 3D text and use depth-of-field to enhance a design [link].
Create a Vibrant Abstract Vector Design Illustrator
Follow this step by step Illustrator tutorial to create a vibrant abstract design. We’ll put Illustrator’s Gradient Mesh tool to use to create a colourful shape, then build up layers of objects to create an abstract design with lots of vibrancy, bright colours and transparency effects [link].
How to Design a Set of Multicolored Buddy Icons
In this Illustrator tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a set of multicolored buddy icons. This tutorial uses some basic shapes, gradients, Feather, and Illustrator’s powerful Live Color feature. These techniques are easily translated into other designs and illustrations [link].
Working with 3D Objects and Transparencies to Make a Vector Cola Bottle Design
VECTORTUTS has covered Illustrator’s 3D effects a few times, so the basics should already be familiar to you. In this tutorial, we’ll be taking those skills up a notch and discussing how Illustrator deals with transparency in 3D objects [link].
Illustrator tutorial: The Perfect Diamond
Drawing a vector diamond is pretty simple in Adobe Illustrator. First, let’s do some research on the anatomy of a diamond. We don’t want to do some fancy cut and get rejected by our clients. Here’s a proportional diamond line art taken from the website [link].
Old School Type – Line Gradients
One of our readers suggested we write a tutorial explaining how to do this cool text effect. On the Dragonforce logo above, the basis of my typography was sketched on paper first and then vectored in Illustrator using the Pen Tool [link].
Blueprint-Style Text in Adobe Illustrator
This blueprint technique has been seen just about everywhere—even on the cover of The Photoshop Help Desk Book by Dave Cross. This is a quick demo using a blend of live effects, filters, and even a little gradient mesh to create a seemingly complex logo treatment [link].
Add depth and texture in Illustrator
Adding extra depth to an image can be a quick process that utilises some simple tools offered by Illustrator… [link].
How to Create Vector Denim Texture Using Adobe Illustrator
In this tutorial we will learn how to create a realistic vector denim texture. It’s easier than it might seem at first sight, and I think it can be done by those who are taking their first steps into the world of vector graphics [link].
Adobe Illustrator Tutorial: Create a Detailed Lifebuoy Illustration
In the following Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a semi-realistic lifebuoy graphic. We’ll start with a bunch of concentric circles and some basic vector shape building techniques [link].
Adobe Illustrator Tutorial: Create a Detailed Scanner Illustration
In the following Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed scanner illustration. We’ll start with a bunch of simple shapes, some basic vector shape building techniques, several effects and the round any corner script [link].
Adobe Illustrator Tutorial: Create a Printer Illustration
In the following Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed printer illustration. We’ll start with two simple rectangles and some basic vector shape building techniques [link].
Realistic Vector Sand and Pebble Texture Tutorial Using Phantasm CS and Adobe Illustrator
In this tutorial we will learn how to create random vector sand and pebble textures. It is not difficult to do if you have Phantasm CS. Of course, it could not be done without some magic, but I will generously share all the secrets with you. Find out more… [link].
❤ SEE ALSO: Glass Beach in California.
Easy shape building in Illustrator
To the uninitiated, Illustrator can sometimes appear a little daunting with all its precise tools and seemingly complicated ways of doing things. Unlike Photoshop, where it’s possible to feel your way around to a certain extent, with Illustrator there is often only one way of achieving a certain result… [link].
Quick Tip: How to Use Typography to Create a 3D Text Effect
Follow this quick tip and learn how to use typography to create a 3D text effect. It may seem complicated but it takes only a few fonts, the 3D options and some extra adjustments at the end [link].
❤ More Vector Typography Links:
• Cool Typography with the Blend Tool in Illustrator
• Premium Tutorial: Meltdown Text Effect
• Tutorial : Create a cool water effect
• Create a Grimy Text Treatment with a Pen Tablet
• Grungy 3D Text In Illustrator
• Create a Silky Ribbon Text Effect
• Quick Tip: Create an Airport Time Table Type Effect
• Create a Swirly Type Treatment
• Type Illustration Project: Experimental Digital Workflow
• How to Create a Vintage Type Postcard
• How to Make a Wooden Text Effect with Adobe Illustrator
• Quick Tutorial: Create a Reusable Retro Type Treatment
• Stylish text effect tutorial using Illustrator
• How to Create Candy Cane Typography with Photoshop and Illustrator
• Getting Carried Away with Balloon Lettering
• How to Make a Cartoon Style Cereal Box Logo
• Quick Tip: How to Create a Delicious Chocolate Text Effect
• How to Create a Neon Text Effect in Adobe Illustrator
• How to create a glassy text effect in Illustrator
• Creating stunning, detailed typography with Illustrator
• How to Make a Wooden Text Effect with Adobe Illustrator
• Create a 3D Newspaper, Text Effect in Adobe Illustrator
• Create a Dripping Icing Cake Font
• Illustrator type technique using shapes
• Create a Stitched Type Effect in Adobe Illustrator
• Create Detailed Letters of Gold and Diamond
• Create a Furry Calligram in Illustrator
• Create a Variety of 3D Lettering Effects for Poster Design
• Learn to Create a Variety of Script Lettering
• Learn to Create a Variety of Beveled Lettering
• Illustrator Tutorial: 3D Cubic Text Effect
• Create a Polished Raised Type Treatment
• Retro 3D Arcade Text Effect in Illustrator
• Create a Variety of 3D Lettering Effects for Poster Design
• Premium Tutorial: Golden Text with Diamonds
• Learn to Create a Variety of Script Lettering
• How to create a glassy text effect in Illustrator
Design a Vintage Poster with Vector Pack 16
When you think about the design process, what comes to mind? I believe it is the combination of thoughts, mixed with emotions and pure forms that capture a person’s attention. We are all part of this thing called “madness. ” [link].
Create a Seamless Coffee Bean Pattern in Illustrator
In the following steps you will learn how to create a simple coffee bean pattern in Adobe Illustrator. You will start by learning how to create a simple art brush… [link].
Create Detailed Tulips With Gradient Mesh, Without the Mesh Tool in Illustrator
We’re celebrating spring in this tutorial! Here you will learn how to draw beautiful tulips in a vase. We’ll start with a 3D base and then go on to create tulips with Gradient Meshes without the Mesh Tool, all in Adobe Illustrator [link].
Create the Mac Finder Logo
Hi there. In this week’s tutorial I will show you how to create the Mac Finder logo. It all start with a simple rectangle and a curved path… [link].
Making a Retro/Vintage Style Badge
This week we will be making a nice retro/vintage style badge. We will create the badge with all the shapes and text we need in Illustrator… [link].
Playing Keepaway with Logos and Small Type
This tutorial will demonstrate how to print very small white text, lines or logos onto a rich-black background. It sounds simple enough, right? Yes, but the trick is to do this whilst retaining the sharpness of the graphic or text. When knocking white out of a 4-colour process, blurring may occur [link].
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