Download Source Files
We have another great Vector Premium tutorial available exclusively for Premium members today. If you want to learn how to create classic heraldry shapes, and blend them into a modern crest logo, then we have an awesome tutorial for you. This one will have you creating well balanced vector artwork in no time!
This Tutorial is Filled with Creative Techniques
Over the years I’ve slowly built a nice collection of crest-based artwork in my portfolio. At any one time I usually have a commission on my table that’s derived from a client asking, “Can you do your cresty thing.” This can range from overly detailed pieces with lots of intricate vectors weaving in and out of each other, or clean and minimal marks. No matter which route however, there are a few principles that underlie each of my creations. Which brings me nicely to this tutorial…
I’m going to walk you through, from sketch to finished vector file, creating a crest and the techniques I use to vectorize them successfully. I will start with the basics on Bézier curve manipulation so if you are more advanced Adobe Illustrator user, please bear with me. We’ll move from creating the main shapes, to adding details in white, and you’ll see how you can create depth and interest to vectors using a limited a palette. We’ll then move on to manipulating the objects using the Pathfinder. Which, once mastered, gives you a killer skill.
Tutorial Details
- Program: Adobe Illustrator CS3 & above
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Estimated Completion Time: 6 to 8 hours
A preview of the final image is below.

Premium members can Log in and Download! If you’re not a member, you can of course join today! You can view the final illustration below.
This is a Detailed and Professional Tutorial
Premium members can Log in and Download! Otherwise, Join Now! Below are sample images, which show some of the development of this tutorial.




Vector Premium Membership
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Probably nice, thnx!
Sweetness. Great line work too. 6-8 hours, wow!
lol.. cool!!
Downloaded and just done a skim read of it and it looks awesome! i made one of these only the other day but your method would of definitely made it easier on my part so going to have another go like this. Top notch tutorial :D thanks again
Oh this is nice, I’v been looking for some like this on vectortuts+.
What an expression only using shapes, no colors. Beautiful sketch and beautiful end result after tracing and refining.
Thanks a lot!
P.S.
I have just taken a look at your website.
How cool is that?
Everybody watching, TAKE A LOOK AT THIS GUYS WEBSITE!
I thought this crest was awesome, but now it seems that this is barely a warmup exercise ;)
yea…
this looks great