We have another great Vector Plus tutorial available exclusively for Plus members today. If you want to learn how to create characters using depth of field effects with Illustrator and a touch of Photoshop, then we have an awesome tutorial for you. In this tutorial, we'll create a rockin' octopus with arms reaching out toward the viewer. Learn more about this tutorial at the jump!
Utilizing Perspective and Depth of Field in Your Character Creations – Vector Plus Tutorial
Apr 22nd in News by Brent NelsonThis Vector Plus Tutorial is Filled with Creative Instruction
When it comes to simulating three dimensional depth in your illustrations, the Blend Tool is your new best friend. Watch and be amazed at the power of Illustrator CS3 as it reaches through your monitor and, with defiance, and slaps you in the face with it's subtle charm and versatility. Along with the blend tool, we'll be using other tools and tricks to create this illustration.
Plus 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 or the large versions here and here.

This is a Fun and Professional Tutorial
Plus members can Log in and Download! Otherwise, Join Now! Below are some sample images, which show the development of this character illustration throughout the tutorial.




Vector Plus Membership
As you know, we run a premium membership system here called Plus that costs $9 a month (or $22 for 3 months!) which gives members access to the Source files for tutorials as well as periodic extra tutorials, like this one! If you're a Plus member you can log in and download the tutorial. If you're not a member, you can of course join today!
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User Comments
( ADD YOURS )laberso April 22nd
It’s So cool! Thanks for good tutorial.
( )Brent Nelson April 22nd
Thanks laberso. Did you try it out? Let me know if it was well written and easy to follow.
( )Jonathan April 22nd
Very intriguing effect. I’m sure the tut is great!
( )kiziel April 22nd
Nice tutorial. Useful for me.
( )Matt April 22nd
Great Tutorial! Thanks.
( )CSS Tutorials April 22nd
Ahhh its tempting. To be or not to be, a plus member that is of ofcourse.
( )binocle April 22nd
Wow, nice effect, I love the depth and the gradient effects.
Would it not be possible to pay only occasionaly for 1 specific tut?
( )Diego SA April 22nd
The way you have created the tantacles is so cool. It’s a normal way to do it, but you’ve used it with wisdom, maybe it’s because of the gradient.
( )Anyway, you did a great job! The only problem is that I’m not a plus member…
Andre April 23rd
He used the blend tool with 2 spheres and a path.
( )Cya!
Franky April 22nd
Whoah. That is such a cool image!
( )Alan Valek April 23rd
It’s amazing what you can do with blends.
( )Spellbreaker May 12th
Thanks for sharing this! The octopus looks cool (and pretty intimidating too!)
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