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’!
How to Create Smoky Brushes and Type In Illustrator CS4
Oct 26th in Effects, Text Effects by Mathias M. Stav
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How to Create Roads and Rail Tracks on a Path
Oct 19th in Effects, Tools & Tips by Diana BergIn this tutorial, we’ll make a semi-realistic road and rail track that actually consists of one single path each. Although it looks impossible, there are not any brushes and no need for any effects to be applied, but you could use some effect if you want. The secret is hidden in a tricky combination of multiple strokes. Intrigued? Read more!
How to Create a Caramel Ripple Effect
Sep 1st in Effects by Saurabh SharmaIn this tutorial, we will create a hot chocolate caramel effect using some distort tools and the 3D revolve tool. This is a simple and effective technique to obtain a quality vector ripple effect quickly. Here we go!
How to Create a Mesh Flower in Illustrator
Aug 24th in Effects, Illustration by Simona PfreundnerIn this tutorial, we'll explain how to create a flower with Illustrator’s mesh tools and opacity masks. With these tools you have a high-degree of control and can create realistic looking illustrations. Let’s get started!
How to Create a Rainy Window Vector Background
Aug 17th in Effects, Tools & Tips by Cheryl GrahamUsing the Symbolism Tools, plus a bit of Gradient Mesh, learn to make a realistic window covered with raindrops. This is an advanced tutorial that assumes a fair amount of Illustrator experience, but everyone should be able to follow along. It can be done with earlier versions of Illustrator, but takes full advantage of newer features in CS4. Let’s get started!
How to Create a Spray Grunge Splatter
Jul 6th in Effects, Tools & Tips by Saurabh SharmaWe all have seen many techniques of making a vector grunge in Illustrator. Live tracing a textured image and Symbol Sprayer tool are the most common ones. In this tutorial, we will learn how to create an original vector grunge from scratch using some less common tools. Let’s get started!
How to Use Scribble Effects in Illustrator
Jul 4th in Effects, Tools & Tips by Sean HodgeThere are quite a few Illustrator tools that many of us have never used, which is understandable. We often have a workflow that we have found efficient and stick with it. Occasionally though, it’s a good idea to crack open Illustrator and take a look at some of its underused features. Scribble effects are worth taking a look at because they’re a quick way to add texture to your designs and a bit of personality.
The texture added is similar to the name of the effect (scribbles), but there is a great deal of variance you can control, and you can add a random feel as well. Let’s take a close look at how to use this effect and how you can get creative with it!
How to Create a Mosaic Portrait from a Photograph
Jun 5th in Effects, Illustration by Cheryl GrahamThis is a fun way to turn a photograph into an interesting vector portrait. Get sophisticated results with just a few easy steps, then modify it using a wide range of Illustrator’s live effects. Let’s get started!
