75 Best Illustrator Tutorials From 2012

December 3rd, 2012
Illustrator

There’s a lot of great vector programs out there such as illustrator, inkscape, and indesign. Illustrator by far is the best vector program, for creating high quality illustration designs. If You’re looking to learn illustrator, or simple trying to polish up your design skills. This is the perfect resource, which contains a lot of in depth design tutorial perfect to match your skill level.

The compilation is a great resource, which is worth checking out if you’re passionate about design. The tutorial round-up features all of the best illustrator tutorials from 2012. The compilation features in depth illustration techniques as well as short but insightful tutorials. It was an enjoyable process putting all the best tutorial created this year all into one blog post.

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1. 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.

2. How to Create a Vector Trash Bin Icon

In this Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create the trash bin icon using such techniques, as 3D modeling, gradient mesh, blend tool and blending modes, as well as tracing raster images. This vector tutorial is made by Iaroslav Lazunov and a professional Ukrainian designer Sergii Korolko.

We use icons every day, but usually they are made by others. So when we know exactly what we need, it is better if we make our very own icon. Here is how to make a 3D book icon, that we can use more times, with some modifications.

4. Create a Simple Search Bar in Adobe Illustrator

In the following Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a simple search bar in Adobe Illustrator.

5. How To Create Seamless Patterns Using Illustrator CS6

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. The tutorial is a great starting point for gaining an understanding of how the new pattern tool feature works, its also a step towards mastering new feature.

6. Create a colourful bug in illustrator

Create a colourful bug in illustrator. A superb design tutorial.

7. Create a Set of Sleek Web Ribbons

In the following Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a set of sleek web ribbons. We’ll start with two simple shapes and some basic masking techniques. Next, using a simple rectangle and some simple vector shape building techniques we’ll create the overall ribbon shape. Once we have the starting shapes we’ll continue with the smaller parts. Using some Pathfinder options, several Warp and Gaussian Blur effects plus some basic blending techniques we’ll add the final touches.

8. How to Illustrate a Vector, HD Media Player

In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make your own HD media player with a remote control using Adobe Illustrator tools, such as the: Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, gradients and the 3D option Extrude & Bevel.

9. Quick Tip: How to Make a Glowing Space Background

In this quick tip, you will learn to how to create a really simple glowing space background. We will begin by creating a gradient mesh, then some glowing stars with the symbol sprayer, then we will finish the image with a multicolored planet made from a simple radial gradient. This tutorial is great for beginners who want to learn more about blends, symbols and gradient meshes.

10. Create a Quick and Easy 3D Type Effect

Clean and modern 3D type is a cool effect, and it’s surprisingly quick and easy to create. With the combination of Photoshop and Illustrator, this effect is can be created in minutes. Let’s take a look at how it’s done.

11. How to Create a 3D Gold Trophy Cup Using Adobe Illustrator

In today’s tutorial you’ll learn how to create a gold trophy cup icon using two stages of design: 3-D modeling, creating of elements of the icons and coloring with creating glare and shadows on the surface.

12. How to Create a Detailed Cake Illustration

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed cake illustration. This tutorial uses many different vector techniques including the Appearance Panel, 3D Settings, Grain Fills. This is Andrei’s 100th tutorial for Vectortuts+.

13. Quick Tip: Create a Shiny Abstract Background

14. Learn To Make A Wonderful Vector Travel Suitcase In Illustrator

Another great Illustrator tutorial for you. In this tutorial you will learn to make a fabulous vector travelling suitcase.

15. How to Create Search Files Icon in Adobe Illustrator

In this tutorial we will take a look at the process of creating a realistic icon, which encompasses a variety of techniques such as 3D modeling, gradient fills and color work, different ways of creating shadows and highlights. Within this page, I’ll describe the basic principles of creating realistic vector objects, which will be useful to know for both novice and advanced users. The plugins developed by Astute Graphics were used in the process of creating an icon. They significantly speed up your work, making the process more comfortable.

16. Creation of a Realistic Vector 3D Calculator

A Great tutorial on how to create a realistic calculator.

17. Create a Skull & Crossbones Sticker Design in Illustrator

Follow this step by step guide to creating a cool little skull and crossbones sticker design in Adobe Illustrator. This tutorial will hopefully be a great one for Illustrator beginners, as we’ll not only be creating the skull and crossbones design using all the important tools found in Illustrator, we’ll also be setting up the basic print document with bleeds and guides.

18. How to Create a Detailed Button and Needle Illustration

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed button and needle illustration. This tutorial uses many different vector techniques including the Appearance Panel, Transparency Settings, Patterns and more.

19. Create a Swirly Lollipop Using the Spiral Tool

In this tutorial, you’ll be shown an easy and accurate way of creating your own swirly lollipop using a custom Art Brush and the Spiral Tool in Adobe Illustrator. If you’re a beginner Illustrator user, this tutorial will help you get familiar with how to use Illustrator’s tools creatively.

20. 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. Once we create the starting shapes we’ll continue with some Pathfinder options, several Warp and Gaussian Blur effects plus some basic masking techniques.

21. Create a Realistic Leather Wallet with Illustrator

In most vector illustrations, the underlying objects are pretty simple. It’s the details and polish you add that really bring them to life. In this tutorial, we’ll start with basic building blocks, then use texture and effects to add realism.

22. Easy Flying V Guitar in Illustrator

This is intermediary tutorial, so if you have any problems with some parts, don’t worry. Try to redo that or come up with work arounds, it’s the best way to learn how to use any tool. That’s another reason that in order for you to make this study more useful I decided to leave some decisions up to you guys, you wil see it further, hope you have fun.

23. Use a Basic Polygon, 3D Rotate & Gradients to Illustrate an Umbrella

Do you want to illustrate an umbrella? If yes then let’s get started and you will undoubtedly learn the excellent Illustrator tools and create you own impressive and stunning artworks! Open the Illustrator program, create there the new document and let’s begin

24. How to Create a Vector Cartoon House

This Adobe Illustrator tutorial is not very difficult but still it is designed for those who know Adobe Illustrator at least a little bit. I will show you how I draw the elements of vector scene. Basically, I use simple techniques. You don’t need just to copy everything; learn some basic techniques and nuances of Adobe Illustrator’s tips.

25. How to create a Retro-Style Logo Badge in Adobe Illustrator

How to create a retro-style logo badge. By reading this tutorial, I assume you have a basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator’s workflow, tools and flavour. You’ll hear a couple of shortcuts and I’ll try to teach you new techniques of creating basic shape-combinations that can help your future Illustrator workflow.

26. Draw a Compact Camcorder in Illustrator

27. Create a Frog Prince in Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator can be a little tricky to get your hands around, particularly after getting used to the workflow of applications like Photoshop. The differences between layer use and the creation of objects and shapes can be really strange at first hand.

28. Create a Simple Drop-Down Menu

In the following Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed web element, a simple drop-down menu. You’ll start with a bunch rectangles and simple paths, some basic vector shape building techniques and the Rounded Corners effect. Once we have our starting shapes we’ll continue with the colors.

29. Create a Detailed Dynamite Illustration

In the following Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed dynamite illustration. We’ll start by turning some plain text into a symbol, and by making some simple rectangles. Once we have our starting shapes, we’ll continue with some Extrude&Bevel and Warp effects plus some Pathfinder options along with a bunch of basic blending techniques. For the final touches we’ll use some complex linear gradients and some blur effects.

30. How to Create a Vector Handmade Icon

To create a Handmade Icon you will not need paints and brushes. We will only need a graphic tablet and DrawScribe plugin. For quick recoloring of a ready icon, use the Phantasm CS.

31. Create a Keyboard Button Using Adobe Illustrator

This tutorial will show you how to create you own keyboard button. you’ll use basic shape building and pathfinder tools to create our shapes, and then color our button using gradients, while keeping a keen eye on lighting directing. Using the techniques in this tutorial you can create other keyboard buttons using different shapes.

32. 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. Despite the use of basic shapes this tutorial includes a good spread of intermediate to advanced tools and techniques.

33. Create a Detailed Surveillance Camera Illustration

In the following Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed surveillance camera illustration. Discover how to use professional vector build methods, pixel based highlighting, and vector effects to design this artwork.

34. Valentine box tutorial

Valentine’s Day, the most romantic holiday of the year is upon us. So why not take the opportunity to learn how to create a romantic gift box in AI. In this Adobe Illustrator tutorial you will be learning how to create a heart shaped gift box by using a few basic tools such as the Ellipse Tool (L) and Pen Tool (P).

35. Create a Stylish Switch Button in Illustrator

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a simple switch button in Adobe Illustrator. You’ll build the switch button using pixel perfect alignment, quality vector shape building techniques, and then color the work with Film Grain effect, Opacity Masks, and highlights.

36. Create a Creamy Ice Cream Poster on Illustrator

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.

37. Create a Vector Tape Measure in Illustrator CS5

n the following tutorial you will learn how to create a vector tape measure. Learn to use professional pixel perfect vector shape building techniques, break shapes apart as needed with Pathfinder tools, and color your graphic elements with highlights and gradients, resulting in a metallic tape measure illustration.

38. A simple compass icon

It will show you how to create a simple compass icon. You’ll start with a bunch of simple shape and some pixel perfect vector shape building techniques. Next, using the Pathfinder options along with several effects we’ll create the highlights. Finally, using some basic blending techniques and stroke tricks we’ll add the final touches for our icon.

39. How to Illustrate a Stepladder in Illustrator

What can one say about a stepladder? A stepladder may be represented as a concept that shows the development of designers skills and improvement of their creativity. Therefore it is high time to go ahead step by step in depicting the final image of this tutorial. Follow along, while creating your own striking and stunning artwork using a professional vector workflow in Adobe Illustrator.

40. Custom Dusty Type Treatment

Just because you’re working in Illustrator doesn’t mean you have to create clean geometric artwork all the time. With just a couple tips and some custom artwork you can create 100% vector artwork that is grainy, dusty, dingy, and awesome. Plus, these techniques are easy to apply to all kinds of graphics other than typography.

41. Create a Detailed Vector Chalkboard Icon

n the following Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed vector chalkboard icon. This classic school, blackboard illustration is composed using vector shape building techniques, pixel perfect highlighting, as well as brushes and textures for adding interest to the work.

42. How To Create a Vector Sponge Art Effect in Illustrator

I’m sure you 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 you’ll cover the process of creating a cute kids style illustration complete with a vector sponge stamp effect.

43. Create a Detailed, Vector Clothespin Illustration

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed clothespin illustration. It all starts with a simple pixel perfect vector shape building techniques. Then we’ll use the appearance panel and Illustrator effects to add dimension to the illustration. You can use these professional techniques to create quality icons, detailed web graphics, and more.

44. Create Cute Characters in Illustrator

45. Create a Block Game Interface in Illustrator

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a block game interface in Adobe Illustrator CS5. Vector game graphics allow for versatile artwork. The workflow presented in this tutorial will teach you how to create game graphics in Illustrator. These techniques can be applied to multiple interface design and game design projects. It’s time to jump in, learn to create these shapes, and give them colorful graphic depth.

46. Create Plants Vs. Zombie Type in Illustrator

This is an intermediary tutorial, but even If you’re experienced in Illustrator, you might find some good insights and ideas on it, have fun.

47. Quick Tip: How to Create a Cute Cartoon Dinosaur

This Quick Tip will show you how to create a cartoon dino using only basic shapes like rectangles and circles. This is a step-by-step tutorial for beginners. The icons from the inkscape toolbar are added to the images to make it easier to find the tool and function I am describing in the text.

48. 3D Gift Box Tutorial in Illustrator

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a 3D gift box in Adobe Illustrator using Extrude and Bevel effects, gradients and expand object elements.

49. Quick Tip: Create a Modern Volume Bar with Adobe Illustrator

In the following steps you will learn how to create a simple volume bar. It’s a pretty simple tutorial that will introduce you to the basic tools, effect and techniques used in Adobe Illustrator. You will start with a simple rectangle and circle then using multiple fills, strokes and several simple effects along with some nice blending and masking techniques you will create your own volume bar.

50. How to Create Snooker App Icon Using Adobe Illustrator and SubScribe Designer Plugin

A great tutorial upon how to create a snooker app icon.

51. 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. We’ll be using tools to accurately align our elements, then see how the Pathfinder can easily create custom shapes.

52. Quick Tip: Create a Set of Glowing Buttons in Adobe Illustrator

In the following steps you will learn how to create a simple set of glowing buttons. It’s another tutorial that focuses on the Appearance panel as the entire button is created using only one shape with multiple fills and strokes plus some simple effects.

53. Create a Detailed Lifebuoy Illustration

54. Create A Colorful Cocktail Icon Using Illustrator

The cocktails are probably the only drink that you can get any color in this world. The variety of colors, shapes and ingredients of these drinks are just amazing. In this simple tutorial I will show you how to create a colorful cocktail icon inside Illustrator.

55. Create a Frog Prince in Adobe Illustrator

56. Create a Mobile Phone Music Player Interface

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a mobile phone music player interface. We’ll build the interface using pixel perfect alignment, quality vector shape building techniques, as well as gradient and lighting control.

57. How to Create a Mail App Icon Using Adobe Illustrator

In this tutorial I’ll tell you how to create icons for iOS-applications, we will also talk about the technical requirements that are applied to this kind of products. In the process we will be using unique techniques that will allow you to create light and shade and soft play of colors.

58. Create A Jeans Vector in Illustrator

59. How to Illustrate Crocus Flowers in the Snow

This work is a common project created together with Iaroslav Lazunov and Alexander Egupov. Do you love flowers? You think that nobody says: “No” in answer to this question. All of us like the tenderness and elegant beauty of a flowers’ leaves and buds. You love Roses and Daffodils, Daisies and Snowdrops, Water Lilies and Lilies of the Valley, and of course, Crocuses, which spring after the snowy and frosty winter. Learn how to create Crocuses in Illustrator.

60. Create A New Year Card in Illustrator

61. Quick Tip: Create a Simple Audio Player Bar in Adobe Illustrator

In this quick tip you will learn how to create a simple audio player bar. This is mostly about the basics of pixel perfect vector shape building techniques. We’ll start with a simple rectangles and the Rounded Corners effect. Next, we’ll use some Offset and Pathfinder techniques to create the highlights. Finally, some masking/blending techniques and the Drop Shadow effect will help us add the final touches.

62. How To Create a Grainy Abstract Lines Poster Design

Follow this step by step tutorial to create a cool abstract lines design with awesome vibrant lighting effects. We’ll use Illustrator’s easy tools to create the vector linework then add a range of glows, colours and effects in Photoshop to finish the design with a cool grainy but luminous style.

63. Create A Robotic Pony in Illustrator

64. Create a Simple Clipboard Icon in Illustrator

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a simple clipboard icon. Use a complete Illustrator CS5 workflow, vector shape building techniques, and vector effects to design this icon.

65. Create a Casino Slot Machine in Illustrator

In this tutorial you’ll be creating a slot machine in Adobe Illustrator. You’ll build it from simple vector shapes, then color it, use the Appearance panel to add effects, use symbols, and apply the symbol tools. You’ll end up with a nice vector slot machine.

66. Illustrator Tutorial: Holland Tulip Field

This tutorial will show you how to create a beautiful Holland landscape filled full of colorful tulips and a traditional Dutch windmill. We will start by creating a red tulip flower with the Gradient Mesh tool and then make yellow and purple color variations of the tulips. Then we will create the windmill using simple gradients and solid fills and finally we will arrange all the elements to complete our landscape. I have included steps that are crucial to get the desired look assuming that the user is familiar with basic Illustrator drawing and coloring tools. So let’s start creating!

67. Quick Tip: How to Create a Simple Set of Ribbon Icons

n the following tutorial you will learn how to create a simple set of ribbon icons. First, we’ll build the starting shapes using several basic tools along with some simple effects and vector shape building techniques. Next, we’ll add extra details and colors using Pathfinder options, dashed strokes, a built-in pattern and some new effects. Finally, we’ll add a simple text with a discrete shadow effect.

68. How to Create a Roulette Wheel in Adobe Illustrator

Gambling illustrations are very popular. All over the internet you can see dices, poker chips, roulettes, coins, playing cards and other similar elements for gambling advertising. Well, today we will be learning how to create a nice vector illustration of the roulette wheel. Creation process is actually very simple. All we have to do is to use few basic Adobe Illustrator Tools and some nice colors and gradients in order to create an eye catchy illustration.

69. How to Create a Line Art Vintage Vector Scooter in Illustrator

In today’s tutorial, It will show you how to create a vintage vector scooter illustration. I’ll show you how to create simplified line art without overcomplicating the image. You’ll learn how to create a quick texture as a finishing touch from resources you have available to you within Adobe Illustrator. Learn how to give your work a vintage vector art feel.

70. Craft a Dramatic Vector Landscape Environment

This tutorial will show the intermediate Adobe Illustrator artist how to make a dramatic landscape environment. You should have a basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator tools before you begin this tutorial, as the tutorial moves at a rapid pace.

71. Creating a Tattered Parchment

Today, in this all new Adobe Illustrator tutorial, you will be learning how to create a very popular illustration; old tattered parchment. There are many beautiful illustrations that seem to be complicated to create, but they are actually not. This is the main purpose of this tutorial, to show you how easily some of these can be achieved. We will deform some basic shapes and objects, combine them, and perfectly complete the whole illustration with some decorative elements and gradients.

72. 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.

73. How to Create a CD Cover Design Using Illustrator, VectorScribe, DrawScribe and Mesh Tormentor

In today’s tutorial, you’ll use the most advanced technology in the world of vector graphics. The methods described here will allow you to work faster and more efficiently. I bet in this tutorial you will discover information which you have not heard of before!

74. How to Create a Liquid Logo Using Adobe Illustrator and DrawScribe Plugin

In this tutorial you will cover the techniques of creating “liquid” objects with the help of the Dynamic Sketch Tool, part of the DrawScribe plugin, plus the Blend Tool. This tutorial includes detailed instructions and interesting tricks that will allow you to succeed in creating this kind of style.

75. Create a Vector Hair Dryer in Illustrator

A hair dryer is a tool that helps women add beauty to their hair. Let’s illustrate a vector model of it and learn important techniques, which can improve the designer’s skills along the way.