Adobe Illustrator is the foremost vector creation software around these days, but it is not an easy program to master. It is, however, well worth the time and effort to get to know Illustrator as it is far more useful for producing and working with vector art than Photoshop is.
Some tools in both programs work in very similar, if not identical, ways, but knowing Photoshop does not mean you will be able to seamlessly master Illustrator.
This round-up brings you a selection of great Illustrator tutorials starting with the basics and ending with advanced projects. All the information you need to get to grips with this powerful software.
Illustrator Tutorials That Will Leave You Looking Like A Pro
Illustrator Help/Illustrator Getting Started Tutorials
Skill Level: Beginner
Illustrator Training Course
Skill Level: Beginner
Create a Vector RSS Icon
Skill Level: Beginner
Create a Student’s Desk in Top View Using Simple Shapes and Textures
Skill Level: Beginner
Create a Simple Pagination Bar Using the Appearance Panel
Skill Level: Beginner
Create a Brightly Colored Progress Bar Using Transparency Settings and the Appearance Panel
Skill Level: Beginner
Blueprint-Style Text in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Beginner
How to Create a Wicker Seamless Pattern in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Beginner
Create a Vintage Art Deco Poster with Illustrator’s Grain Effect
Skill Level: Beginner
Create a Simple Storefront Icon
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Create a Social Tooltip in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
How to Create a Gearbox Settings Icon Using Simple Shapes
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Create a Professional 3D Twitter Icon in Illustrator
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
How to Create a Retro Badge/Emblem Style Logo
Skill Level: Intermediate
Vintage Badge in Illustrator and Photoshop
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create an Intricate Vector Heart Illustration
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create an Ornate 3D Gift Box in Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Shimmering Cityscape in Perspective Using Illustrator CS5
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create an Open and Closed Zipper in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Unique USB Sign-In Button in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Detailed Keyboard Button Illustration in Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Detailed Envelope Illustration in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create an Aerial View Illustration of a Car
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Set of Rubber Band Corner Banner Treatments
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Burning, Vector Match Using Gradient Meshes
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create Calligraphic Ampersand Symbols in Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Coins Icon in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Radial Progress Bar in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Simple Google Chrome Icon
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Simple Flip Clock in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Steel Volume Knob in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Set of Toggle Buttons in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Paper Shopping Bag
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Draw a Power Plug
Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Create a Vector Microwave Oven
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Detailed Calculator Interface with the Appearance Panel
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Set of Glossy Labels and Save them for Web
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Stylized Navigation Bar and Slice it for Web
Skill Level: Intermediate
Tracing Photo
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create the Face of a Greedy Monkey
Skill Level: Intermediate
Create a Realistic Candy Bar
Skill Level: Intermediate (some drawing skill is also required)
Craft a Vector Collegiate Notebook Design
Skill Level: Intermediate
Creating an Illustrative Monogram
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
How to Make a Golden Compass in Illustrator
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Create a Semi-Realistic MacBook Pro Illustration
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
How to Create a Detailed Box in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Advanced
How to Create a Vector Pencil in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Advanced
Realistic Vintage Vector Tutorial
Skill Level: Advanced
How to Create a Detailed Fire Extinguisher in Adobe Illustrator
Skill Level: Advanced
Create a Cordless Mouse and Pad with Vector Textures
Skill Level: Advanced
Conclusion
I have tried to include mainly tutorials that produce an end result that is useful for designers, or at least that show techniques that will help designers in their projects. As you probably noticed, there are far more intermediate-level tutorials available than both beginner and advanced – which is probably no bad thing, if you can achieve an intermediate skill level there are a lot of tutorials available to you, and if you are an advanced Illustrator user, the intermediate tutorials should be an absolute breeze for you.
Have you completed any of these tutorials, as they are or maybe with your own changes? Are you thinking of trying out any of them? Please share your opinions with us, and if you do undertake any of the tutorials, please leave a link to your result – we would love to see it.
