How to Use the Pen Tool
Using the Pen Tool (Keyboard Shortcut: P) This is probably the tool that people fear the most. The good news is that with a little practice, you can master this powerful tool! In this exercise, we practice making straight and curved lines. I’ll always refer to the keyboard shortcut as the easiest way to invoke […]
How I Save Design Time by Creating Custom Brushes in Adobe Illustrator
Examples of Artwork and Designs I’ve Created Using My Own Custom Brushes I used several art brushes in this repeat pattern, including the two leaf brushes shown. The flowers are also brushes. The great thing about an art brush is that you can bend and manipulate the stroke. So these are not merely “stamps” of […]
How to Use the Ellipse Tool
Using the Ellipse Tool (Keyboard Shortcut: L) This was likely one of the first tools you learned to use in Adobe Illustrator. It’s quick and easy to draw an ellipse or oval – and even a circle. You may not realize that there are a number of settings available to assist you in creating an […]
How to Use the Rectangle Tool
Using the Rectangle Tool (Keyboard Shortcut: M) This was likely one of the first tools you learned to use in Adobe Illustrator. It’s quick and easy to draw a rectangle – and even a square. You may not realize that there are a number of settings available to assist you in creating a rectangle of […]
Swirl of Water: From Simple Spiral to Organic Swirl in Adobe Illustrator
In four steps you can turn a spiral into a swirl of water that looks hand drawn.
