Vectordiary

Day 2: Getting Started in Illustrator

If you haven’t gotten your Illustrator, you can download the 30 days trial from Adobe’s download page. After installing, we will run Illustrator for the first time.

Create New Document

Go File>New Document to create your first document. Type in a Name for the document and click Advanced to select RGB for Color Mode as we will be working for the screen. Click Ok after that.

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Day 1: What is Illustrator?

About Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is a vector drawing program. It is often used to draw illustrations, cartoons, diagrams, charts and logos. Unlike bitmap images that stores information in a grid of dots, Illustrator uses mathematical equations to draw out the shapes. This makes vector graphics scalable without the loss of resolution.

Advantages of Vector Graphics

• Scalable without resolution loss
• Lines are crisp and sharp at any sizes
• Print at high resolution
• Smaller file size
• Good for drawing illustrations

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Learn Illustrator CS3 in 30 Days

This 30 days Illustrator crash course is created for beginners interested in learning Illustrator. Each lesson will take around 20 mins to complete and you will be able to learn the basic fundamental techniques before the 30 days trial ends. Read the rest of this entry »

The Best Illustrator Books & Videos For Learning

Here is a list of Illustrator books and videos I find it useful for beginners to pick up Illustrator. The best way to learn is still through Lynda’s video tutorials as you can follow the instructors steps. Read the rest of this entry »

Premium Tutorial: Illustrator Rope Brush

How to Make a Brush Rope in Illustrator

Making a rope brush can be very tricky if you are creating from scratch. In this tutorial, I will be showing you my secret technique of making a brush rope easily. Step by step, I will show you how to create the pattern for the rope and move on to making the rope ends. Finally, we will apply the rope brush a path to create a pile of rope.

And when you order today, I’m topping up a bonus tutorial to teach you how to weave a rope text as shown above. Using this technique, you will be able to weave through ship anchors or any objects your like. See more examples below of what you are able to achieve using this technique.
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TemplateMonster's Lottery: Vote & Win a Template

TemplateMonster is holding its own lottery and elections to celebrate the Independence Day. With elections for the U.S President just around the corner, TemplateMonster came up with the idea of holding its own elections. However, you won’t be voting for Barack Obama or John McCain. But you will be voting for the design that you find more suitable for America-the-beautiful. The design that gets the most votes will win. And 6 lucky winners who voted for the winning design will be announced. The winner gets to win fabulous discount coupons and web templates from TemplateMonster. On top of that, TemplateMonster is giving away a set of FREE Patriotic Iconset (worth $50) for every voters.

So hurry and cast your vote. Your every vote counts!

Illustrator Tips #18: 7 Exceptionally Useful Text Shortcuts

Here are 7 text shortcuts I find it very useful in Illustrator. It is very handy when you are dealing with typography. The shortcuts help you make slight adjustments to your text very easily. The good news is that most work in Photoshop and Indesign too. So what’s your favourite text shortcuts? Read the rest of this entry »