BlogmyQuery – BMQ

Today, in this all new Adobe Illustrator tutorial, we 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.

This is what we will be creating.

Setting Up the Elements for the Basic Shape

We will start with some simple rectangles. Grab the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tool Panel and create rectangles as shown in the picture below. Just make sure to create the lower rectangle slightly larger than the upper.

Now we need to distort the rectangles a little bit. To do that we will need a few extra anchor points. Grab the Add Anchor Point Tool (+) from the Tool Panel and add anchor points in the middle of each rectangle.

Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the Tool Panel, select the each individual anchor points (we have just added) and nudge them towards center, as shown below.

With the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C) try to make new corners less sharp. Just click on the anchor point and drag its handle downwards (or to the right, depending on which anchor point you are editing). You should end up with something like this.

You will notice that some parts of the rectangles have changed position. Make sure to correct all the flaws that may cause any problems with the smoothness.

Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create ellipses as pictured below. Make sure to match the edges properly.

Now we will make some adjustments to the ellipses we have just created. The point is to create the effect of rolled up parchment on the ends.

First select the lower parts of the illustration (the purple shape with two green ellipses) and bring them to the Front (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + ]). This way it will look like the upper part of the parchment is folded back and the lower part is rolled up the front.

Now select the upper part of the illustration (the red shape and two ellipses) and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Unite button. It will turn the shapes into one object. Make sure the new object stays behind the yellow shape.

Lets adjust the upper part of the yellow shape. We have to make both shapes (green and yellow) look connected. To do this we will need the Direct Selection Tool (A) again. Select it in the Tool Panel and select the left upper anchor point. We will move it to the left (where the green shape starts to curve).

As you can see, we didn’t accomplish all we needed with previous step. We will try harder to make it look like rolled up parchment. With the Direct Selection Tool (A) select the lower part of the handle and place it as shown in the picture below. This will give the impression of rolled effect we were looking for.

Repeat the previous step for the right side of the illustration as well.

You should end up with something like this.

Now it’s time to adjust lower part of the illustration.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) both green ellipses. Select the purple shape and the copy of the green ellipse on the left, then under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Minus Front button.

Now we have one green ellipse left on each side. Remove the Fill color and set the Stroke color to any color you wish (color is not important).

Now we need to remove some anchor points. With the Direct Selection Tool (A) select two anchor points and remove them by hitting the Delete key on your keyboard.

You should end up with something like this.

Repeat the previous step for the ellipse on the right side as well.

Now we need to connect the paths on both sides and use them to create a new shape. To do that grab the Pen Tool (P) from the Tool Panel and just click on the end points of those paths.

Remove the Stroke color and set the Fill color to any solid color. Grab the Add Anchor Point Tool (+) from the Tool Panel and add the anchor point to the new shape as it’s shown below.

With the Direct Selection Tool (A) grab the new anchor point and move it downwards, in order to hide the unwanted part of the green shape.

Basically, this is the shape of our parchment. Feel free to play around with position of the anchor points, add new ones or remove some (if needed). You might improve the look.

Creating the Rips

We are moving on on the next step, creating the rips in the sides of the parchment. We will need to create small shapes that we will be using to cut from the parchment in several places. The creation process is quite simple. Grab the Arc Tool from the Tool Panel and click somewhere on the Artboard. The Arc Segment Tool Options window will popup.

Leave all settings at the default and hit the OK button. This way we have created a curved path. Make sure to set the Stroke color (to any color you like), and the value for stroke to 10 pt. We will also have to change the shape of the stroke. Under the Stroke Panel (if the Stroke Panel isn’t visible you will find it under Window > Stroke) set the Profile to Width Profile 5. This way you can create different shapes. Just try to experiment with Stroke settings to get the look you want.

To be able to create the rips we will need to expand the Stroke we have just created. Select the arc, and under Object select Expand Appearance.

Place the new shape, we have just created, where the end just partially covers the edge of the parchment. Feel free to rotate it, if needed. Select the new shape and the yellow shape (parchment), and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Minus Front button. It will create a small rip.

Repeat this step a few times to create several more rips. Just place them randomly all over the folded parchment. You should end up with something like this.

Applying Gradients

Get ready to apply some nicely colored gradients to our folded parchment. We will combine linear and radial gradients in order to create a nice realistic look. So let’s get started.

For the largest part of the parchment we will be using a radial gradient. The radial gradient will help us create a nice color transition, especially in the upper segment. We will be using a large radius on the radial gradient in order to follow the shape of the page.

We will use similar gradients for the other parts of the illustration as well.

More on Page Two

As you can see we have made a nice improvement to the illustration, but there are some other things we can do to make it even better. The rest of the tutorial is over on page two.

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 we 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).

3D effect Extrude & Bevel will help us with the Perspective (which is a very important aspect of this tutorial). Beside that we will create a nice pattern that we will use as wrapping paper and fancy ribbon to complete our illustration.

So, let’s move from words to deeds. This is what we will be creating.

Creating the Heart

In this tutorial we will do everything from scratch. First thing we have to do is to create a nice heart. Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create a perfect circle (hold the Shift key on the keyboard for the even shape).

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the circle and nudge it to the right, as shown in the picture below.

Select both circles and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Unite button. It will turn both circles into one object.

Now grab the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the Tool Panel and select the lower middle anchor point. Hold the Shift key on the keyboard and drag that anchor point downwards.

With the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C) click on that anchor point in order to create a sharp corner.

With Delete Anchor Point Tool (-) we will now remove two anchor points.

You should end up with something like this.

As you can see, this isn’t a perfect heart. It seems a little bit edgy. Let fix that. Grab the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the Tool Panel. Click on the anchor point on the left side of the heart. Make sure to pull the end of the handle downwards (don’t forget to hold the Shift key on your keyboard while you’re doing this, for straight dragging).

You can see the difference between the left and right sides of the heart.

Repeat that step for the right side of the heart as well. You should end up with the perfect shape of the heart.

Feel free to adjust the position and the number of anchor points until you reach desirable look of the heart.

Creating the Wrapping Paper

In this part of the tutorial we will create a nice and simple pattern for our gift box. Select the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tool Panel and create a large rectangle. We will use it to create a symbol for the wrapping paper. The rectangle has to be large enough to cover all the parts of the gift box. Set the Fill color to any color you like, we will change the color in the final step anyway.

Now grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create a small circle.

Duplicate the circle and move it to the right side of the rectangle. To do that hold the Alt / Opt key on your keyboard, click on the circle and drag it to the right side of the rectangle. Don’t forget to hold the Shift key on your keyboard for straight dragging. If this is too complicated for you, just duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the circle and move it to the right.

Select both circles and under Object select Blend > Make. It will create more circles in the middle.

To set the exact number of the circles select Object > Blend > Blend Options.

Set the Spacing to Specified Steps and the value to 15.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the row of circles and place the copy as is pictured below. Make sure to expand both rows (to turn them into an editable object). Just select Object > Expand.

Select both rows and under the Object select Blend > Make. It will create a few rows with circles in the middle. To set the exact number of the rows again select Object > Blend > Blend Options. Set the Spacing to Specified Steps and the value to 6.

Expand the circles again (Object > Expand). Select all the circles and duplicate them (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F). Place the copy as it is in the picture. Group (Ctrl / Cmd + G) the circles. Select all the elements and under the Align Panel hit the Vertical and Horizontal Align Center.

Group (Ctrl / Cmd + G) all the elements and drag them to the Symbol Panel. Set the name to Pattern and Type to Graphic. Then hit the OK button.

Now we have the wrapping paper for our gift box completed. So, let’s create the gift box now.

Creating the Shape of the Gift Box

First we will create the cover for the box.

Select the shape of the heart we created in the beginning of this tutorial. Under Effect select 3D > Extrude & Bevel. Make sure to check the Preview box to be able to monitor the changes.

Feel free to play around with the rotation of the box until you find the right angle and the position of the cover. Perspective is very important to the tutorial, so don’t forget to include it. For our purpose we will set the Perspective to 100. Feel free to adjust to your liking.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the heart and nudge it downwards, using the arrow key on your keyboard. We need to make sure to bring the upper heart to the front (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + ]).

As you can see, we are not expanding the hearts yet. We have to be able to adjust all 3D parameters if needed. Within the Appearance Panel (Window > Appearance) we can see which effects have been applied to our objects.

If you select one of the hearts and click on the 3D Extrude & Bevel link under the Appearance Panel you will open the Extrude & Bevel Options window and you will be able to adjust the look of the object.

So, let’s edit a little bit of our illustration.

Select the lower heart and open Extrude & Bevel Options window. We will have to increase the Extrude Depth in order to create the lower part of the gift box. Set the value for Extrude Depth to 80.

Make sure to upscale the upper heart (cover of the gift box) a little bit. You may have to adjust other settings as well, in order to achieve the right look for your gift box. You should end up with something like this.

Applying the Symbol of the Wrapping Paper to the Gift Box

If you are satisfied with the basic look of the gift box we can move on. Basically, we have two hearts with applied 3D effects. Now we will apply the symbol of the wrapping paper to each heart.

To apply the symbol to the 3D shape simply hit the Map Art button inside the Extrude & Bevel Options window. A new window will pop up. Switch between the surfaces to apply the pattern we created earlier.

When we are done with the cover it should look like this.

Repeat the previous step for the lower part of the gift box. You should end up with something like this.

More on Page Two

We are nearly halfway through the tutorial, but there are still some vital details to come. To complete the design, simply head on over to page two for the rest.

Creating an illustration of a sparkling disco ball might seem very complicated, and with good reason. In this new Adobe Illustrator tutorial we will try make it simple. We will be creating a really nice, shiny disco ball using only AI and our good taste in color selection. Overall, the coloring will be a real challenge. So get ready to create a vector that will have you dancing in your chair.

This is what we will be creating.

Creating the Basic Shape of the Disco Ball

In this part of tutorial we will create the basic shape of the ball with small rectangles. Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and just click on the Artboard. It will bring up the Ellipse Options box where we can set the dimension of the circle. Let’s set it to 200 x 200.

Now, grab the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tool Panel and click somewhere on the Artboard. It will bring up the Rectangle Options box. We will set the width to 400 pixels and the height to 200 pixels.

Now we have to divide our rectangle into small squares.  To do that, under Object click Rasterize. Leave everything at its default and hit the OK button.

Select Object again and then Create Object Mosaic.

Set the Tile Spacing to 1 and the Number of Tiles to 60 and 30.

This way we have created many small squares that we will apply to the Disco Ball later.

We have to make a small adjustment to the group of small squares. In the Layer Panel make sure to remove the last rectangle on the list. This way we’ll have only small squares.

Grab the group of the small squares and drag it to the Symbol Panel. Make sure to set the Type to Graphic and hit the OK button.

Now when we have the symbol of the squares we can remove it from the Artboard.

Now we have to prepare the circle we created in the beginning of this tutorial. Grab the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the Tool Panel and select the left anchor point on the circle. Hit the Delete button on your keyboard in order to remove it.

Under Effect select 3D > Revolve. Make sure to set the Surface to No Shading. This way we will avoid creating unnecessary parts of the ball.

Now is the time to apply our squares to the ball. To do that hit the Map Art button. A new window will pop up. In the Symbol drop down menu select the symbol of the squares.

You will notice that the squares don’t cover the whole surface of the ball. To fix that just hit the Scale to Fit button in the bottom of the window. It will stretch out our symbol and will cover the ball.

Feel free to change the rotation of the cube in the 3D Revolve Options window. This way we will change the rotation of the disco ball as well.

When you are satisfied with the basic look of the Disco Ball make sure to select Object > Expand. Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + G) the ball (several times). You should end up with the Layer Panel like this.

You will notice that one of the layers contains the front side of the ball, the other layer contains back side of the ball, and the other two layers contain only round paths. Remove both paths and the back side of the ball. You should end up with something like this.

This is actually the look of the Disco Ball without the nice colors which will give our illustration the fancy look we desire.

Applying Color Gradients

This is the part of the tutorial where we will show off our ability to turn something very simple (our red ball with small squares) into a stunning illustration of a shiny disco ball. In theory, all we have to do to it is Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + G) the ball and to change their Fill color to something more colorful. Sounds easy.

For the right look, we have to find the exact combination of colors which will create the impression of a three dimensional object (ball) and the shiny effects. This can be very tricky. Given that a disco ball is actually a ball with many small mirrors attached to the surface all with the ability to reflect light and we have to recreate this effect. What we will try in this tutorial is to make several groups of rectangles and change their Fill color with colors that will blend nicely. But let’s move from words to deeds.

As we said, Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + G) the disco ball. Now, with the Selection Tool (V) select the rectangles as it’s shown in the pictures below (don’t forget to hold the Shift key on the keyboard for multiple selections).

There are many rectangles that needs to be selected. It might be easier if you select the larger area at once and then holding the Shift key on your keyboard with Selection Tool (V) just deselect some rectangles.

Now, grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and click somewhere on the Artboard. In the Ellipse Options box set the dimensions to 200 x 200 (same as we did at the beginning) and hit the OK button. Send the new circle behind our disco ball (Shift + Ctrl . Cmd + [) and align it horizontally and vertically with the disco ball using the (Align Panel > Horizontal and Vertical Align Center).

Now we need to find a way to turn this boring illustration into a nice and fancy disco ball. Color gradients will help us to do that.

In this tutorial we will use a golden gradient, but feel free to use any color combination you like.

Apply the golden gradient to the circle behind the rectangles.

We will apply the same radial gradient to each part of the disco ball we’ve grouped. Make sure to use different angles when you are dragging the gradient with the Gradient Tool (G).

As you can see, we’ve made some improvements but we still need to work on details.

To emphasize the influence of the light we will set the Fill color for some rectangles to white (#FFFFFF). Feel free to use other colors as well, in order to reach the look you like. To be able to edit individual rectangles inside their groups, without ungrouping them, just enter the Isolation Mode that can be found under the right click.

Play around with colors, use different shades of the gradient until you create something you like.

To exit the Isolation Mode just click on the bar at the top of the window.

Our disco ball looks better now, but there is one more thing we can do to improve it. Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create a circle. Apply a radial gradient to the circle, as is shown below. Just make sure to set the Opacity of the white color on the left side of the slider to 0%.

Make a few copies (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + V) of the circle and place them on some of the white rectangles on the disco ball. It will create a nice glow around the sparkling mirrors.

Next Page to Continue

Almost there, but not quite done. Read more here to add the rest of the finishing touches!

Adobe Illustrator has an amazing feature that allows us create many realistic illustrations. Today we will have the opportunity to practice with the Mesh Tool once again. We will use it to create an interesting damask curtain. The Mesh Tool will help us to create the illusion of the silk look of the curtain with a nice floral design. You can use this simple technique to create similar illustrations (a waving flag, for example).

So, let’s get started on this new Adobe Illustrator tutorial.

The final result should look something like this.

Creating the Floral Pattern

There are numerous patterns you can create to apply to the curtain. We will make a nice and interesting floral design. Creating the floral design is actually very simple. The only thing you have to pay attention to is creating smooth paths and symmetrical shapes. We will be using the Pen Tool (P), Ellipse Tool (L), Blend Tool and some other very useful Adobe Illustrator features. First we will prepare a few brushes that we’ll apply to some simple shapes.

Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create a circle.

Duplicate it (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) and place it as it’s shown on the picture below (hold the Shift key on the keyboard for straight dragging).

With the Ellipse Tool (L) create an ellipse and place it in the middle.

Select all the elements and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Unite button. It will unite all the elements into one shape.

Create another circle and place it as shown in the picture below.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the red circle and move it to the right. Make sure to align the elements properly. Under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Minus Front button.

Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) again from the Tool Panel and create a small circle. With the Direct Selection Tool (A) grab the lower anchor point and drag it downwards (hold the Shift key on the keyboard to ensure straight dragging).

Drag and drop the shape we have just created to the Brush Panel. The New Brush window will pop up. Make sure to check the Art Brush box.

In the Art Brush Options window make sure to set the Colorization Method to Tint. It will allow you to change the color of the brush directly, without expanding the objects.

This way we have created the brush that we will use a little bit later.

Now, grab the Pen Tool (P) from the Tool Panel and create the path as pictured.

Set the Stroke to 5pt.

Now we are going to turn the path into an editable shape. This is going to allow us to adjust the positions of some anchor points. Under Object select Expand. Grab the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the Tool Panel and try to adjust the shape as it’s shown.

This is also one of the shapes we will use a little bit later.

Now, let’s create a small leaf. To do that we will be using the Ellipse Tool (L). Create a circle (hold the Shift key on the keyboard for the proper circle). With the Direct Selection Tool (A) select the upper anchor point and drag it upwards (Shift for straight dragging).  With the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C) turn the top of the shape into the sharp corner.

Grab the Pen Tool (P) from the Tool Panel and create the shape shown below.

Select both shapes and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Minus Front button.

For the next floral element we will use the Pen Tool (P). Draw the path as it is shown on the picture below.

Set the Stroke to 5 pt and expand the path under Object > Expand.

With the Direct Selection Tool (A) adjust the positions of the anchor points and the angle of their handles. Try to create something like this.

There are numerous shapes we can create this way. Just use your imagination and make sure to create smooth shapes.

Let’s put our elements together and try to create a nice looking floral pattern.

Grab the Arc Tool from the Tool Panel and create the arc as shown in the picture below.

Reflect the arc by using the reflecting feature under Object > Transform > Reflect. Set the Axis to Vertical and hit the OK button.

Make two more copies (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) of the arc and place them like they are below.

With all arcs selected, choose the brush from the Brush Panel that we made earlier. You should end up with something like this.

Continue arranging the shapes we have already made.

Each time we add a new shape to our illustration we will use Reflection to create a mirror image in order to create a symmetrical illustration. In the same time make sure to align all of the elements to be centered.

Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create a circle . With the Add Anchor Point Tool (+) add one anchor point like we’ve done below.

With the Direct Selection Tool (A) select the new anchor point and remove it by hitting the Delete key on the keyboard.

Remove the Fill color and apply the brush we have made earlier.

Place the new shape as it shown on the picture below.

You can also add three flowers to make this part more interesting.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the curved path with the brush and scale it down little bit.

Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) one more time and create a circle.

With the Pen Tool (P) create a path as you can see done on the picture below.

Select the circle and the red path and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Divide button. Ungroup the (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + G) divided circle and remove one part by hitting the Delete key on the keyboard. Place the new shape as it shown on the picture below.

Select the new elements on the right side of the floral design and under Object select Transform > Reflect. Set the Axis to Vertical and hit the OK button. Place the copies on the left side.

Using techniques from previous steps create new elements.

Let’s create one more interesting detail for our floral design. Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create a small circle. Duplicate it (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F), scale it down and move it to the right.

Select both circles and under Object select Blend > Make. To set the number of the circles that are going to appear between these two circles under the Blend Tool set the Spacing to Specified Steps and the value to 15. It will create 15 circles in the middle.

Now we are going to use the Arc Tool again. Create the arc, select it within our line of descending circles and under the Object select Blend > Replace Spine. It will arrange the circles to follow the path of the arc.

Using the same technique, create a few more interesting details and complete our floral design.

Creating the Curtain

Now when we have our floral design ready and set, we can move on and create the illustration of a fancy curtain.

First of all we are going to grab the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tool Panel and to create an arbitrary rectangle.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the rectangle and lock the layer with the original rectangle. We are locking it to make sure not to distort it during our creation process.

Now grab the Mesh Tool (U) and make sure to add new anchor points to the rectangle by clicking exactly on the edge of the rectangle.

Keep applying new anchor points randomly.

Now we are going to apply different tones of gray color to the anchor points. Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the Tool Panel and by selecting each individual anchor point apply the gray color. Just make sure to apply the same tone of the gray color to the opposite anchor points.

With the Direct Selection Tool (A) try to adjust the angle of the handles of each anchor point. Just feel free to play around until you create smooth folded parts of the curtain.

When you are satisfied with the result unlock the layer we locked earlier and set the Fill color of the rectangle to #8DC63F. Now we are going to change the Blend Mode of the layer with the Mesh to Hard Light. This will change the color of the curtain to a nice green. Feel free to try out other Blending Modes until you achieve a nice result.

At this moment we will add the floral pattern we created earlier.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the floral shape we made earlier and place it as shown on the picture below.

Don’t forget to align the shape by using Vertical Align Center. Select both shapes and under Object select Blend > Make. It will create a few more floral elements in the middle. To set the exact number of the floral elements we need to bring up the Blending Options box. To do that go to Object > Blend > Blend Options. Set the Spacing to Specified Steps and the value to 3.

Turn the result into an editable shape by selecting Object > Expand.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the row of floral elements and place them as they are below.

Repeat the previous step. To make sure to create equal distance between the rows select all the elements and under the Align Panel hit the Vertical Distribute Space.

Group (Ctrl / Cmd + G) all the elements and place them on the top of the curtain we already created.

Make sure to set the Fill color of the floral elements to #58595B and under the Transparency Panel set the Blending Mode to Overlay. Feel free to try out a combination of Fill colors (make sure to use a gray color, just change the tone) and different type of Blending Modes. You should end up with something similar to this.

Select all the elements we have created so far and Group them (Ctrl / Cmd + G). Grab the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tool Panel and create the rectangle.

Remove the Fill color and the Stroke color of the rectangle. Select all the elements and under Object select Clipping Mask > Make. It will hide all the elements outside the new rectangle.

This is actually the final result of our vector illustration.

Feel free to use different colors, shapes and angles. The results can be very interesting.

Conclusion

Today we had the opportunity to use the Mesh Tool for creating a 3D illusion for the curtain in vector format. As you can see we didn’t experiment with lots of colors. The most important thing is to find the right balance between different tones of gray color. Blending Mode will do the rest. There are numerous textures you can create. Just be creative. If you happen to have any questions or comments please post them in the comment section below. It would be nice to see your achievements as well. I hope you like this tutorial. Feel free to visit other Mesh Tool tutorials: Create a Halloween Ghost with Mesh Tool and Christmas Greeting Card for more practice. Thank you for following along.

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Business icons are one of the most poplar vector illustrations. As with all vectors in general, business icons are scalable which makes them perfect for use in web design. The best way to create an icon is to use one of the vector based programs, such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, etc. We are going to create an interesting business icon that consists of two arrows and a globe in this Adobe Illustrator tutorial. The techniques we are going to describe is applicable for creation other kinds of illustrations as well.

So, let’s get down to business.

This is what we will be creating.

Creating the Globe

Before we create the globe we need to prepare a grid of parallels and meridians. It means we have to prepare the symbol that we’ll apply to the globe. The Blend Tool will help us do that.

Grab the Line Tool (/) from the Tool Panel and create a vertical line. Now, select Add Anchor Point Tool (+) and add an anchor point exactly in the middle of the line.

Select the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the Tool Panel, grab that anchor point and drag it to the left (don’t forget to hold the Shift key on the keyboard for straight dragging).

This way we have created a sharp corner. We need to smooth it out. Grab the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C) from the Tool Panel, click on the anchor point and to drag it downwards (Shift for straight dragging).

Select the path and under Object select Transform > Reflect. Set the Axis to Vertical and hit the Copy button. It will create a mirror image of our path. Move the new path to the right (Shift for straight dragging).

Select both paths and under Object select Blend > Make. It will create more paths in the middle. To specify the exact number of the paths open Blend Options (Object > Blend > Blend Options). We’ll set the value for the Specified Steps to 17.

Grab the Line Tool (/) from the Tool Panel and create a horizontal line (Shift for straight dragging), as shown on the picture below.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the line and place it as pictured.

Select both horizontal lines and under the Object select Blend > Make. Set the value for Specified Steps to 9.

Select all the elements we’ve created so far and Group them (Ctrl / Cmd + G). Grab the group of elements and drag it to the Symbol Panel. Symbol Options window will pop up. Set the name to Grid, make sure to set the Type to Graphic and hit the OK button.

Now we have created a symbol which we’ll use to apply to our globe.

Creating the Globe

First of all, we have to create a circle. Grab the Ellipse Tool (L) from the Tool Panel and create a circle (don’t forget to hold the Shift key on the keyboard for the proper circle).

With the Direct Selection Tool (A) select the anchor on the left side and hit the Delete key on the keyboard to remove it. You should end up with something like this.

Under Effect select 3D > Revolve.

Under the 3D Revolve Options box make sure to set the Surface to Diffuse Shading and then hit the Map Art button. This is the where we are going to apply the symbol we created to our sphere.

In the Symbol drop down Menu select the symbol of the grid we have already made. Make sure to hit Scale to Fit button. It will apply the grid symbol properly.

You should end up with something like this.

Now we need to apply some nice color gradients. To be able to do that, first we have to turn our object into editable shapes. Under Object select Expand Appearance. Then we need to Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl/ Cmd + G) the object. Be ready to repeat that action a few times, until you “separate” the sphere from the grid. When you achieve that select the sphere (you’ll notice that it contains many concentric circles) and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Unite button. This will turn the circles into a single one.

Set the Fill color for the grid to #61D4E0.

We are going to apply a nice blue radial gradient to the circle. It will turn our circle into a nice blue sphere.

There is one more thing we should add to the globe. Select the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tool Panel and create the ellipse. Set its Fill color to white (#FFFFFF) and place it as it shown on the picture below.

Set the Opacity of the new ellipse to 26%.

Our globe is ready for some nice arrows. Before we create them don’t forget to Group (Ctrl / Cmd + G) all the elements of the globe together.

Creating the Arrows

To create nice 3D arrows we will be using 3D effect Revolve. It will help us to fold the arrow around the globe. So, lets get started. First we will create the shape of the arrow.

Grab the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a rectangle, as it’s shown on the picture below.

Now, grab the Star Tool from the Tool Panel and click on the Artboard. The Star Options window will pop up. Set the value for Points to 3 and hit the OK button.

It will create a triangle. Rotate it and place it as it show on the picture below. Align the shapes by using Vertical Align Center under the Align Panel.

When you are satisfied with the result under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Unite button. It will turn both shapes into the arrow shape.

Drag the arrow to the Symbol Panel and name it Arrow. Set the Type to Graphic. This way we are creating the symbol of the arrow which we’ll be using later.

Now, grab the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tool Panel and create a rectangle, as pictured.

Under the Effects select 3D > Revolve. Check the Preview box in order to be able to see what are we doing. Under the Revolve Options box click on the Map Art button.

You will notice that the cylinder contains three sides. Upper ellipse, lower ellipse and the lateral side of the cylinder. Switch between sides, and when you select the lateral side of cylinder select the arrow in the drop down menu for Symbol. Also, make sure to check Invisible Geometry. It will remove the cylinder shape and only the arrow will be visible.

Feel free to play with the size and the rotation of the arrow, until you reach the right angle and position.

When you reach a desirable result hit the OK button. We can also change the rotation of the invisible cylinder in order to find the best position for our arrow by rotating the cube in the 3D Revolve Options box.

Now we have to turn our arrow into an editable shape. Select the shape with the arrow and under Object hit Expand Appearance. You should end up with something like this.

Lets Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + G) the new shape (we’ll have to do it more than once) and remove everything besides the arrow. This is what we should have by now (blue color is changed to be able to see the result clearly).

Take a good look at the arrow. See if there are any unnecessary anchor points and remove them.

Now we have to turn the arrow into a 3D shape. Select both parts of the arrow and duplicate them (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F). Using the arrow keys on the keyboard nudge the copies a few pixels to the right and then downwards. You should end up with something like this.

We have to connect some shapes now. Grab the Add Anchor Point Tool (+) from the Tool Panel and add few anchor points.

With the Direct Selection Tool (A) grab the new anchor point and move it to the lower corner of the green shape.

Repeat this step for the other corners of the arrow as well.

To be able to create a glossy arrow with lots of reflected parts, we’ll have to divide some parts of the arrow. Select the Pen Tool (P) from the Tool Panel and create the path as it’s shown in the picture. We will use the path to divide the red part of the arrow. Just select them both (red shape and the green path) and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Divide button. It will split the red shape exactly in half. Don’t forget to Ungroup it (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + G).

And, now our arrow is ready to get some nice colors.

Applying the Color Gradients

In this part of the tutorial we will try to achieve a nice glossy look for the arrow.

To start we will apply some nice linear gradients.

Use a radial gradient for lateral side.

We can also divide the inner part of the arrow. Just create another path using the Pen Tool (P) and divide the inner side of the arrow. Apply a nice radial gradient to both sides.

We can also make some additional shapes that will help us to create the glossy look of the arrow. Select the right upper side of the arrow and under Object select Path > Offset Path. Set the value for Offset to -3 and hit the OK button.

With the Direct Selection Tool (A) move the upper side of the new shape. Just select the upper anchor points and move them upwards, as shown below.

Apply a nice linear gradient to the new shape.

We can do the same thing with the left side of the arrow. You should end up with something like this.

In order to create more light reflections we will divide some other parts of the arrow as well. Grab the Line Tool (/) from the Tool Panel and create a few random lines.

Use each of the lines to divide the surface underneath the line. Just select the line and the shape you want to divide and under the Pathfinder Panel hit the Divide button.

Apply a green radial gradient to the new shape, just make sure to create a sharp transition, just as it’s shown in the pictures below.

Repeat this step for the other shapes as well. It will create nice light reflections.

Some nice edge highlights will give our illustration a real glossy look.

The Final Touch

Now we will combine our globe with the arrows. To be able to set the two arrows in the right place we will have to learn to draw a Clipping Mask. A Clipping Mask is actually a random shape without the Fill and Stroke colors which allows us to hide some parts of the illustration.

Let’s get down to business.

Place the arrow on the top of the globe (as pictured). Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the arrow and send the copy behind the globe (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + [). You should end up with something like this.

Grab the Pen Tool (P) from the Tool Panel and draw a shape similar to this.

When you are drawing the shape for the Clipping Mask keep in mind what parts of the arrows needs to be visible (everything inside the path will remain visible). Also make sure to follow the shape of the globe in order to avoid overlapping the globe and the part of the arrow that needs to be behind it.

When you are satisfied with the shape of the Clipping Mask remove the Stroke color, select the globe and the arrow and under the right click select Make Clipping Mask.

This action will hide all parts of the arrow outside the Clipping Mask. This way we have created the illusion that the arrow is "sitting" on the globe.

Duplicate (Ctrl / Cmd + C, Ctrl / Cmd + F) the green arrow behind the globe, Bring it to the Front (Shift + Ctrl / Cmd + ]) and change the color to red. Using the Reflection feature under Object > Transform > Reflect flip the arrow upside down by using reflection on a Horizontal and Vertical axis. You should end up with something like this.

Repeat the steps for creating the Clipping Mask and you should get something like this.

Feel free to create a few more shadows and some sparks…

…and we are done!

The Conclusion

Glad that you went through the entire tutorial. It will help you to create a really interesting web icon that can be used for different kinds of purposes (business, environment, communication, etc). Using this technique you can actually do other kinds of illustrations as well.

Just feel free to be creative and to explore the other possibilities. Hope you like this tutorial. Thank you for following along.

(rb)