Vector Graphics

Swatches

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:46:55 -0400

Hidden features of the swatches palette, including patterns and global colors.

Gradient Mesh (Coloring and Shading Part 3)

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:57:22 -0400

The Gradient Mesh tool allows you to blend multiple colors within a simple shape.

Blurring and Shading (Coloring and Shading Part 2)

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:53:39 -0400

Adding a touch of realism to an illustration using the Gaussian Blur effect and gradient shadows & hi-lights.

Bubbles Part 2

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:32:25 -0500

More bubbles using the Blend tool and the Scatter brush.

Bubbles Part 1

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:19:46 -0500

Blowing bubbles using Envelope Distort, transparency, and Symbols.

Perspective Shadow

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:24:06 -0500

Most people are familiar with the standard drop shadow command that give the appearance of something floating above a surface with a light shining down on it from above. It's a useful but limited command. The Appearance palette combined with the Free Distort and Gaussian Blur effect will give you much more control and allow you to create perspective shadows.

Shading (Coloring and Shading Part 1)

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:50:40 -0500

By combining Envelope Distortions with gradients, you can add depth & shape to a graphic.

Expanding Text Box

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:51:12 -0500

Using the Convert to Shape command on a secondary fill color to create a text box that expands to match the size of the text.

Clipping Masks

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:47:21 -0500

Clipping masks provide a simple yet powerful way to hide graphics.

Waving Flag Trick

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:10:57 -0500

Create a 3-Dimensional waving flag using the Envelope Distort and gradient tools.

1 Hour Self Portrait

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:01:19 -0500

Create a vector self portrait in just one hour! Today!

8: Brushes

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:24:27 -0400

Brushes give shape and texture to paths.

7: Closed Paths

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:17:15 -0400

Concluding the discussion of paths

6: Open Paths, Part 2

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:07:18 -0400

More advanced Path techniques.

5: Open Paths

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:31:32 -0400

Paths are the fundamental, underlying technology for everything that is created in Illustrator. Mastery of paths is mastery of Illustrator. This tutorial looks at the absolute basics of paths creation.

4: Exploding Type Trick

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:31:43 -0400

Here we combine several features to create a fancy type trick!

3: Type!

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:25:48 -0400

Illustrator is the most powerful tool on the planet for working with type! In this tutorial we'll start scratching the surface of what's possible

2: Transform

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:16:57 -0400

Further modification of simple shapes using the Transform tools and commands.

1: Simple Shapes

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:14:02 -0400

You can create the most complex graphics by combining simple shapes.

0: Introducing Vector Graphics

matthew_leclair@umit.maine.edu (Matt LeClair) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:11:53 -0400

(slideshow with audio) An overview of the origins and uses of Vector graphics