The Live Trace effect in Adobe Illustrator can turn any photo into a compelling graphic image. I like to use it for detailed backgrounds that would be to difficult to recreate using Illustrator’s conventional vector tools. I also use it to convert photos into graphics that can then be turned into a brush to create interesting patterns. This video shows how to do all these things. Once you understand the Live Trace effect you can begin to experiment with other imagery. The sky’s the limit!

This set of tutorials demonstrates the use of illustrators shape modification and distortion tools and effects. The ability to modify shapes is one of Illustrators most useful features. The image created in this series is very simple but a bit more time can produce much more complex results.

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This set of tutorials demonstrates the use of illustrators shape modification and distortion tools and effects. The ability to modify shapes is one of Illustrators most useful features. The image created in this series is very simple but a bit more time can produce much more complex results.

Continue reading →

This set of tutorials demonstrates the use of illustrators shape modification and distortion tools and effects. The ability to modify shapes is one of Illustrators most useful features. The image created in this series is very simple but a bit more time can produce much more complex results.

Continue reading →

This set of tutorials demonstrates the use of illustrators shape modification and distortion tools and effects. The ability to modify shapes is one of Illustrators most useful features. The image created in this series is very simple but a bit more time can produce much more complex results.

Continue reading →

Working with colour in Illustrator for the first time can be a bit daunting. But once we get familiar with the terminology and the different ways Illustrator can choose and modify colours, you will have some real colour power at you fingertips.

We will begin by discussing the different colour modes. From there we will begin to select and modify our colors using a variety of tools built right into Illustrator.

Working with colour in Illustrator for the first time can be a bit daunting. But once we get familiar with the terminology and the different ways Illustrator can choose and modify colours, you will have some real colour power at you fingertips.

We will begin by discussing the different colour modes. From there we will begin to select and modify our colors using a variety of tools built right into Illustrator.

Working with colour in Illustrator for the first time can be a bit daunting. But once we get familiar with the terminology and the different ways Illustrator can choose and modify colours, you will have some real colour power at you fingertips.

We will begin by discussing the different colour modes. From there we will begin to select and modify our colors using a variety of tools built right into Illustrator.

Working with colour in Illustrator for the first time can be a bit daunting. But once we get familiar with the terminology and the different ways Illustrator can choose and modify colours, you will have some real colour power at you fingertips.

We will begin by discussing the different colour modes. From there we will begin to select and modify our colors using a variety of tools built right into Illustrator.

Working with colour in Illustrator for the first time can be a bit daunting. But once we get familiar with the terminology and the different ways Illustrator can choose and modify colours, you will have some real colour power at you fingertips.

We will begin by discussing the different colour modes. From there we will begin to select and modify our colors using a variety of tools built right into Illustrator.