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 tutorial series discusses how to composite imagery within illustrator. Using a simple gig poster as a starting point, we’ll explore a number of techniques that you can use to make your Photoshop imagery look better.

Download exercise files here.

This tutorial series discusses how to composite imagery within illustrator. Using a simple gig poster as a starting point, we’ll explore a number of techniques that you can use to make your Photoshop imagery look better.

Download exercise files here.

This tutorial series discusses how to composite imagery within illustrator. Using a simple gig poster as a starting point, we’ll explore a number of techniques that you can use to make your Photoshop imagery look better.

Download exercise files here.

This tutorial uses basic layer effects to create a compelling, dimensional cut paper effect. We’ll also look at adding lighting effects to create the appearance of a realistic diorama.

Please excuse the poor sound quality.

Download the exercise files here.

For most artists drawing is a personal endevour. It is most likely the very first mode of artistic expression artists ever engage in. Which is why making the transition from drawing on paper to drawing digitally can be so difficult, causing the beginner to throw up their pressure sensitive pen in frustration.

But the effort to learn to draw digitally is worth it. The tools for quick modifications that Photoshop provides can take your drawing into a whole new level of sophistication.

The videos in this series are meant to introduce the subject of drawing digitally in a gentle and pragmatic manner. We’ll first see how to set up our PS workspace to best advantage, and then how some simple exercises can help develop new muscle memory. Finally we’ll look at PS’s new mixer brushes which simulate working in traditional media.

For most artists drawing is a personal endevour. It is most likely the very first mode of artistic expression artists ever engage in. Which is why making the transition from drawing on paper to drawing digitally can be so difficult, causing the beginner to throw up their pressure sensitive pen in frustration.

But the effort to learn to draw digitally is worth it. The tools for quick modifications that Photoshop provides can take your drawing into a whole new level of sophistication.

The videos in this series are meant to introduce the subject of drawing digitally in a gentle and pragmatic manner. We’ll first see how to set up our PS workspace to best advantage, and then how some simple exercises can help develop new muscle memory. Finally we’ll look at PS’s new mixer brushes which simulate working in traditional media.

For most artists drawing is a personal endevour. It is most likely the very first mode of artistic expression artists ever engage in. Which is why making the transition from drawing on paper to drawing digitally can be so difficult, causing the beginner to throw up their pressure sensitive pen in frustration.

But the effort to learn to draw digitally is worth it. The tools for quick modifications that Photoshop provides can take your drawing into a whole new level of sophistication.

The videos in this series are meant to introduce the subject of drawing digitally in a gentle and pragmatic manner. We’ll first see how to set up our PS workspace to best advantage, and then how some simple exercises can help develop new muscle memory. Finally we’ll look at PS’s new mixer brushes which simulate working in traditional media.

I love using halftone dots. They’re part pattern, part texture and they can also model form. But creating them in illustrator can be a bit of a pain. However, by following the steps outlined in this video, you too will be a halftone dot expert.

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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