Basic Vector Characters Using Shapes - Illustrator Tutorial

For beginners in using Adobe Illustrator, it may seem complicated to use at first. That's why I've uploaded a simple project anyone could follow. Creating characters using basic shapes are easy, and in this time-lapse video you could get some ideas on what to do.

In Illustrator, it is a huge key to think in shapes. Most objects can be created from basic shapes, and we can create characters using these shapes.

The Pathfinder is also your friend. You can combine shapes, subtract shapes, divide a shape (and more) to create a new kind of shape.

Check out the video here:

 

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Vector Hair Strands - Basic Tutorial

Some years ago, I've made a video tutorial on making hair strands for vector portraits. I remember finding it so much fun to do and very interesting. Often, when I am making these portraits, I really have no idea how it's gonna turn out but then I surprise myself when it comes out really beautiful. 

 

So here's the video. It's not actually a tutorial though - I just captured how I make the process for the base hair, and haven't put it into much detail.

With the pen tool set to make paths, not to make shapes, I create single curved strokes and then while holding Ctrl + Alt, I drag each stroke to duplicate it and to make multiple copies of paths. With the brush set to Opacity 100% and the second default Hard Round brush, I stroke the path and...voila!

The video shows how I copy all these to make the hair of the subject. Well, I didn't really capture how I made the rest of the hair, and wishing I did, but for the rest of the hair, I've done the same process except with varying colors and brush sizes. 

And here is how it turned out when I finished making it.

Sorry about not explaining how I made the rest of the portrait but hopefully I could make more tutorials in the near future.

Thanks for reading!

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Creating Art and Choosing Your Path

Why should you create art? Art, while some may see as unnecessary, adds value and color to our existence. We are able to express our inner selves through a creation of a painting, song, drawing, or sculpture.

You don’t necessarily have to create art as a career/ by profession. Many people of different career fields all over the world create art for the expression, enjoyment, and exploration it brings.

One of the first digital paintings I made.

Choosing Your Path

 If you explore your self and your interests, and try different things, you’ll discover the path you would want to take. There are also a lot of resources available on the Internet that could help you choose.

Whether it’s a pen, a brush, or an acrylic roller, we’d most likely suck at making art at first. Acknowledge that your a beginner, and keep practicing. Treat your hobby as a second career, showing up no matter what, while building your own inspiration.

Seeing Beyond Aesthetics and Attractiveness

Art takes skill, and we start with very little of it. It’s up to you whether to aim for your art to be as technically perfect as possible, or as a means to express yourself without aiming for some sort of “master” level. Although being skilled at what you do has a lot of benefits (and being able to do a lot more is always good), it is still up to your choice. 

Art detaches us from the common toils and definitions, the successes, and just lets things be. If you’re bored, learn an art, don’t be discouraged, and just keep going!

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