The Suite Spot

Here’s a technique for creating grungy scrawl – it can be applied to text also as I’m going to demonstrate here – that remains live and editable – using lines and graphic styles. There are several variations you can do here – including using different brushes in the mix but for now this simple approach will have you emulating your sketchbook in minutes. As usual, Windows users should substitute CMD with CTRL and if you’re on … Read entire article »

Here’s a really simple technique for creating editable, reflected artwork using a symbol – this is so easy my cat could do it! Thanks for all the positive feedback about Illustrator Week – I’m really glad that so many of you are getting something from it and enjoying it. Next week will be another InDesign tip and coming up soon: Dreamweaver Day! Stay Tuned. … Read entire article »

Here are five quick tips for the middle of the week: Draw multiple instances of a shape by holding down the tilde (~) key as you draw. Can be really cool for creating interesting patterns and spirograph style shapes. Find yourself reselecting the same things? Save a selection! If you’ve got something selected and it’s taken you more than a minute or so to get it, then you won’t want to be doing it again, will you? … Read entire article »

Here’s a simple technique to create a Celtic knotwork style strip, using a line, the zig-zag effect, the Live Paint tools and finishing up creating a pattern brush. Creating the Knotwork Begin by creating a short horizontal line with the line tool and then leaving that selected, choose Effects > Distort & Transform > Zig Zag. In the dialog, choose a fairly large size (I’ve gone for 38, but this will depend on the length of your line), … Read entire article »

Isometric grids are really useful for some drawing tasks – especially as a starting point for creating pixel-art type graphics. This quick guide will show you how to make a handy grid for your isometric drawings although you could apply this technique to any other kind of grid. Windows users please substitute CTRL for CMD unless specified otherwise. Begin by selecting the line tool – the quick key for this is the backslash \ and then … Read entire article »