As you know, each month, we search the web for the best vector-related content and showcase it here for you all to enjoy. This month, we found some really great tutorials on creating vector portraits with different workflows that incorporate geometric shapes, and Photoshop texturing and effects. This month has loads of other tutorials, in addition to inspiring articles, resources, and useful freebies. November was another vector month with loads of quality material to dig into.
Vector Tutorials
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Make Artistic and Elegant Vector Artwork with Illustrator
The results here are elegant and beautiful. In this tutorial you’ll learn a few different ways to compose vector drawings together using reference images, how to use layer transparencies, and how to give your vector artwork a color-washed look with the use of Live Paint and color gradients. The work is then finished in Photoshop.
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Vector tutorial: Character superheroes illustration set
In this tutorial you’ll learn how to create a superhero icon (similar to superman) in Illustrator. It’s an interesting use of gradients and well worth spending the time to read this and then practice creating a character with this workflow.
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Create Type from a Single Path
Steven Bonner shows us how to use Illustrator’s paths to connect hand written letters. He shows how learning to create type from a single path has many potential uses in design for logos and slogans, and can be used to create effective illustrations.
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Create a Retro-Futuristic Poster
In this tutorial, Rogier de Boevé shows us how to create a retro-futurism image with an abstract geometric foundation. He combines fragments of landscapes with portraiture. In this tutorial you’ll use both Illustrator and Photoshop.
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Photoshop & Illustrator Tutorial: Make vector portraits from photos
In this tutorial, Eelco van den Berg lets you behind the curtain to see how he creates his incredible vector portraits by turning a photo into a “popish” vector illustration. Learn to use Illustrator’s basic tools to carve out geometric shapes and then use Photoshop to add texture and feel.
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Photoshop & Illustrator Tutorial: Create cartoon figures with ease
In this tutorial, Mercedes Crespo (aka YemaYema) shows how she creates her appealing cartoon characters. Though full of detail, rich in color and complex in appearance, they are simple to draw, as she reveals here.
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Illustrator inset effect on text in combination with clipping mask
Veerle walks us through the process of creating an inset text effect in Illustrator. She also points out how she feel this is easier to do in Photoshop and will deliver higher quality results, as demonstrated in her tutorial Photoshop inset effect on text in combination with clipping mask.
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Quick Tutorial: Create a Reusable Retro Type Treatment
In this tutorial Rype shows us how to create a simple retro type treatment. Even though its simple, it uses some powerful Illustrator features. By using the Appearance panel it makes this effect reusable with the click of a button – awesome.
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How To Create a Tessellating Geometric Poster Design
Follow this tutorial by Chris Spooner, which teaches you how to create a trendy geometric poster design with a series of tessellating three dimensional cubes. The colorful shapes are created in Illustrator, and everything else is finished off with subtle textures and color casts in Photoshop.
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How to Create a Spectacular Vector Film Strip in Illustrator
This is an advanced Illustrator tutorial with a high quality end result. Follow along step by step using tools such as: symbols, gradients, 3D tools, blending modes, gradient mesh, and more.
Vector Inspiration, Articles, and Resources
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Chris Battle Interview
Read this interview with Chris Battle, a character designer that has worked on projects such as : Dexter’s Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, The Mighty B, El Tigre, Xiaolin Showdown, Kick Buttowski, Duckman, Aaaaahhh Real Monsters, plus all sorts of pilots and shorts. Awesome artwork and will make you start sketching on post it notes.
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Weekly Vector Inspiration #98
Ryan Putnam of Vectips delivers another assortment of vector wonder and excitement. He has a great eye for awesome vector work. If you’re looking for inspiration, then check out this roundup, with artwork on colorful vector characters, vector lettering, and more.
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AI-Resources DeviantART Group
Sharon Milne showed me the AI-Resources group she’s involved with on DeviantART, which collects resources both on and off DA on Illustrator Resources. It’s a great place to get the brushes you need, links to numerous illustrator tutorials, and more.
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Figures of speech illustration series
Oksancia created an illustration series on “figures of speach” for a recent challenge. She illustrated three of her favorite figures of speech and came up with a cute blond character to star in the English language adventures. See more below and check out Oksancia’s character tutorial here.
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80+ Creative & Unique Business Cards
Over on the WebDesigner Wall they’ve put together a collection of awesome business cards. They are all wildly different. Some of them are visually appealing, some have fancy die cut, some are edible, and some are just crazy – sure to give you some unique ideas.
(FREE!) Downloads
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Best Free Fonts of 2010
The font Dekar shown here in this collection looks awesome, simple sans-serif font, but really well composed. There are quite a few more prime selections from this year to check out and add to your collection.
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Font Collection: 10 Free Blackletter Fonts
Blackletter fonts, often also referred to as gothic script fonts, are an old style of fonts that dates back to the 12th century. This collection of fonts is layed out so well by Jacob Gube, you’re able to quickly see what distinguishes each of these.
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30 Free Animals Vectors
If you’re in need of some vector animals for your next design project, then this post will save you loads of time searching the web. You will find numerous animal silhouette of horses, dogs, birds, giraffes and many more, as well as various styles of illustrations.
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OSX Leopard GUI set, Vector Photoshop and Fireworks files included, great Freebie
This is a beautiful freebie set of OSX Leopard GUI elements. Great for web designers that want to integrate their designs into their apps. These vectors are compatible with Photoshop and Fireworks.
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5 Vector Freebies of Weapons
Designer chadtrutt delivers five automatic military weapons rendered in vector and available as a free EPS download. If you need to add some impact to your next design, then grab this freebie.