AI8 EPS Files Explained

If you want to upload to microstock, you might need to submit AI8 EPS files. This can be very frustrating for illustrators who are used to working with all the bells and whistles found in current versions of Illustrator (drop shadows, transparent shapes, etc). But there are some very practical reasons to stick to AI8 files. Click here to find out what they are!

Tutorial: Create a Cello Scroll from a Reference Photo

In this tutorial, we’re going to use a reference photograph of a cello scroll to create a (mostly) realistic illustration without using any gradients. Creating a vector from a photo can be extremely handy when you need a super huge size, since vectors can scale without losing image quality. In addition, the fact we’re avoiding gradients makes this illustration printer-friendly. Click here to read more!

Tutorial: Create a Cute Lipstick Tube

In this tutorial, we’re going to use simple shapes from Adobe Illustrator’s default Shape tools to create a cute stylized tube of pink lipstick. All you’ll need are circles, squares, and some subtle gradients as shading. Click here to read more!

Tutorial: Create a High Contrast Vector Portrait

In this tutorial, we’re going to explain how to convert a photograph into a simplified vector portrait. This technique can be handy if you’re printing in limited flat colors, need to upsize a small photo, or even just to add some graphic and cartoony pizazz to that photo! (And yeah, that’s yours truly looking bored on the phone!) Click here to read more…

 Difficulty Level: Beginner

New Article on iStock: The Layered Look

In this article, the amazing Cheryl Graham (‘freetransform’ on iStock) tells you absolutely everything you need to know about layers in Adobe Illustrator. Click here to read more!

Tutorial: Quick and Easy Character Shading

It’s surprisingly easy to add depth and dimension flat-colored illustrations, without using gradients. In this tutorial we’re going to show you some fast and simple tricks on how to subtly shade objects. Click here to read!

 

 Difficulty Level: Beginner+