Learn how to combine basic shapes to create more complex illustrations in Adobe Illustrator; no drawing skills required!
In this beginner-friendly class, I’ll demonstrate how I illustrated 6 icons by building with shapes. You can either recreate my icons, or apply the techniques you learn to create your own set of icons.
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/discussion/tmp/9089097d.png" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="9089097d.png">
You'll learn how to:
<ul>
<li>Create shapes with the shape tools</li>
<li>Transform objects by rotating, scaling, and reflecting</li>
<li>Round corners (and the best time to do this)</li>
<li>Use the Pathfinder panel to unite and cut out shapes</li>
<li>Duplicate objects</li>
<li>Cut paths</li>
<li>Create color swatches and recolor artwork</li>
<li>Create perfectly smooth curves with a secret Pen Tool trick</li>
<li>Edit shapes by adjusting anchor points with the Direct Selection Tool</li>
<li>Use Offset Paths to create details</li>
<li>Create clipping masks to crop shapes</li>
<li>Expand paths into filled shapes</li>
<li>and much more!</li>
</ul>
Plus, you’ll learn how to set up illustrations with animation in mind.
If you’re brand new to Illustrator, I’d recommend watching my <a href="https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/adobe-illustrator-essentials-beginners-guide-to-illustration/51920166/projects?via=user-profile" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Adobe Illustrator Essentials class</a> first. This class covers all the basics with a focus on the essential skills motion designers need to know to create illustrations to animate.
<iframe src="https://www.skillshare.com/embed/video?sessionId=5213611&amp;width=600&amp;height=337.07865168539&amp;authToken=" height="497" width="600" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-forms allow-same-origin allow-popups"></iframe>
Then, once you’ve completed this class and illustrated a set of icons, watch my class, <a href="https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/easy-animated-icons-in-adobe-after-effects/834597236/projects?via=user-profile" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Easy Animated Icons</a> to learn how to animate them in Adobe After Effects.
<iframe src="https://www.skillshare.com/embed/video?sessionId=5239159&amp;width=600&amp;height=337.07865168539&amp;authToken=" height="497" width="600" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-forms allow-same-origin allow-popups"></iframe>
🎓 Check out my <a href="https://link.animationexplained.com/curriculum" class="notion-link-token notion-focusable-token notion-enable-hover" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">curriculum</a> for what order to take my classes.

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Illustrated Icons - Example Project

Illustrate with Shapes: Design Vector Graphics in Adobe Illustrator

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Illustrate with Shapes: Design Vector Graphics in Adobe Illustrator

Project Example by Megan Friesth

Project Example by Megan Friesth

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