Adobe Illustrator is a dynamic tool for creating scalable vector artwork. And there is always a fresh supply of tutorials to master Illustrator’s tools and effects.

Here is a list of recent tutorials for Illustrator CS6. Practice Illustrator’s new features to strengthen your scalable vector design. Utilize image trace, create repeatable patterns, apply 3D effects, and more.

New Illustrator Tutorials

Learn Illustrator CS6. Learn the basics of Illustrator CS6 with “Getting Started” and “New Features” tutorials by product experts. This series of short tutorials will get you up and running with Illustrator CS6 and its new tools.

Discover the new features of Adobe Illustrator CS6.

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Why You Should Use Adobe Illustrator to Create User Interfaces. Novice designers always come up with a question about which application to use to create user interfaces. Most choose a bitmap editor such as Photoshop. However, vector editors are better suited for this purpose.

Create a user interface with a vector editor.

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How to Easily Outline Curly Letters. Making smooth looking curves and curls in vector can be tricky, especially if you’re working with hand drawn forms. This tutorial shows the process of outlining extremely curly letters that have been hand drawn and scanned into the computer.

Learn to outline extremely curly letters.

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Create a Retro Triangular Pattern Design in Illustrator. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to create a popular retro pattern of colorful squares and triangles. Use tools to accurately align elements, then see how the Pathfinder can easily create custom shapes.

Align elements and create custom shapes to produce a pattern.

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Create a Simple Drop-Down Menu. In this tutorial, learn how to create a simple drop-down menu. Start with rectangles and simple paths, some basic vector shape building techniques and the Rounded Corners effect. Then use multiple fills and strokes along with the Drop Shadow effect and some simple blending techniques.

Build a drop-down menu with basic shapes and Illustrator effects.

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Create a 3D Custom Map in Illustrator. Learn how to create isometric icons that you can build up into a 3D custom map or cityscape image. Once you get the hang of drawing the simplest shapes in this isometric style, you can draw just about anything.

Create isometric icons to build a 3D map.

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Create Retro Graphics in Illustrator. In this tutorial, create a cool graphic with a retro feel in just a few simple steps. Form simple vector shapes with the Pen tool and then add textures for a retro aesthetic.

Form simple vector shapes and add textures to create a retro graphic.

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Create a Textured Vector Cityscape. Create a cityscape using vectors and points, with either lines or blocks of color, and a combination of a build-up of layers within Illustrator. It is deliberately limited in its technique to achieve the hard edges of modern architecture.

Build a cityscape with layers of vector shapes.

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How to Create a Vector Sponge Art Effect in Illustrator. Today designers and illustrators strive to add vintage style to their work with textures. In this tutorial, create a cute kids style illustration complete with a vector sponge stamp effect for a vintage look.

Create a vintage look with a vector sponge effect.

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Bring “Happy” to an Illustration. With a carefully constructed composition that makes creative use of color, it’s possible to create an image rich in magic and positivity without it being sickly sweet. Recreate the feeling of discovering the unexpected, using as few shapes and colors as possible.

Create a magic image with only a few shapes and colors.

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Create Art Deco Type. This tutorial focuses on the process of making iconic art deco letters. Learn to create, select and position elements, without resorting to any great wizardry.

Learn to create art deco letters with basic Illustrator tools.

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How to Illustrate a 3D Fire Torch. Create a flaming torch with vector illustration techniques. Along the way, harness powerful Illustrator tools, such as 3D, Bristle brushes, and Meshes.

Use powerful tools to create a 3D torch.

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Create a Vector Space Composition in Illustrator. In this tutorial, learn how to create a vector space composition featuring the planet Saturn. Use simple shapes, various Blending Modes, and follow a straightforward workflow that is as simple as a basic circle.

Use simple shapes and tools to create a vector space composition.

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How to Draw an Apricot with the Mesh Tool. Follow this detailed quick tip and learn how to draw an apricot using the Mesh Tool. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to create all the mesh points and lines, plus all the color shades used so you can draw a realistic apricot from scratch.

Learn how to draw an apricot with the Mesh tool.

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How to Create Hand-painted Sign in Adobe Illustrator. In this tutorial, learn how to create an inscription in a retro style. In the process, learn something about letter anatomy. The techniques described here will be useful not only for the work with typography, but also for the work with any vector objects.

Create an inscription with a retro style.

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Creating the Sole of a Sports Shoe with the Appearance Panel. In this tutorial, use the Appearance panel to create a stylized version of the bottom of a sneaker. It’s a great exercise for those who are just learning to navigate the Appearance panel.

Use the Appearance panel to create the soles of sneakers.

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