Create Vector Illustrations: A Step-by-Step Guide for Adobe Illustrator

In this blog post I will give you a step-by-step guide on how to create vector illustrations with Adobe Illustrator. As an example I will show you a client project I am currently working on.

Adobe Illustrator is the most famous software for creating stunning vector illustrations. Its variety of tools and functionalities enable artists and designers to bring their imagination to life through scalable and high-quality artwork.

Too lazy to read? Watch my YouTube Video!

What are vector illustrations?

First of all you need to understand what vector illustrations actually are. Vector illustrations are high-quality illustrations, with clean lines and shapes. You can scale these illustrations to any size that you want without a loss of quality. That is why vector illustrations are so popular for ad banners, flyers, websites and blogs

The most important step to create vector illustrations: Sketches

Before you can start to create vector illustrations you need to know what you want to create. Sketch your ideas on paper or using digital sketching tools like Adobe Photoshop or a tablet. In my case I always use my iPad and the App Procreate to create my sketches. The sketches are the most important step because they help your client to understand your vision and they guide you through the process of the illustrations

Finding inspiration to create vector illustrtations

A lot of time I am looking for inspiration on stock websites before I create vector illustrations. Mostly I use shutterstock. Just type in the emotion or action for which you want to create an illustration. You can also filter for vectors only.

Now you get a variety of vector illustrations for the topic you choose. Here you can get inspiration for the proposition, the movement and more. Make sure that you don’t copy anything and that you are creating the illustrations in your own style.

Start to draw your sketches

For your sketches you can just use a pencil and paper, take a photo of the sketch and import it in Adobe Illustrator. I always use my iPad and the App Procreate.
I always use the 6B Pencil with a low amount of stabilization.

In the beginning my sketches look like a mess every time. I just try to get a first overview of the proposition and movement of the figures.

After that first draft I define my sketch again with another color to make it clearer. The last step is to change the settings of the 6B pencil to a high amount of stabilization so that I have more control over the pencil. Like that I can define the sketch better at the end.

Sometimes I create more sketches for one illustration to show my client different possible versions. Make sure that you take your time to create the sketches, because they are the most important step in the progress. With that you can showcase your ideas to your client.

Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator

If you haven’t already, download and install Adobe Illustrator on your computer to create vector illustrations. Once installed, launch the program and create a new document by selecting File > New. Choose the canvas size and settings that suit your illustration’s requirements.

Create vector illustrations with Adobe Illustrator

Now we come to the fun part: Creating the vector illustrations. Now we dive into the process of creating the illustrations. At the beginning it looks really complicated but you will get so much faster and better when you do it more often.

You need to import your sketch, so that you can draw over it. Place it in the middle of your canva and then double click on the layer, on the right. Now you can set this layer to a template. This locks the layer automatically and sets the opacity to 50%.

Create the first shapes

Most of the time I am using the pencil tool to redraw the sketch as a vector illustration. You can find the tools on the left in the sidebar. But you can also just press P on your keyboard. This is the shortcode for the pencil tool.

If you click somewhere the pencil tool creates a perfect straight line. But when you click somewhere and hold and drag, then you can define the lines and create round shapes.

For the ear I used the ellipse tool with the letter L on your keyboard. With that you can create perfect circles. The pencil I created with the rectangle tool, which you can use when you click M on your keyboard.

When you press A on your keyboard you will get the selection tool. When you click on a shape with this tool, you can select the corners and make some round, like in the example with the neck of the person.

Working with layers

Organize your artwork by using layers. Assign different elements to separate layers, making it easier to edit and manage specific parts of your illustration. Use the Layers Panel to rearrange, hide, or lock layers as needed.

But for smaller illustrations I am not always using different layers. You can also easily send specific elements to the back or to the front. Just hold CONTROL on your keyboard and then click on the shape you want to send back, then select “arrange” in the list and then “send to back”. This is a super important feature that I always use

At the beginning it can be super confusing with all the shortcodes, but believe me it is super helpful to learn the most important ones. With that you will get so much faster with your work.

Adding Colors to your illustrations

Select colors that complement your illustration’s theme. Use the Color Panel to apply solid colors to shapes or utilize the Gradient Tool to add depth and dimension. Experiment with gradients to create highlights, shadows, and depth in your artwork.

At the beginning I am creating all my illustrations in random colors, just to define the shapes first. After that I will add the brand colors of my client. Just click on the shapes you want to color, then press I on your keyboard. This tool allows you to select a color on your canva and to color your shape with it. This is also a super useful tool that I use all the time.

Detailing and Fine-Tuning

Zoom in and focus on details. Add intricate elements, refine shapes, adjust colors, and fine-tune every aspect of your illustration. Pay attention to small details as they can significantly enhance the overall quality of your artwork. For example I mostly use strokes for my details. You can switch the setting on the left sidebar.

Exporting Your Illustration

Once your vector illustration is complete, it’s time to export it. Go to File > Export and choose the appropriate file format (such as SVG, AI, or EPS) based on your intended use. Consider the resolution and settings to ensure the best quality when exporting.

Conclusion

Creating vector illustrations in Adobe Illustrator is a rewarding and creative process. With its array of tools and features, Illustrator empowers artists to craft scalable, and visually stunning artworks. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can improve your skills and produce captivating vector illustrations that leave a lasting impression.

Remember, mastering Illustrator takes time and practice. Experiment with different techniques, explore tutorials, and don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity. So, grab your digital canvas and let your imagination flow as you embark on your vector illustration journey with Adobe Illustrator!

And if you want to know now how I got my biggest client you can check out this blog post here.

Thank you for your time to read my blog! 🙂