How to Create Stunning Custom Illustrations in Minutes without Drawing Experience

Many designers are apprehensive about creating their own artwork due to a lack of traditional drawing skills. At [COMPANY], we show how to make unique drawings without having to possess any specific drawing skills.

Today, it has become commonplace for many businesses to utilise stock photographs or drawings in an effort to cut costs. However, this approach can be detrimental to their brand’s messaging as the visuals are not unique and exclusive to their product or service.

It is essential to be able to distinguish yourself visually in today’s environment, as 74% of social media and B2B marketers are utilising graphics in their promotional efforts. This demonstrates the importance of having an attention-grabbing visual presence in order to stand out from the competition.

If your brand is recognisable, people will become accustomed to the visual language associated with it. However, if the same stock graphics are used to promote another product, your brand identification will be weakened. Consequently, it is important to ensure that your brand maintains its distinctiveness.

The components of a brand’s identity, such as unique graphics, can be used to create a unified viewpoint and personality that resonates with consumers. By leveraging these tools, companies can effectively communicate their brand story in a way that will remain memorable and engaging.

Despite the common misconception, designers do not need to be skilled in sketching in order to become successful illustrators. Here at [Company Name], we are committed to showing designers how they can produce beautiful drawings without having to rely on sketching.

We will be exploring three of the most popular illustration types and employing some fundamental techniques in order to create our own artwork. If you feel so inclined, you can follow along with us and apply the knowledge you acquire to create breathtaking components for your next project.

Create your own version of the famous space drawing.

Nina Georgieva, a renowned designer and illustrator, is credited with initiating the trend of the infamous Dribbble work. Since then, the style has become increasingly popular, gaining recognition from the public and setting its own trend.

Follow Georgieva’s lead and create your own space artwork in three simple steps.

At the end, you will get this.

  1. Begin with the stars.

    Look to the sky for guidance.

    Use the star tool in Adobe Illustrator to make a 4-point star. Make it 75% transparent.

    To make a copy in the current location, hit Ctrl+C then Ctrl+F.
  2. Reduce the size of the main form entry area.

    Next, in the ” Appearance ” pane, select the larger shape and apply the “Gaussian Blur” effect.

    At the conclusion of the process, you will be able to store your star shape in the “Symbols” panel to be used again in the future within the same composition.
  3. Make the form of the cloud.

    Construct a pile of rectangles of different sizes.

    Click the “Pathfinder” icon to combine the photos.

    Increase the “corner radius” number for the entire form.
  4. Modify the texture.

    Reduce the complexity of the wave pattern and then apply it to the planetary outline.

    Make the texture more uniform by reducing the number of peaks on one side.
  5. Create a world with varying textures.

    By utilising the “Divide” function located in the “Pathfinder” panel, you can generate an overlapping effect between the wavy pattern and a circle to create a divided effect.

    Remove the undesired outline surrounding the circle and enhance the lighting effect by creating a gradient of shades of grey along different sides of the sphere.
  6. Include a planet with an atmosphere.

    Copy and paste two larger circles behind the planet using Ctrl+X Ctrl+B.

    Put them in the right spots.

    In the ‘Appearance’ panel, adjust the settings for the new circles to be transparent and for the third circle to be blurred.

    To symbolise the group, press Ctrl+G then drag the result to the “Symbol” panel.
  7. Colour in the planets and copy them.

    Duplicate several of the planet shapes found in the “Symbols” panel and use a different colour for each side. This will create a visually interesting and unique look.

    Using the Direct Selection Tool (A), carefully select the desired elements on the page and then use the Eyedropper Tool (I) to apply colour to those elements.
  8. Change the size and position of your planets.

    You can alter the size and position of the planets by dragging their white corner handles, which will become visible when you select them (holding down the Shift key will ensure that the planets are resized proportionally).
  9. Insert the rings.

    Connect a few line circles around the planets to form the rings.

    It is possible to move smaller planets in front of the rings by using the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+X (Cut) and Ctrl+F (Paste in Front).
  10. Insert some clouds and constellations into the scene.

    Complete the provided symbol by inserting clouds and star shapes into the “Symbol” panel.

    You can copy them, size them differently, and place them wherever you want in your environment.

    Try different size, placement, and colour combinations on your clothing to make it your own.

    Creating a different computer background simply by adding several typefaces is simple.

Change the look of the Works blog to one more suitable for aesthetic design

The Works blog is a veritable treasure trove of insights and inspiration, thanks to the contributions of some of the finest minds from all corners of the world. To further elucidate the topics discussed in articles like this one, we make use of visuals that are rooted in a visual language composed of basic geometric forms and primary colours.

How would you apply this look to your own food drawings?

  1. Start by drawing a basic fry.

    A French fry is created by beginning with a long rectangular shape and using the Pen Tool (P) in Adobe Photoshop to place multiple points along the borders. This process is necessary in order to give the French fry its distinct ridged texture and appearance.

    Use the “Direct Selection Tool (A) to reposition the points.
  2. Make the mayonnaise jar.

    Make three concentric circles of decreasing diameter from the back to the front.

    The larger outer circle acts as a container, while the smaller inner circle, featuring a vibrant border, functions as a mayonnaise holder. The central, white circle is used to create a lighting effect.

    Divide the inner circle into two equal parts and verify that both the “Cap” and “Corner” options in the “Stroke” panel are set to “Rounded”.
  3. Create the ketchup and mustard.

    To make mustard and ketchup, copy the mayo cup and make a duplicate of it.

    Simply add various colours to the sauce and light it up.
  4. Also include the wave-shaped lettuce.

    Using the “Pen Tool (P)”, draw a straight line and then add a few points to it.

    To adjust the horizontal alignment of the text, use the “Align” menu.

    Pull the corners up until they are disappear until you get a flawless finish.
  5. Make a piece of bread.

    Construct an oval shape that is elongated in length, then rest it atop the wave. Utilise the “Divide” tool in the Pathfinder panel to bisect the oval.

    After using the “Divide” tool to create a bread slice, delete the form it leaves behind and then change its colour.
  6. Make the burger bun.

    Make a vertical copy of the bread slice and angle it.

    Make your burger bun taste better by smoothing off the corner.
  7. Complete the burger.

    The lettuce should be green.

    Next, create distinct “Rounded Rectangles” using the colours brown, yellow, and red to represent the meat, cheese, and tomatoes, respectively.

    To arrange your food properly, adjust the items.
  8. Turn the burger into a hot dog.

    In order to create a more aesthetically pleasing hot dog, start with the existing hamburger image and remove the tomatoes and cheese. Then, alter the colour of the lettuce to simulate the appearance of mayonnaise and mustard. Finally, duplicate the bottom slice of bread to create a symmetrical look.
  9. Make the shape of the pizza.

    Start at the highest point of the hamburger and gradually bring the components closer together as you move down. Progressively draw the elements of the hamburger nearer and nearer until you reach the bottom.

    You can make a copy that is smaller than the original yellow triangle by putting it on yellow paper.
  10. Draw the shapes of tomatoes.

    To achieve the desired effect, utilise the “Minus Front” function in the “Pathfinder” panel to merge a large red circle with several other circles situated inside it.

    Sprinkle tomato slices evenly over the pizza base.
  11. Make few slices of meat.

    Using the Pen tool (P), draw a brown organic form. Once the shape has been drawn, copy it and then increase its size to cover the entirety of the pizza.
  12. Include more toppings.

    Use shorter, brighter, heartier strokes to finish off your pizza toppings.
  13. Build the straw.

    Draw a long, white rectangle.

    With the “Pen Tool (P), create two points at the top of the straw and bend the top borders downward.

    Copy, paste on the right edge, and give it a red stroke without a fill.

    The red line of the white rectangle should be moved to the centre.
  14. Form a soda can in such form.

    Construct an octagon, then place the can in the centre of it. Adjust the location of the top four vertices, and use the scaling function (S) to modify the top and bottom edges to more closely resemble the shape of the can.

    Add rounded rectangles to the top and bottom of the rims to make them thicker.
  15. Modify the can’s form to scale the straw.

    Revised Text: By adjusting the points on the forms, make sure to enlarge the can and straw to a size that is easily comprehendible.
  16. Create the can’s wave design.

    Create a curved, organic design to adorn the can.

    Using the Pathfinder panel, cut away any excess border elements.

Create a picture inspired by Monument Valley

UsTwo Studios’ critically acclaimed video game, Monument Valley, has been a top-selling success. Taking inspiration from M.C. Escher’s iconic geometric artwork, the game’s graphical style has been praised by many, earning the title of Apple’s best iPad game of 2014.

Now, you will have the opportunity to learn how easy it is to replicate the same visual style that contributed to the success of this game.

Only planes and cubes will be used to construct the whole illustration.

Each of the four colours used in the design scheme – for the structure, grass, wood, and water – come with three different variations to accurately reflect the natural lighting.

  1. Make an isometric plane.

    In order to create an isometric shape, start by drawing a square. After that, follow these three steps: (1) Rotate the square in one direction by 30 degrees; (2) Copy the square and rotate it in the opposite direction by 30 degrees; and (3) Connect the corners of the two squares. It is important to repeat this process for each additional isometric shape you wish to create.

    The Isometric Effect will be what it is known as

    You can find the “Extrude & Bevel” option under the “Effect” > “3D” menu. Once selected, a choice panel will appear, from which you should select “Isometric Top” from the “Position” dropdown menu. Finally, under the first “Extrude & Bevel” option, set the “Extrude Depth” to zero.

    A isometric plane has been made available.

    To better control the form, go to Object > Expand Appearance.

    You can now freely move points and change the colour of the aircraft using this.

    The “Expand Effect” will occur
  2. Draw lines to connect the eyes.

    Construct a three-faced island by making a square and two extended rectangles.

    Do the Isometric Effect again on each one.

    In the order “Isometric Top,” “Isometric Left,” and “Isometric Right,” perform step two.
  3. Colour the base of the island before finishing it.

    Using the “Expand Effect,” colour each face in varying hues of green, starting from the highest point
  4. Make perspective cube faces.

    In Step Two of the process, the “Isometric Effect” should be applied to three squares, with the isometric effect applied to the left, top, and right sides of the squares. This will give you the three faces required to create an isometric cube.

    It is important to remember that each individual element in the image will only be visible from three perspectives. This is one of the most attractive features of the isometric viewpoint.
  5. Form a cube.

    By utilising the “Expand Effect” feature, it is possible to effectively free the contours, bring faces together, and create an illusion of light using three shades of grey.

    It may be helpful to recall that the brightest shade should be positioned at the top, the darkest shade should be to the right, and the middle shade should be to the left. Utilising this technique on all of the shapes in your image will create an effect that appears as though natural light was used.
  6. Begin by building the tree’s foundation.

    Repeat the procedures for creating an isometric cube, but this time extend the left and right faces before joining them together to form the entire shape.

    Use three shades of brown to imitate wood.
  7. Get the tree done

    Decrease the width of the tree bark, construct a cube identical to the one present, and paint all six faces of the cube green to make it blend in with the rest of the landscape.
  8. Build a cube out of blocks.

    Copy a cube and paint one side pink to use as a construction block.

    To shift the lower points down and scale the pillar, make a tower foundation.
  9. Put the towers together.

    Make the pink cube match up with the base of the tower.

    In the empty space between the pillars, put three pillars in a row.

    Ensure that the “Snap to Point” and “Smart Guides” options located within the “View” menu are both enabled; this will enable more precise positioning.
  10. Connect the twin peaks.

    To ensure accuracy, select the top and right points on the top plane of the corresponding tower in order to snap them to the desired location.

    To make a plane for the tower bridge’s edge, merely copy and enlarge it.
  11. Build stairs.

    The task requires that three faces of a tower be copied and pasted in order to form a block, with the edges aligned. Furthermore, the lowest points of the faces need to be adjusted so that they form a single stair step.

    Try different techniques. Retract the stairs.

    Align the points from the left steps so that the gaps are closed.
  12. Reverse the steps.

    Utilising the Reflect Tool (O), you can create a second block that is facing left after you have completed your stairway selection.

    In order to achieve the desired lighting effect, it is necessary to adjust the colours of the left and right faces of the object. The right face should be set to a darker shade, the left face should be set to a mid-shade, and the top face should be set to a lighter shade.
  13. Connect the steps.

    Join some cubes to the steps and connect them to the towers to create stepping stones.
  14. Create a feel of being underwater.

    The light blue surface should be duplicated andshrunk.

    In order to create an effective illusion of depth in the water, it is suggested that the blue colour be darkened and the water be arranged in various configurations.
  15. Launch the deck onto the current planes.

    Begin by utilising the existing faces, and then carefully adjust the points to create the form, similar to how the stairs and tower bridge were designed. Finally, incorporate warm brown wood tones to finish the design.
  16. Build pillars for the deck.

    Make the deck pillars by copying the tree bark, reducing its size, and positioning it.

    In order to illustrate vegetation and flowers, you may choose to incorporate larger, darker patches into the ocean or smaller, vibrant isometric squares onto the island’s surface. By doing this, you will be able to create a vivid representation of the natural elements.

    Take the time to have fun and experiment with the basic construction components you just acquired. Move them around and see what kind of interesting structures you can create. This is a great opportunity to explore and be creative!

In summary

As demonstrated by these three tutorials, even those without extensive artistic experience can create visually appealing graphics.

Follow these 3 rules to remember:

  • What do you want to communicate? What idea or concept are you trying to highlight?
  • Draw inspiration from existing works of art and fashion; act like a creative.
  • By carefully examining complex components, we can identify and distill their essential elements into practical geometric fundamentals. This approach of simplifying the complicated allows us to better understand and utilise the component in question.

Then post your graphics to Dribble and other online galleries. Have fun!

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