Top 10 Sites for Illustrator Tutorials

Photoshop gets most of the attention when it comes to tutorials and blog posts, but Illustrator is also an excellent tool for designers. If you’re interested in brushing up your skills, here are my top ten (taking both quality and quantity of tutorials into consideration).

1. VECTORTUTS

VECTORTUTS is still a very new blog, but it’s already a leader in Illustrator tutorials. You’re probably familiar with other sites from the Eden family, including PSDTUTS and NETTUTS, and VECTORTUTS provides the same high quality in its tutorials.

Tutorials of interest:

• Create a Vibrant Digital Collage Mixing Buildings and Vector Shapes on Paper
• Create a Happy Octopus Character
• Learn How to Create Realistic Vector Fire

2. Vectips

Vectips is the home of Ryan Putnam, who also writes tutorials for VECTORTUTS. Unlike some of the other sites on this list, Vectips focuses exclusively on Illustrator.

Tutorials of interest:

• Create Abstract Backgrounds in Illustrator
• Creating a Four-Leaf Clover
• Creating Halftone Effects

3. Veerle’s Blog

Veerle covers a variety of topics related to graphic design on her blog, including some Illustrator tutorials. The quality of her tutorials is excellent and she teaches practical techniques that you’ll be able to use in your own work.

Tutorials of interest:

• Simple Organic Shapes the Illustrator Way
• Creating Seamless Patterns in Illustrator
• Using the Pathfinder and Align Tool in Illustrator

4. Blog.SpoonGraphics

Graphic Designer Chris Spooner publishes tutorials and articles at Blog.SpoonGraphics, including some awesome Illustrator tutorials.

Tutorials of interest:

• How to Create a Vector Safari Compass in Illustrator
• Trendy Geometric Line Design Tutorial (includes use of Photoshop as well)
• Create a Colorful Wavy Abstract Ribbon

5. GoMediaZine

GoMediaZine is a site that somehow I’m not very familiar with, but I quickly subscribed after browsing through the archives. The site is much more than just a tutorial blog, so the quantity of Illustrator tutorials isn’t as high as some of the other sites on this list, but the quality is excellent.

Tutorials of interest:

• A Pseudo-Sugar Skull: From Start to Finish
• Create a Stunning Undersea Painting Using Vector Packs
• Intricate Patterns in Illustrator

6. AiVault

AiVault contains a lot of informative posts for Illustrator users, including tutorials on a variety of different effects.

Tutorials of interest:

• Create an Envelope Icon with a Satin Feel
• Create a Cool Air Balloon Wallpaper
• How to Make Funky Illustrative Backgrounds and Flourishes

7. BittBox

BittBox is an excellent design blog that covers a number of different topics. The Illustrator tutorials are not that frequent or it would be higher on this list, but the quality is excellent.

Tutorials of interest:

• How to Make 3D Vector Vintage Stars
• Working with Illustrator Art Brushes: Options and Adjustments
• Illustrator 101: One Gradient Across Multiple Paths

8. N. Design Studio

N.Design Studio has some of the best tutorials you’ll find. They’re not posted very frequently or this would be near the top of the list.

Tutorials of interest:

• Adobe Bridge Icon
• Tracing Photo
• Stylish Vector Flower

9. iStockdiary

iStockdiary has a nice combination of quality and quantity of Illustrator tutorials. The site also includes some premium tutorials for purchase.

Tutorials of interest:

• Stamp Tutorial
• The Perfect Diamond
• 3D Gear

10. BioRUST

BioRUST has a good number of Illustrator tutorials in their archives. Their tutorials are not on as advanced a level as some others on this list.

Tutorials of interest:

• Fancy Stars
• Glassy Orbs
• Sunbursts