16 Non Pen Tool Tutorials to Try Out on VectorTuts+

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The Pen Tool is the tool people will most associate with vector. It can take a while to master and due to this some people maybe put off learning more. However vectoring is not just about this tool. After a discussion on our VectorTuts+ Facebook page, we’ve decided to put together a post with tutorials which don’t use the Pen Tool.

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How to Create a Scratchboard Effect Bear Portrait

This tutorial is aimed at those who are beginners with Adobe Illustrator CS (and later versions) and who also have access to a graphics tablet. In this Basix tutorial I’ll be showing you how to create your own scratchboard effect bear portrait, along the way giving you helpful hints on how to make the whole process easier.
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How to Create a Simple Web Button Set Using the Appearance Panel

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create your own web buttons set. First, using the Rectangle Tool along with some Pathfinder and Offset options plus a Rounded Corners effect you will create the three starting shapes. Next, a linear gradient plus some Film Grain and Drop Shadow effects will complete the overall button. Finally, some text and a new Drop Shadow effect will help you finish the work.
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How to Make a Retro Icon Style using the Appearance Panel

In the following Quick tip you will learn how to create a retro icon style. You will use a standard web symbol and the Appearance Panel to create a retro style that can be re-used on everything from icons to text. This is the perfect tutorial for beginners wanting to learn more about the Appearance Panel.
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Design a Vector Audio Speaker Icon In Illustrator

In this intermediate tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a vector speaker icon. When you break down the elements you’ll find it fairly easy. We’ll be using some ellipses with gradients, the Grid Tool, and the Mesh Tool to create this icon design.
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How to Create a Golden, Vector Compass in Illustrator

In this tutorial I will take you through the steps and techniques of creating a golden compass. For this tutorial I’ve used just Adobe Illustrator and a heavy dose of ingenuity.
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How to Create an Hourglass Icon in About an Hour

With simple shapes, gradients, and vector textures, this simple tutorial will show beginning illustrators how to create an hourglass icon. There is a whole lot you can do without the Pen Tool. We’ll be using Illustrator CS4 for this tutorial, but those of you with older version should be able to follow along as well.
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Create a Vibrant 3D Pixel Type Treatment

In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a fun 3D pixel font type treatment. Using a free font, gradients, and Illustrator 3D filter, you will easily create a type treatment that you can apply to many other fonts.
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Make an Aurora Borealis Design in Illustrator

To recreate the light patterns of the Aurora Borealis you’d probably turn to Photoshop’s filters and effects. Use Illustrator however, and you’ll not only achieve a stunning end result, but you’ll also benefit from the flexibility of working with vectors. This is an intermediate level tutorial rewarding you with an attractive desktop wallpaper for your efforts!
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How to Make a Delicious Vector Orange in 9 Decisive Steps

Learn how to create a semi-realistic vector orange with simple shapes, tools, and multiple effects. This tutorial is possible for a beginner to complete, though is aimed at an intermediate Illustrator user. Let’s get started.
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How to Design a Set of Multicolored Buddy Icons

In this Illustrator tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a set of multicolored buddy icons. This tutorial uses some basic shapes, gradients, Feather, and Illustrator’s powerful Live Color feature. These techniques are easily translated into other designs and illustrations.
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How to Create Funky 3D Springs in Illustrator

Many of us have done this before in Auto CAD, 3D Max or Maya. In this tutorial, we will learn how to create 3D springs in Illustrator. We’ll be using the 3D Revolve Tool and some manual effort to obtain this quality vector result. Hope you find it interesting!
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Learn How to Create Realistic Vector Fire

For this tutorial, I wanted to do something simpler then my previous tutorials. This is not just a beginners tutorial though. This tutorial shows the simplicity and power that Illustrator possesses. In turn, this tutorial’s techniques can be applied to many other elements other than fire.
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Create an iPhone Style Vector Phone Illustration

Today, I’ll show you how to quickly create a mockup of an iPhone in Illustrator. Surprisingly, this process is very easy in Illustrator. Once you’re done, you’ll have a scalable, layerable, and fully editable graphic to place in any of your designs.
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How to Create an Alarm Clock Icon

With simple shapes and gradients, this easy tutorial will show you how to create an alarm clock icon. We’ll be using Illustrator CS4 for this tutorial, but those of you with older version should be able to follow along as well.
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How to Create a Mosaic Portrait from a Photograph

This is a fun way to turn a photograph into an interesting vector portrait. Get sophisticated results with just a few easy steps, then modify it using a wide range of Illustrator’s live effects.
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How to Create a Vector Sketchbook

In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a customizable vector sketchbook. This intermediate tutorial uses some basic shapes, Shear transforms, and Effects to create a leather texture.