Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool

by discovery Thu May 31, 2012 7:47 am

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool

An easy way to draw objects in Illustrator is to use an
image, layers, and the pen tool. This way, you can create original
illustrations for logos, brochure printing, web pages, or whatever project you are creating.

Create a Template of the Original
Open
a new document in Illustrator and then go to File>Place. In the
dialog box that appears, choose the image you want to work with and
check the Template box located on the lower left hand side of the
screen.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 01_template

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 01_template

Click Place and your image should now be placed as a
locked layer at 50% opacity. A new layer should appear above this locked
image layer.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 02_locked

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 02_locked

Trace Using the Pen Tool
Before
beginning a trace, you may want to rename Layer 1 as Main Outline, or a
similar name. Simply double-click on the layer and type in the new name.
Select the Pen Tool and begin tracing only the main outline of your
image.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 03_outline

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 03_outline

Now add a new layer for additional parts of your image
(in this case, for the fins.) and rename it appropriately. Since my new
layer involves fins, I have named it Fins.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 04_newlayer

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 04_newlayer

Before
tracing your outer objects, be sure to lock any other layers by
clicking on the empty box next to the eye on the left hand side of your
layers. A lock icon should appear. Now you can trace your objects using
the pen tool again.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 05_fins

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 05_fins

Tip: Make sure Fill is on while tracing to see the
object that you are creating as compared to the original image. The Fill
icon is located on the lower left hand side of the screen in the Tools
menu.

Draw in Details
Now you can
add some details to your traced image. It's easiest to do this with your
Fill set as white and the lines that you draw set to a black color.
Before beginning to draw, though, create a new layer named Details. I
found it easiest to draw the details by hiding the main outline and fins
and tracing over details I wanted to include using the Pencil Tool
located in the Tools menu on the left hand side of the screen. To hide
layers, simply click on the eye to the left of the layer.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 07_details

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 07_details

After completing the details, view all of the layers except for the template to see what your image looks like.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 08_detailscomplete

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 08_detailscomplete

You should now have a completed image that can be edited as desired and saved as a vector image for use in brochure printing, web design, and more.

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 09_final

Create a Vector Object in Illustrator Using Layers and the Pen Tool 09_final

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