Adobe Illustrator Number Creating Tutorials?

[Hendrick9Fan]

I just got Illustrator and need some info on creating numbers and logos. I am a total noob at creating numbers and logos, so any help will be appreciated.Thanks in advance.

 

[JasonRSC]

My advice would be to look up some tutorials on the basic workings of Illustrator. Once you can work your way around Illustrator a bit, look up some tutorials on the Pen tool. The pen tool is going to be your best friend when it comes to making logos and numbers.

 

[SimDesigners]

Jason's right. Learn the pen tool until it hurts. Another tip: learn every form of Helvetica there is (Helvetica® - Desktop font MyFonts) It's the most common typeface that companies use in their logos.

 

[Hendrick9Fan]

Thanks for all the help guys! I will be riding in the car for about 12 hours tomorrow so at least i have some time to get used to the interface and everything!!

 

[MattyO]

You just heard from two of the best around here that use Illy.

I can't add much, because they are right. Practice using the pen tool until you are totally sick of even seeing the pen tool icon.

Get a precise mouse too. It will save you some hassle with making nice and smooth curves. Although you can compensate for a crappy mouse by adjusting the handles on your anchor points.

Here is a good tut to get you started with the pen tool.

Illustrator’s Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide | Vectortuts+

 

[Hendrick9Fan]

I have a Logitech Trackman Marble is that good for Illy?

 

[JasonRSC]

As long as you can make precise movements without the cursor jumping around, you should be fine.

 

[SimDesigners]

If you're adventurous, you can get one of these suckers like I have lol: Intuos4 Pen Tablet

I've had one for over 5 years and can't use a mouse anymore. Even for basic stuff.

 

[Hendrick9Fan]

Another question. Do you need any specific template to create numbers and logos? If not, what size of document do you use.(ex: Letter,legal etc.)Thanks in advance.

 

[MONSTARR]

Another question. Do you need any specific template to create numbers and logos? If not, what size of document do you use.(ex: Letter,legal etc.)Thanks in advance.

I use a 8 by 10 document, and I also try to make the number/logo as large as possible, it makes the detail better. This is my favorite program to design in because once you get the basics down, the quality of your work greatly improves.

 

[JasonRSC]

I create most of my sim work on a letter size (8.5" x 11") art board in the RGB color format. Once I've got everything the way I want it, I just export the file as either a PSD or PNG file, most of the time around 300-400 dpi that way it's nice and HUGE (lol that's what she said). If I need to change the colors after I've exported it, it's just easier to do on a file that's say 2900 x 3500 px.

You really don't need a specific template unless you're trying to do base schemes in Illustrator... which I've done before. I may try to put together a tutorial on that one day if I get bored enough.

 

[Sage]

Yep, Illustrator works in a vector format meaning that it is infinitely resizable. That's one of the reasons the vinyl sign guys like them so much. For example, I can open a vector (.ai, .eps) logo with my vinyl plotter software and it might be a couple of inches square. I can drag it out to 10' tall if I like with no loss of quality. Design at whatever size you like, but in Illustrator if you zoom in, it doesn't really matter if you're working 8 1/2 x 11, 2" x 2" or 8' x 10', it's going to look exactly the same. And you can then open your .ai/.eps in Photoshop at whatever resolution you like (in this instance, bigger is better).