Seeing text standing up straight all the time can get boring. Learn how to rotate individual characters and make them have a little fun!

Editor's Pick in Vector Graphics, June 2006
This is a nice tutorial for anyone who is wanting to try to recreate the Adobe bridge icon. Just follow the easy step by step instructions and you will be amazed at how easy it is.

Create the text:
Create the stroke:
Select the text with the selection tool (black arrow):
Go to Object > Expand:

If you use Illustrator regularly, no doubt one of your first steps when working on a new document is to set up your guides. The process, though, can take some time, especially if you like to create a grid made up of guides or want your guides perfectly centered.

In our last installment dealing with brushes in Adobe Illustrator, we looked at methods for generating Pattern Brushes from vector elements. But this week we'll leave the patterned strokes behind and delve into the messier realm of Art Brushes.

Use the Type tool, type in "3D Logo". Go to Effect >Warp > Arc and apply the following setting:
Then go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel and apply the setting as shown in the image below. You can drag around the cube to set the X,Y,Z rotation values. Set the Extrude Depth to 20pt.

Create a rectangular path and fill it with blue gradient.
Create another path with Blue-Black gradient and select Screen Blending Mode. This will create a lighter blue gradient shade. If your color setting is CMYK, make sure the black is full black (C,M,Y,K=100).

Editor's Pick in Adobe Illustrator, April 2006
In this tutorial you will find the detailed instructions on how to make a vector image from your photo.

Find a beautiful photo that you would like to use for your artwork. Place it in Illustrator by File > Place. Then lock the layer.
Make a new layer, 'base paths'. Use the Pen tool, cover the clothes with white paths.

One of the most intriguing tools in Adobe Illustrator is the Spiral tool, not because of what it does – creates spirals – but because of the mysterious terms used its dialog box. Words like Radius, Decay, and Segments leave artists with more questions than answers.