This
tutorial will show the intermediate Adobe Illustrator artist how to
make a sleek web 2.0 style icon. You should have a basic understanding
of Adobe Illustrator tools before you begin this tutorial, as the
tutorial moves at a rapid pace.
Final Image Preview
Before we get started, let's take a look at the image we'll be
creating. Below is the completed illustration to see what you're working
toward.
Step 1
Start by drawing a rounded corner rectangle.
Step 2
Draw the basic shapes such as the circles, lens, viewfinder and flash.
Step 3
Go to Object > Transform > Shear and enter the variables as shown.
Step 4
Duplicate the body of the camera by clicking and dragging while
holding Shift+Alt (this ensures that the angle of the duplication is
precise).
Step 5
Make a new layer called "lens" and move the highlighted items to that layer. Then lock the "camera" layer.
Step 6
I've used red so that you can easily follow along with the tutorial.
You can make your colors whatever you prefer though. We will change the
colors in a later step.
Duplicate the three lens shapes in the same manner as in Step 4. You
will have to do them one at a time. You will also need to send them
behind their respective shapes to get a stacked effect. Once you are
done you can Unlock the "camera" layer. Then Merge both layers into one
again.
Power Tip: You can send items behind other items one
increment at a time by pressing Command and the Bracket keys. The Left
Bracket Key sends items behind. The Right Bracket Key move items to the
front.
Step 7
Achieve a beveled look by using the Pathfinder Palette. You first
stagger the shapes (two of the same shapes on top of each other). Then
select the highlighted option below.
Step 8
Use the Pen Tool and draw over the edge of the camera to fill in the side.
Step 9
Follow the shape closely so that it looks clean and smooth.
Step 10
Draw the top portion of the camera.
Step 11
Draw a rectangle over the edge of the camera. Then use the Pathfinder
Palette to create the black edge of the camera, as we did in Step 7.
Step 12
Manually draw the top black edge using the Pen Tool.
Step 13
Again, draw the final edge of the camera with the Pen Tool.
Step 14
Use the Pen Tool and select a Stroke color of white. Then draw a line
down the center of the camera to give the appearance of two halves
being placed together.
Step 15
Draw the shutter release button using an Ellipse shape.
Step 16
Draw another oval shape on top of the last. Use the Pen Tool to draw
an outline around the shutter release, which will allow us to add
dimension to the button. You will again use the Pathfinder Tool to make
the shapes overlap perfectly.
Step 17
Adjust the colors to your liking. Then duplicate the button over the top to give the effect of even more depth.
Step 18
Using the Ellipse shape again, draw where a reflection should fall. You will have to Rotate the oval to achieve this angle.
Step 19
Use Divide in the Pathfinder Palette to break-up the shape. Delete the unnecessary leftover shapes.
Step 20
Add Gradients to give the lens depth. Repeat the for each lens areas.
Step 21
Once you have all three lens areas complete, your camera should look something like this.
Step 22
Add small details like highlights.
Step 23
Copy and Paste the highlight you just made and use it again, as shown below.
Step 24
Draw an Ellipse shape, which is where the reflection on the body of
the camera will fall. You will need to Rotate the Ellipse to achieve the
look below.
Step 25
Use Divide in the Pathfinder Palette on the black edge, as well as
the camera's body. Make sure you select both of these shapes in addition
to the oval you just drew. This ensures that the reflection will look
realistic because it will move smoothly across the whole camera. Delete
the unused outside shapes once you complete the pathfinder task.
Step 26
Add gradients of your choice. Depending on the look you're going for,
it may appear more realistic if the darker color is on the top of the
gradient for the section we're currently coloring.
Step 27
Notice how the very top of the camera is a lighter red. This is a small detail that helps give the camera a 3D look.
Step 28
Duplicate the entire camera.
Step 29
Use the Add To Shape Area option in the Pathfinder palette to combine
all the shapes. Once you select the area highlighted in red, you have
to click Expand in order for it to work.
Step 30
Put the shape behind the camera. Then add a subtle Gradient to achieve a nice reflection.
Step 31
Using the Pen Tool, draw a rectangle around the camera as shown.
Step 32
Using the Gradient Mesh Tool, add four darker points to the shape. As
you can see, when you add points to an irregular object, the gradient
mesh will give unforeseeable results. This is OK since we're not adding
any more points.
Step 33
In your Transparency Palette, set the Blending Mode to Multiply. This
makes the rectangle with gradient mesh that you just drew seem like a
real shadow!
Step 34
Notice how you can see through the shadow to the reflection.
Step 35
Draw a Rounded Rectangle to start the photo.
Step 36
Draw a standard rectangle inside that.
Step 37
Make an Ellipse as we did in Step 25. This will become the reflection on the photo.
Step 38
Add gradients to give it a realistic look.
Step 39
Duplicate the entire photo. Then select the option highlighted below.
Make sure to click Expand or else your shape won't combine.
Step 40
Reposition your photos so they're behind the camera and reflection.
Select the reflection and set the Blending Mode to Multiply, so that you
can see through to the photos.
Conclusion
The complete digital camera and photo icons are shown below.