150+ Free, Vintage Vector, Medieval Heraldry Graphics

It’s free vector graphics time, my favorite hour of the day! We’ve roundup up a truckload of heraldry graphics available in EPS, SVG, AI and other vector formats for free download. These medieval packs are composed of emblems, crests, shields, dragons, knights, helms, armor, swords, flourishes, banners, and all sorts… read more

Hysterical Minds New Exhibition 8.0: Shadowness

Recently, the artgroup known as Hysterical MInds, released their 8th exhibition in collaboration with the art community named Shadowness. A variety of llustrative esthetic dynamics in a dark concept in result of a very out-of-the-box artworks that will simply blow your mind.

An exhibition where each artist has made a… read more

Quick Tip: How to Create a Delicious Chocolate Text Effect

For all the chocolate lovers out there, here is how to create a delicious chocolate bar text effect in Illustrator. You will use the Blend Tool, effects like Roughen and Chrome, different Blending modes and also the 3D Extrude & Bevel effect to create perfect chocolate squares. Enjoy!

Step 1

Open a… read more

Create a Splash of Colorful Paint with Illustrator and Mesh Tormentor

Today, I can assure you that Gradient Mesh has become absolutely manageable, it became possible thanks to Mesh Tormentor, which was developed by a great programmer Yemz. This plugin has features that make your work with Gradient Mesh enjoyable and can save you a lot of time.

In this tutorial we… read more

Magnifying Glass Tutorial for Adobe Illustrator

In this tutorial we will be learning how to create a Magnifying glass in perspective in Adobe Illustrator. When it comes to creating semi-realistic vector illustrations the most important items are to find the easiest way to create them, make sure to create reliability and to try to keep from… read more

A Showcase of Creative Texture Based Web Designs

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In the past, web design has impressed us with their shiny gradients, smooth expressions and simple and bold colors. But the use of textures, within the design, has never really reached the popular heights. At least, until now.

Mainstream web design has started to use more and… read more

Gambling media vector for free

Gambling media vector for free

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Jennifer Sisson and Jana Kinsman from Quite Strong talk about Self Promotion

Just because you missed that awesome conference, doesn’t mean that you can’t still watch the lectures! This weekend we’re sharing an interesting talk at the Insight Design Conference by, Design Collective Quite Strong. In this talk two members from the group, Jennifer Sisson and Jana Kinsman, share … read more

Let’s Make a Playful Yet Robust 3D Letter Design

A few times a each month we revisit some of our reader’s favorite posts from throughout the history of Vectortuts+. This tutorial by Jonathan was first published on February 24th 2009.

This tutorial is perfect for the advanced beginner who wants to take her skills to the next level. We’ll explore… read more

Create an Administrator Icon Using Adobe Illustrator and VectorScribe

Create an Administrator Icon Using Adobe Illustrator and VectorScribe

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Introducing: The BittBox FREEBIE GALLERY!

Hey everyone, I’m pleased to announce a brand new section to BittBox. The “Freebie Gallery!” We’ve put every single free resource on the site into one easy to browse thumbnail gallery with categories (Textures, Brushes, Fonts, and Vectors). It’s a great way to quickly and easily find the resources you’re… read more

Quick Tip: An Introduction to Threading Text in InDesign CS5

Threading text within InDesign can hugely improve the experience of editing and amending copy while working on layouts. The process of threading text is linking two or more text frames allowing text to flow from one separate frame to another. Lets take a look at the basics.

Step 1

Create a new… read more

Using the Appearance Panel to Create a Kitchen Illustration – Vector Premium Tutorial

Today, we have another Vector Premium tutorial, which is available exclusively for Premium members. In today’s Premium tutorial, I’m going to take advantage of the Appearance Panel to create a kitchen illustration. Learn the benefits of the Appearance Panel: keep your illustration file sizes down, save time, and maintain flexible… read more

iMac 27″ Free Vector

iMac 27″ Free Vector

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Free Vector Spring Typography

Free Vector Spring Typography

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40 Extremely Useful Adobe Fireworks Tutorials For Designers

Over time, Adobe Fireworks became fashionable and popular among web designers. The space and capability to use Adobe Fireworks in web design is simply huge. In addition, Web designers will find it very fun to experiment with different techniques with Adobe Fireworks. They attempt to learn how to use a… read more

Quick Tip: How to Create a Photographic Vignette Effect using Vector Tools

In this tutorial you will learn 3 simple ways to create a photographic Vignette effect using vector. We will use Gradients, Blends and Gradient Meshes to create the desired effect. Which way you will use to achieve a Vignette in the end is up to you, these ways are here… read more

Aviary’s New APIs Democratizes Photo Editing, Online and On The Go

“The best camera is the one you have with you”, the old adage goes, and with the proliferation of smartphones with high quality cameras, it’s more true today than ever. Even though I only have an aging phone with a 1.3 megapixel camera, it’s still the first thing I’d grab… read more

Interview with Adam Jarvis of Vectorvault

Today we chat with Adam Jarvis. For all you vector fans you’re likley familiar with Vectorvault, which hosts a whole lot of vector resources and inspiration. Learn more about that site, as well as Adam’s design experience, how he works with creative agencies, and how running a design blog has… read more

WDL Premium: Portfolio Icon Set

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This week for our WDL Premium Members, we have a set of portfolio icons from Vandelay Premier. The icon set designed by Umar Irshad includes 15 icons intended to be useful for portfolio websites and design blogs. There are 15 PNG icons at 32 px by… read more

A Free Google Plus One Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern

A Free Google Plus One Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern

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Vector – Outstanding And Helpfull Free Download Vector For Designer

Vector – Outstanding And Helpfull Free Download Vector For Designer

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Freebie: Facebook Fan Page GUI PSD

Today we are glad to release a yet another freebie: a Facebook Fan Page GUI PSD, designed by Hike and released for Smashing Magazine and its readers. The PSD will speed up the process of creating previews, thus sparing you from drawing all the comps and letting you customize… read more

Community: Vectortuts+ Snow Globe Showdown

Vectortuts+ loves Illustration and discovering new talent, so today we are proud to be launching a new community project that combines both, the Vectortuts+ Snow Globe Showdown. The best thing is, you can be a part of it! Find out how to get involved, at the jump.

Create A Biographical… read more

How to Create a Glossy, Colorful Text Effect

In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a glossy, colorful text design in Illustrator CS5. We’ll use an interesting font choice, opacity masks, shape building techniques, and more to create this text effect.

Step 1

Create a 700 px by 200 px, RGB document. First, turn on the Grid… read more

Practicing Perfectionism as a Web and Graphic Designer

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The idea of artistic perfectionism lies in a duality. Most web designers try to perfect their work with creative updates and patches. Not only to code, but also in Photoshop mockups and Illustrator vectors as well. There is a limit to this perfectionism mindset where you… read more

Quick Tip: An Introduction to the Page Tool in InDesign CS5

You may have missed the addition of the Page Tool to InDesign CS5. If you did, take ten minutes out to discover the capabilities this superb tool offers when working with multiple page sizes.

Step 1

For the purposes of this tutorial we are going to set an A4 and A5 page… read more

Top Freelance Jobs from Job Board – Week 2, September

Looking for a new client? The FreelanceSwitch job board is a great resource of freelance gigs and opportunities. These opportunities are in various fields, from development to writing to design, and come from a wide range of potential clients. The job board is hand-moderated by dedicated staff and volunteers… read more

Playing with Stationery Art Brushes and the Live Paint Bucket

In today’s tutorial I’m going to show you how to create some line art style stationery art brushes. You’ll then learn to combine them with the Live Paint Bucket to create a typography piece.

Final Image Preview

You can find the source files in the directory labeled ‘source’ that came in the… read more

Easy Camera Icon in Fireworks

A few weeks ago I decided to create a camera icon. Usually I would do that in Illustrator or Photoshop, however as I use Fireworks pretty much most of my time I chose to create the icon using it. The cool thing about Fireworks is that you have the vector… read more

7 Holy Borders and dividers Free illustration

7 Holy Borders and dividers Free illustration

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Realistic Vector Cameras

Realistic Vector Cameras

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Quick Tip: How to Set the Character Style for the Dynamic Measure Tool

Quick Tip: How to Set the Character Style for the Dynamic Measure Tool

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Jason Schwartz – Freelanceology

Just because you missed that awesome conference, doesn’t mean that you can’t still watch the lectures! This weekend we’re sharing an interesting talk at the Insight Design Conference by, Jason Schwartz, Creative Director at Bright Bright Great. He shares his knowledge; offers tips and direction when pursuing a… read more

I am an Astute Graphics Blog Contributor

I am an Astute Graphics Blog Contributor

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Daily Inspiration #923

This post is part of our daily series of posts showing the most inspiring images selected by some of the Abduzeedo’s writers and users. If you want to participate and share your graphic design inspiration, just send us, via email, the image with the link from where you found it,… read more

Spring Pattern – Vector Freebie

Today we have a detailed pattern, made available as a freebie for anyone to download. This was drawn by IdealHut and it’s all 100% vector, available in AI EPS and SVG format. Have fun adding this to backgrounds, illustrations, or your next design project that calls out for a a… read more

How to Take Your Design Business to the Next Level with Passive Income

Making a living as a designer isn’t always easy. Many times, we’re left without clients for small periods of time throughout the year or simply can’t fit any more hours in the day to add any more projects to our list.

Raising rates vs. diversifying income

With all design businesses there comes… read more

Quick Tip: How to Make a Simple iOS style Book Icon

Learn how to use a few rounded rectangles, some gradient effects and the blend tool to make a great looking iOS style Book Icon. Let’s get started!

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Premium Vector Pack – Summer Cocktails

We have a new set of vector illustrations available exclusively for Vector Premium members. In this pack you’ll find 20 popular stylized cocktail vectors. They are full of flavors, such as: Cosmopolitans, Tequila Sunrises, Mai Tais, Margaritas, and more. They can be used within illustrations as creative elements, as part… read more

3 vector GUI design sets including 95+ UI elements

3 vector GUI design sets including 95+ UI elements

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Vector Halftone Week: introduction to vector halftones

Vector Halftone Week: introduction to vector halftones

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How to Illustrate a Conical Gradient Using the Mesh Tormentor Plug-In

In this Quick Tip you’ll learn how to create a conical gradient using Mesh Tormentor plug-in. Let’s get started!

Step 1

In order to complete this tutorial you should go to the personal site of Iaroslav Lazunov, and download the free Mesh Tormentor plug-in by clicking the corresponding button ("Download") here

After… read more

Create a Fashionable Dress Shoe in Illustrator

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a dress shoe with the help of gradient meshes. We will also explore how to create custom vector textures as well.

Tutorial Assets

You can find this tutorial’s reference photo, as well as other fashionable dress shoe reference photo on Thinkstock.

Step 1

Start by opening… read more

WDL Premium: Dark Modern Web Elements Kit

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This week, for our WDL Premium Members, we present an awesome kit containing 60+ dark modern web elements from WeGraphics. Bring your designs to another dimension with this stunning, modern interface kit.

Be sure to check out WeGraphics for more high-quality design resources, like vectors, brushes,… read more

Vector Pack – Greeting Stickers

Vector Pack – Greeting Stickers

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Effective use of gradients for creating depth (understanding gradients for solving day to day projects)

Effective use of gradients for creating depth (understanding gradients for solving day to day projects)

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30 Useful and Entertaining Video Tutorials from Vectortuts+

Looking for something to watch this afternoon? Look no further than this collection from the Vectortuts+ archives. Today we have a 30 useful and entertaining video tutorials covering a variety of subjects from Tools and Tips to Character Design. If you enjoy them, don’t forget that you can subscribe to… read more

Creating Simple Origami Style Typography in Illustrator

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a simple Origami style piece of Typography. You will create a set of basic shapes to build letters from and see how to refine those into a more realistic look of your type. Gradients and the appearance panel will help us,… read more

Traits of Successful Website Welcome Pages

Many websites these days have some form of welcome area on their homepage. Welcome pages generally act as an introduction for new visitors, explain the website and often prompt an action on the part of the user.

Website welcome pages are typically more prevalent at personal websites, portfolios, and traditional businesses…. read more

Quick Tip: How to Make an Ultra Glossy Scalable Web Button with 9-Slice Scaling

In this Quick Tip, you will learn how to create a scalable web button with the Appearance Panel and Adobe Illustrator’s 9 Slice Scaling. This technique is especially useful for web designers that need to use the same style button with various lengths of text. Let’s get started!

Introduction

This tutorial will… read more

Exclusive Freebie Vector Pack – Bloggers Icon Set

We have a new set of vector icons available exclusively from Vectortuts+. We’ve partnered with WordPressThemeShock for this release. The set is made up of numerous high quality 3D icons on a blogger related theme, such as: writing, commenting, tagging, and more. You could use these for your next web… read more

Create a Stylish Rifle in Illustrator

Since I was a kid, I wasn’t really good at playing with colors, now that I grew up I decided to embrace this characteristic on my work. I’ve being trying to push more and more my black and white style and so I decided to create the “Two Bloody Weeks… read more

Quick Tip: New Properties of the Art Brush in Adobe Illustrator CS5

Quick Tip: New Properties of the Art Brush in Adobe Illustrator CS5

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David McCandless : The Beauty of Data Visualization

Just because you missed that awesome conference, doesn’t mean that you can’t still watch the lectures! This weekend we’re sharing an interesting talk by, David McCandless, about his work with data visualisation and how complex data sets can be made simple with good design.

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34 Cool Pencil Shading Sketch Doodles!

34 Cool Pencil Shading Sketch Doodles!

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The Art of Skin Shading

Skin shading is a large part of creating portrait and people art. In today’s article I’m going to show you different styles of skin shading and give you some helpful tips on creating flawless skin in your vector work!

Skin shading may seem like a minor part of illustrating people and… read more

tribal art Using vector eps graphics

tribal art Using vector eps graphics

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Jerry Vector

Jerry Vector

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Quick Tip: How to Make a Retro Pixel Cube with Adobe Illustrator

In this Quick Tip, you will learn how to use the Rectangle Grid Tool, the Live Paint Bucket and 3D Extrude and Bevel tools to make a pixel style cube image. This tutorial has a Vectortuts theme, but you can of course create anything you like. Take inspiration from your… read more

It’s Time for a Change – Vector Premium Tutorial

Today, we have another Vector Premium tutorial, which is available exclusively for Premium members. If you want to learn how to use Illustrator’s Paintbrush Tool to bring your sketches to life, then we have an awesome tutorial for you. Learn how to give your work a sharp outline, and use… read more

Retro flowers pattern

Retro flowers pattern

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Fire & Water World Vector

Fire & Water World Vector

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Free vector herald clipart

Free vector herald clipart

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New Design Bundle Giveaway from Designious

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Our friends from Designious just launched a new mind blowing design bundle and they have been kind enough to provide us with 5 bundles to give away to our readers. Design Cocktail 6 includes an awesome collection of design goodies that will put a big smile… read more

Enter to Win – Free Tickets to a Vector Basic Training Seminar with Von Glitschka

Are you looking to improve your vector skills? Want to learn from internationally-recognized vector illustrative designer, Von Glitchka? If you’re serious about boosting your Adobe Illustrator skills, then of course you do. He’ll teach you (in person) a series of simple, but critical processes every designer should consider and adopt… read more

Website Navigation Elements Vector

Website Navigation Elements Vector

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Daily Inspiration #914

This post is part of our daily series of posts showing the most inspiring images selected by some of the Abduzeedo’s writers and users. If you want to participate and share your graphic design inspiration, just send us, via email, the image with the link from where you found it,… read more

Win Some Suite Pillows From MySuiteStuff!

Do you eat, drink, and sleep all things Adobe? Today, our friends at MySuiteStuff want to help with at least one of those activities and are giving away 1 set of their Creative Sleep pillows to 1 lucky Vectortuts+ readers. To enter, all you have to do is leave a… read more

Best of the Vector Web – August 2011

Each month, we search the web for the best vector-related content and showcase it here for you all to enjoy. This month, we showcase high quality tutorials on creating vintage vector seamless patterns, creating abstract character scenes, luminous text effects, geometric graphics, and more. We have loads of tutorials, in… read more

Free Stuff: 5 Design Cocktail Bundles – Comment to Win

Today is the launch of the Design Cocktail 6 bundle from Designious. The bundle is packed with an awesome collection of design goodies that will put a big smile on your face. The value of the bundle is bigger and better than before with $946 worth of awesomeness for just… read more

Psychobilly Inspired Illustrations by David Vicente

It’s really pleasurable find illustrators who have a particular style, but it’s more refreshing find some with a specific thematic on their artworks. David Vicente got a cool realistic vector style, but he also works mainly with the psychobilly aesthetic. In fact, most of his clients works are related to… read more

Quick Tip : Create a Fresh Cucumber Text Effect

Follow this quick tip to learn how to create a fresh and realistic cucumber text effect. You will work with multiple appearances, blending modes and effects like: Feather, Inner Glow, Roughen and Pointillize. You will also learn to create a multipurpose water drop. Let’s start.

Step 1

Open a new web document… read more

Psychedelic Design in Photoshop and Illustrator

It has been a little bit more than six months since I moved to San Francisco, California. As you might know, I am from Brazil so it’s quite a big change, however I’ve been having an amazing time here, constantly learning new things. That’s why I’ve decided to try… read more

How to Create Advertising Billboard Using Adobe Illustrator

How to Create Advertising Billboard Using Adobe Illustrator

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Free New Vector Postcard

Free New Vector Postcard

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Daily Inspiration #912

This post is part of our daily series of posts showing the most inspiring images selected by some of the Abduzeedo’s writers and users. If you want to participate and share your graphic design inspiration, just send us, via email, the image with the link from where you found it,… read more

Free Vector of People Crowd

Free Vector of People Crowd

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Vector Logo 1

Vector Logo 1

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Buses Vector

Buses Vector

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Jim Toomey: Learning from Sherman the Shark

Just because you missed that awesome conference, doesn’t mean that you can’t still watch the lectures! This weekend we’re sharing an inspiring talk by, Jim Toomey, creator of Sherman the Shark. During this talk you will see Jim sketch some of his favorite sea creatures live onstage,… read more

Illustrator’s Blend Tool: A Comprehensive Guide

A few times a each month we revisit some of our reader’s favorite posts from throughout the history of Vectortuts+. This tutorial by Simona Pfreundner was first published on November 14th 2008.

In Adobe Illustrator, the Blend Tool can help you create impressive color blends. But there is more to it… read more

WDL Premium: Wood Grain Vectors Pack

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Here’s a high-quality vector pack for our WDL Premium Members. This Wood Grain vectors pack is from Go Media. Inside it you will find detailed wood grain vectors. Half of this pack has a grainy look, and the other is clean, illustrated, absurdly detailed. They’re… read more

Quick Tip: Vector File Compression in Adobe Illustrator

In this tutorial we will learn how to compress vector files up to 3 times using the standard tools of Adobe Illustrator. This method is useful for uploading files larger than 25 Mb. When applying this tip, you will be able to save intermediate stages of work, which is convenient… read more

Create a Light Painting, Bokeh Effect in Illustrator – Vector Premium Tutorial

Today, we have another Vector Premium tutorial, which is available exclusively for Premium members. Learn how to create light painting effects in Illustrator, with high style and professional results. The key to this effect are Vector Brushes and Blend Modes.

This Premium Tutorial is Filled with Professional, Creative Instructions

In this tutorial… read more

50 Social Media Bookmarking Icon Sets – 2011 Edition

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Our social bookmarking services icon set articles has now become a yearly tradition for us. This is our third edition (you can also view 2010 and 2009) and our best by far.

All of social icon sets below are of the highest quality and have all been… read more

Vector Web Design Elements

Vector Web Design Elements

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35 Free Icon Sets

In this roundup we have collected some high quality and useful icon sets. Enjoy!! If you like these icons you might want to check out our previous posts below.

43 Free Social Media Icon Sets

25 of the Best Blogging and Social Media Icon Sets

Glossy: Free Icon Set

48px web iconset_226 icons<br… read more

Interview with Joshua Smith (aka. Hydro 74)

Today we’re really glad to publish a high anticipated interview with Joshua Smith, well known on the design community as Hydro 74. Since I started on the creative, I always loved Hydro 74 artworks, so this is quite a great accomplishment to me ann the blog. I hope you guys… read more

Quick Tip: Using the Rotate Tool in Adobe Illustrator

At first glance, the Rotate tool is pretty basic. But there are some little-known techniques you can use to enhance its functionality. Find out more in this Video Quick Tip.

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Autosave in Adobe Illustrator Using the Actions Palette

If you participate in vector graphics forums, then you might have seen the question “Is there an Autosave feature in Adobe Illustrator?” and theorists would always say “no, there is not,” more often advising to save the work through the Save and Save As commands.

These people are not familiar with… read more

Vectortuts+ Quiz: Adobe Illustrator Basics

Test your knowledge of Adobe Illustrator with the Vectortuts+ Illustrator Basics Quiz! How well do you know the basics of Adobe Illustrator? Find out at the jump!

We hope you enjoy this fun mini-quiz, if you want to brush up on your basic knowledge, check out our Basix category for excellent… read more

13 Free Packs of Animal Vector Graphics: Cute Cartoon Characters

Jump in and download these free animal vectors. We’ve rounded up an assortment of cute animal characters drawn in a quirky styles. There are a variety of looks represented, such as: flat vintage, shiny modern anime, childish crayon, chibi characters, and more. The glue holding these together are their must… read more

Weekly Design News – Resources, Tutorials and Freebies (N.100)

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This is our weekly column were we share our favorites design related articles, resources and resources all from the previous week.

If you would like to be kept up to date with loads of fresh design news and resources, you can follow us on Twitter, on Facebook,… read more

beautiful vector butterfly

beautiful vector butterfly

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Vector hot air baloons

Vector hot air baloons

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A Cute Bee Seamless Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern

A Cute Bee Seamless Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern

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Button Vectors

Button Vectors

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Quick Tip : Create an Abstract Natural Text Effect with Adobe Illustrator

In this quick tip you will learn how to create a 3D text effect in perspective with a multi-purpose green abstract look that you can save and use any time you like. Let’s get started!

Step 1

First open a new web document. Take the Type Tool (T) and type Natural using… read more

How to Create a Tutorial – The Vectortuts+ Way

Everything is not as difficult as it seems on first glance. Today, I asked the experts about that. Their answers will help you understand how tutorials are created. Believe me, this job is a lot of fun, and maybe some of you will really like it. The participants of this… read more