1 August 2006 - 19:57: Benjamin Horak (zionblue) replied...
Thank you Natane for those kinds words. All it takes is practice, looking forward to some of your posts. Let me know if ya need some help, advice or a shoulder to cry on when the pen tool doesn't work they it's supposed tool:)

13 August 2006 - 16:54: Natane (Natane) replied...
I am a bit scared to post my work because it's still a bit childish looking. What i would really like to know i how does it take to make such art in illustrator? and thanx for replying my post

13 August 2006 - 17:30: Benjamin Horak (zionblue) replied...
Well don't do something that you feel unconfortable doing. If you feel your work is not up to par with your standards then wait and continue on with your other projects. I feel that the core of art is the expression of yourself and your experieces and that is unique onto you. Don't worry if your work is not good as the next guy or girl. I don't think there is a univeral art standard that each artist must measure up too. Van Gogh was a clumsy drawer but a brilliant painter! I would like to answer your question but I'm not sure what you mean; "what i would really like to know is what does it take to make such great art in illustrator?" if i got your question wrong let me know. To create good art work i think comes with practice, try to copy works made by your favorite vector artist (but dont' claim them to be yours, just study them)look at as many vector artists as possible see what they are doing. find inspiration in your world or inner world. also knowing the design principles are a must when creating art; harmony, balance, proportion, rhythm/movement emphasis/focal point, and repetition. if you want more clarifiction on design principles let me know :)

15 August 2006 - 15:03: Natane (Natane) replied...
Thanks again for responding! What I meant was that what does it take to make art like that in illustrator. Because I haven't followed any study or course I am trying to learn stuff myself thru tutorals and art others made. But because I am dutch I sometimes don't understand what they mean with some tutorals. I am trying to practice with photo;s I have by using the pentool and following the curves. But the pentool makes me yell out loud sometimes because it's frustrating when you know what you want to accomplish but it's not working the way you want. So what I am trying at the moment is art like I want it to be but then again it's not all that I know I can do in Illustrator. so if you have art that you have including a step by step tutoral it would really help me a lot. I already get inspired by your kind words and support. And last but not least. You are absolutely right when it comes to the design principles. :)

19 August 2006 - 15:08: Benjamin Horak (zionblue) replied...
yeah, working with the pen tool for the first times calls for some foul language and beating your head against the keyboard. I was very frustrated with the pen tool untill i learned these tips; when you create a curve with the pen tool you will notice two short lines that stick out of the the last point you clicked on. These lines are called handles. The handle that your cursor is on is kind of a guide line. The next curve you make is going to start in the direction of that line. Which is great untill you get to a corner, then your curve goes way out and curves back in. To stop this from happening you need to create a corner point. this is quite easy. First create your curve and move your cursor off the curve. Next hold down the Alt key or if your using a mac Apple/Option. You will notice that your cursor will have the pen tool icon plus a small V shape next to it. Keep holding down Alt key or apple/option key and click on the last point on the curve. Now you can create another curve that does not curve out of control. For the best control keep one hand next to the alt key and the other on the mouse that way you can just focus on creating arcs instead of finding the alt key. I hope this helps if you don't understand let me know and i will show you with images. as far as tutorials it very hard to find tuts on illustrator. try checking this link: http://vbu.deviantart.com/journal/2023600/