The tutorials on this page are part of my free Ultimate Guide to Adobe Illustrator for Fashion. Click here to start from the beginning.
Drawing a curved line in Illustrator sounds simple, but it’s actually not very intuitive. You can use the Brush tool to do it quite intuitively, sort of how you’d draw with a pencil on paper in real life. But if you want to use the Pen tool (one of the more powerful and accurate drawing tools in Illustrator), it’s super tricky until you know what you’re doing!
The tutorials here go WAY beyond drawing basic curves (and I’ve got some pretty NIFTY TRICKS up my sleeve).
So even if you feel like you’re (somewhat) in #curvecontrol, I’d check out all these tricks.
How to Turn a Straight Line Into a Curved Line in Illustrator…intuitively
If you’ve used other vector based software like Inkscape or FreeHand…chances are you feel like they draw more intuitive than Illustrator.
I haven’t spent time in those programs. So I’m not going to debate about it.
But you’re here to learn ILLUSTRATOR. (Because whether you’re a freelancer or have a traditional job, that’s what fashion brands require). So, let me show you the easiest way to make AI JUST DO WHAT YOU WANT.
We’ll start with this video tutorial: Turn a straight line into a curved line with ONE CLICK.
How to Control Curves While Drawing in Illustrator
This is one of those tricks that “only those who’ve been using AI for a long time” know.
Even then, A LOT of those people don’t know it.
These keyboard shortcuts will let you easily control curves as you draw, so you don’t have to GO BACK make edits.
If the Pen Tool isn’t your friend yet, it may be best to hold off on this one until you’re comfortable together (and check out my free Pen Tool Mini-Course).
But if you feel somewhat in control of the Pen Tool, you’re ready for this video.
How to Avoid “v” or “butt” Shapes in the Middle of Your Curves
You know the one. It looks like a V… or like a butt. #facepalm
And when you’re drawing smooth curves for necklines or hems? This pesky shape keeps getting RIGHT in the middle of things.
If you use the flat drawing technique I teach of creating half your garment and then reflecting it along the center front? You probably fight with this “V-butt” problem a lot.
This video tutorial will show you how to draw your fashion sketches in a way that avoids the “V-butt” all together. #NOmoreVbutt
The tutorials on this page are part of my free Ultimate Guide to Adobe Illustrator for Fashion. Click here to start from the beginning.
