
Advanced Adobe Illustrator Cartoon Coloring Tutorial
Adobe Illustrator Tutorial using Pen Tool
In this advanced Adobe Illustrator tutorial, we will be going through an inking process using Pen Tool and Brushes. In this easy-to-follow tutorial, we will be going through our resource document to build our cartoon character and practice using the pen tool and gradient panel.

Anchor Point Guides
Anchor point guides are designed to make life easier as you are learning where to place anchors and how to adjust handles. Please Follow Along to the APG that looks like the final version of our shark.
Pen Tool
We will be using our 2 step approach to the pen tool. The first is using straight lines to just get down our anchor points. We will then be using the convert anchor tool to create curves and handles.
Advanced Coloring
We will be adding flat color using Live Paint to build our flat color areas. We will add a light source by adding transparent gradients and cast shadows using the knife tool. (Teachable)
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Opening Color Swatches
Open the Swatch Window. On the bottom left hand corner you will see the Open Swatch Libraries icon. At the bottom of the drop-down menu you will see Open Other Library. Go to our resource folder in the Color Palettes folder to Open ASE files. The ASE files have been created to make your life easier while going through the Challenge Series. Once you open the Library- click on the folder icon next to the swatches to move them from the library to the swatches.
Coloring with Fills
One of the easiest and fastest ways of filling in your color is through using Fills. The main thing to look for is enclosed shaped. We have done nothing but build with Shapes so coloring is super easy. Keep this in mind as you are going through the other tutorials where we don't have any shapes.
Gradient Panel
Select each color using the Magic Wand Tool (Adjust to Tolerance 5) each color. Add on a Radial Gradient to the frosting layers (3). Use the lightest and Darkest Color Swatch from the color set of 3. Adjust the slider to control where the values hit. Troubleshooting: Double check your fill is in front and not your stroke.
Gradient Tool
You can use the Gradient Tool to gain some control over where the gradient hits on your shapes. The tool will control the same features that are in the panel. I use the tool when I don't want to guess and check angle degrees or aspect ratio percentages.