Draw a Vector Puppy, Part 2: Features and Line Work
Part 2 of the three-part beginner series continues the puppy from Part 1. If you are new, watch Part 1 first so you have the base head and chest to work from. This part adds the features and the line work that sits over the flat colour.
Step 1: Nose and mouth
Draw an ellipse for the nose, position and colour it a dark tone, then pull it down slightly with the Direct Selection Tool for a proper dog-nose shape. Build the mouth from ovals combined with Shape Builder (or Pathfinder), the same approach used for the face.
Step 2: Ears, eyes and body
Keep using basic shapes and the Direct Selection Tool to add the ears, eyes and the rest of the body, reshaping each one to match the reference. Everything stays as simple editable shapes.
Step 3: Line work
Add the detail lines that define the puppy over the flat shapes. The useful trick at the end: instead of keeping the lines on a separate layer, cut a line (Ctrl+X), double-click into the shape below and Paste in Place (Shift+Ctrl+V), so the line lives in the same object. This avoids worrying about overlaps and makes the lighting pass in Part 3 easier.
Conclusion
You now have a finished flat version of the puppy. Save it as your flat design, and Part 3 adds lighting and shading to make it pop.
Links from the video
- Join the members-only content: https://bit.ly/3fEEvD4
- Members-only videos: https://bit.ly/3fJieDV
- Step-by-step tutorials playlist: http://bit.ly/31EXG6G
