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How to Draw with the Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator

Lindsey Dumser
Adobe Illustrator can be a useful tool in creating digital graphics, but it can also be an overwhelming program to learn how to use. In this guided project, learners will walk through a step by step process to gain the basics of using the Pencil tool in Adobe...
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Adobe Illustrator can be a useful tool in creating digital graphics, but it can also be an overwhelming program to learn how to use. In this guided project, learners will walk through a step by step process to gain the basics of using the Pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator. First, learners will prepare to use the pencil tool by learning the general uses and techniques for using the Pencil Tool. Then, learners will walk through the basics of the tool itself and what it can do. Next, learners will begin to edit the segments drawn by the Pencil Tool. Finally, learners will be guided to draw a basic, and then a more advanced design with the Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator. Learners will finish this guided project with the skills to draw many hand-drawn designs with the Pencil Tool.
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Develops basic skills to use the Pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator CC
For beginners interested in learning the basics of the Pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator CC
Provides hands-on practice drawing designs with the Pencil tool
Taught by certified Adobe instructors
May not cover advanced techniques or specialized industry applications
Requires access to Adobe Illustrator CC software

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Draw with the Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator with these activities:
Review Adobe Illustrator Basics
Review essential Adobe Illustrator skills and concepts to build a strong foundation for using the Pencil Tool.
Browse courses on Adobe Illustrator
Show steps
  • Review the user interface and tools
  • Practice creating and manipulating shapes
  • Understand layers and their uses
Review Basic Drawing Principles
Review basic drawing principles like line weight, value, and perspective to enhance your digital drawing skills with the Pencil Tool.
Browse courses on Drawing Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Study line weight and its effects
  • Practice value shading techniques
  • Learn about perspective and apply it to your drawings
Pencil Tool Basics
Solidify your understanding of the basics of the Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator.
Show steps
  • Learn the general uses and techniques for using the Pencil Tool.
  • Understand the basics of the tool itself and what it can do.
  • Edit the segments drawn by the Pencil Tool.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Drawing Exercises
Practice regularly with the Pencil Tool to improve your skills and confidence.
Show steps
  • Draw simple lines and shapes
  • Experiment with different brush settings
  • Draw freehand sketches
  • Create digital illustrations
Follow Along with Adobe Tutorials
Complete the Pencil Tool tutorials provided on Adobe's website to deepen your understanding and skills with the Pencil Tool.
Show steps
  • Watch the introductory videos
  • Follow the step-by-step instructions
  • Practice exercises in the tutorial
Vectorize a Handwritten Logo
Vectorize a handwritten logo using the Pencil Tool to practice tracing and precision.
Show steps
  • Import the handwritten logo
  • Use the Pencil Tool to trace the logo
  • Adjust the paths and anchor points
  • Save your vectorized logo
Explore Third-Party Pencil Tool Resources
Explore third-party Pencil Tool resources such as plugins and tutorials to expand your knowledge and skills.
Show steps
  • Research and identify useful plugins
  • Install and learn how to use the plugins
  • Watch tutorials and follow along
Collaborative Pencil Tool Project
Collaborate with a peer on a Pencil Tool project to share knowledge and receive feedback.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner
  • Choose a project to work on together
  • Divide the work and create your individual parts
  • Combine your work and finalize the project
  • Present your project to the class
Design a Digital Poster
Create a digital poster using the Pencil Tool to apply your skills to a practical project.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme or topic
  • Sketch out your design
  • Use the Pencil Tool to create your artwork
  • Add text and other elements
  • Export your poster as a high-quality image

Career center

Learners who complete How to Draw with the Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers use drawing software to help create many types of designs such as logos, web graphics, and brochures. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator is critical for creating precise and detailed designs. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer
UX Designer
UX Designers create the user interface for websites and apps. They use drawing software to create prototypes and mockups of their designs. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to create detailed and realistic user interfaces. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Web Designer
Web Designers create the look and feel of websites. They use drawing software to create graphics and layouts. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to create custom graphics and illustrations. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
Illustrator
Illustrators create images for books, magazines, and other publications. They use drawing software to create their illustrations. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating both realistic and stylized illustrations. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of creative projects. They work with graphic designers, illustrators, and other artists to create a cohesive visual identity for a project. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to create sketches and mockups of creative concepts. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Creative Director
Creative Directors oversee the creative vision of a project. They work with art directors, graphic designers, and other artists to create a cohesive creative strategy for a project. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to create sketches and mockups of creative concepts. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. They work with graphic designers and other creative professionals to create marketing materials. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to create custom graphics and illustrations for marketing materials. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to create a product that meets the needs of the customer. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to create mockups and prototypes of new products. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. They work with stakeholders to define the scope of the project and develop a plan to achieve the project's goals. The Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator can be used to create project timelines and other project management documents. This course teaches learners how to use this tool, giving them a valuable skill they can use in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Draw with the Pencil Tool in Adobe Illustrator.
Cover image
Adobe Creative Suite 2 Killer Tips Collection
Save
This video-based course provides a comprehensive overview of Adobe Illustrator, including the Pencil Tool. It offers interactive lessons and hands-on exercises, providing a more engaging and practical learning experience.
Adobe Creative Suite 2 Killer Tips Collection
Paperback
Check
Adobe Creative Suite 2 Killer Tips Collection
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Basics Interactive Design: User Experience Design
Save
Offers a practical approach to learning Adobe Illustrator, with a focus on hands-on exercises. It includes exercises that involve using the Pencil Tool, providing learners with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and improve their skills.
Basics Interactive Design: User Experience Design:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book
Save
Provides a foundation in design principles and concepts, which can be helpful for understanding the creative process behind drawing with the Pencil Tool. It offers practical tips and techniques that can enhance the visual impact of digital graphics.
Non-Designer's Presentation Book, The: Principles...
Paperback
$$
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book
Paperback
$$
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book by Williams,...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book
Save
Is aimed at designers who want to use Adobe Illustrator for professional projects. It covers advanced techniques and workflows, providing learners with insights into the industry-standard practices. While it may not focus specifically on the Pencil Tool, it can provide valuable background knowledge for learners.
Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book
Paperback
Check
Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC
Save
Collection of tips and tricks for using Adobe Illustrator. It includes techniques that can enhance the learner's efficiency and creativity when using the Pencil Tool.
The Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC
Paperback
Check
The Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Adobe Animate Classroom in a Book (2022 release)
Save
Concise reference guide for Adobe Illustrator. It provides quick access to information about the Pencil Tool and other aspects of the software, making it a useful resource for learners who need quick answers or reminders.
Adobe Animate Classroom in a Book (2022 release)
Paperback
Check
Adobe Animate Classroom in a Book (2022 release)
Kindle Edition
Check

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Instructor
Lindsey Dumser
Good to know
Develops basic skills to use the Pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator CC
For beginners interested in learning the basics of the Pencil tool in Adobe Illustrator CC
Provides hands-on practice drawing designs with the Pencil tool
Taught by certified Adobe instructors
May not cover advanced techniques or specialized industry applications
Requires access to Adobe Illustrator CC software
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