The Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator

from JoeUser Forums

I love my Wacom Intuos tablet. I have a lot of fun with Adobe Illustrator and I really enjoy the finer control I can get with the pen. What I'm not loving so much is the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator. Almost everything else seems to be coming along except for the pen tool. Intellectually, I can understand the advantages of the pen function, but I haven't been able to get it to work for me. It is so frustrating. I do lots of tutorials and research but I'm not fluent with this tool and I want to be.

This isn't really a skinning article (obviously) but it seems the best way to get some opinions, tips and help.  If I there is a better category to place this, let me know.

 

This is embarrasing, but anytime I used the pen, the lines close off automatically and it's not as much like the pen.  I figured out how to change the pencil to not close off and just be like a pencil.  What about the pen?

 

I'm liking this blog:  http://veerle.duoh.com/blog/comments/illustrator_pen_tool_exercises/

It has some nice exercises and it's so pretty.  I'm still working on the exercises.

4,269 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i think the pen tool is designed to make use of bezier curves like the one in after effects so you can`t just draw with it,you have to click and drag.
I don`t use illustrator very much so i may be wrong but thats the way it is in after effects.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I think you are right.  I guess I just have to get used to a new way of thinking.

Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'd Suggest 'Painter' probably more what your looking for.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

I hate the pen tool. Brushes work better for me, unless I want a curve that is very neat, for lack of a better word.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

I'd Suggest 'Painter' probably more what your looking for.
End of quote

Maybe, but I'm trying to get started in vector illustrations.  I already have AI, so I should probably just suck it up and get ready for another steep learning curve.