Greetings! Give a noobie some good advice?

[TRSspidey]

Hello all!
I was recently looking for some inspiration to open up Adobe Illustrator and draw something interesting when I stumbled upon this website. So far I really like what I see here. A lot of knowledgeable people and good pieces here so I figured I'd introduce myself and learn a few things while I'm here.

I've was using AI for a couple of months on and off between homework and school and work last year. So i'm looking to learn as much as possible for someone who is still in the beginner (maybe slight intermediate?) level. I've pretty much exhausted google for every combination of "how to" and "vector art" and I was hoping someone would know of something that I might have missed online. Or if anyone can recommend some good books at barnes and noble that would be awesome too! (I've seen so many but never know which one I should try)

Also I decided I'd stick in my drawings and see what kind of criticism and feed back I can get on them. Some of these I made with the help or inspiration from guides. Anything from how to make them more dynamic to better techniques is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Ulrich Yassen]

If all you are looking to do is vector art I can't help you much but when I started out (with photomanipulation) I found the tutorials here really helpful. I have not looked at the Illustrator tutorials however...

[stiney51]

Well it's a hard thing to comment on because of the many different styles in the examples. To make them more dynamic, shading would definitely need to help, but I've never been great at it so I can't really aid you much there. It's a good start in any case.

[crystalfat]

Hi there, the Total training illustrator tutorials were great for me, as was the tutor, a guy called Deke McClelland. I found it invaluable, however, the thing you need to consider is the learning curve BEFORE you can stylize your work to your particular style.
A lot of people fall by the wayside due to impatience.
Spend a month or two learning the basics then give a few pics a go:- start with simple stuff like fruit etc to see how your style leans and then the world is your "mouldy doughnut" my friend, Have a great journey i know i did, and i still am.

Hope this helps..
cheers

crys

[Jacorre]

Check out Illustrator Techniques.