Everyone loves icons these days, here we’re going to show you how to make a really cool envelope icon.

1. Select the rectangle tool and draw a horizontal rectangle, make sure you have a bold black stroke around that.

2. Add a linear gradient to the rectangle, make sure the angle is set at 0 and that the white is on the outside while the gray is in the middle.

3.  Using the pen tool, draw a triangle as shown above, this will serve as the bottom of your envelope. Be sure to have the same stroke as the previous rectangle you drew.

4. Using a gray and white gradient, add a linear gradient to the triangle, make sure that the gray slider is to the right and the angle is at -90.

5. Draw a rounded square with the same stroke as the previous objects, this will be the start of the top of your envelope.

6. With your rounded square selected, double click on the rotate tool and set the angle at 45.

7. After your shape has been rotated, click on the top ruler of the window and drag down to pull a guide line.

8. Select the guideline and the shape. Use the divide selection on the pathfinder tool to cut the shape.

9. Delete the top portion to leave only the above image.

10. Add a gradient fill by selecting the gradient tool from the palette. Make sure you’re using a light gray and white for you gradient. Set the type to linear and the angle to -90. The light gray color should be place to the right of the slider.

11. Set the two triangles above the rectangle to form the envelope.

12. Copy the top shape on the envelope and add a gradient fill with these settings: Type: Linear, Angle: -90, Transparency: Multiply and Opacity to 100%. Leave the dark gray color to the right of the slider, just like we did on the previous steps.

13. Select the top envelope flap and bring to front.

14. Move the shape from step 12 to sit just below the top flap, this will serve as the shadow for the top flap. Also put a bolder stroke on the main rectangle.

15. Using the pen tool draw a shape that will add and accent the top envelope flap.  Add a gradient with the following settings for the gradient and the transparency: Type: Linear, Angle: -90,Transparency: Multiply and Opacity 100%.

16. This is how your enevelope should turn out. We added a few extra touches to make it pop, which we’ll cover in a future tutorial.

admin Tutorial graphic design, illustrator, Tutorial

When designing a website, it is important that you pay special attention to the tabbed navigation.  Usually tabbed navigation if a row of buttons at the top of the website.  It is important that you keep your navigation of your website clean and straight forward using these tabs.  When designing the look of your tabs, it is essential that you create a cool and clean look to the tabs.  You may want to add separation of each button in the row, use shading and or 3d effects to have the tab highlighted, or to use a separation line between tabs.  You can also play with many options for hover effects.  Hover effects is when your mouse is hovering over a button, the act of hovering can make the button show up to say that it is being highlighted.  There are many style elements that you can put into your tabbed navigation but the key is to keep it simple, cool and effective.

admin Website Design Menu, Navigation, Tabs, Websites

We live in the age of the internet and you have to bet that companies are using it to find prospective employees.  Therefore, paper resumes may need to be supplemented with the online variety.  There are many ideas on the web on how to make a creative, attractive and professional online resume.  These online resumes can give something more than just the paper variety.  If for instance, you’re applying for something graphic related, the website alone can show off your talents as a designer.  It is important you get a great logo for your name or something to set yourself apart.  Once you do so, you can have your link on your paper resume or send out electronic feelers to prospective companies searching for new hires.

admin General Design Logo, Online Resume, Resume