Creating a Bubble Tea Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

Setting Up the Layers

• Open the Layers Panel.
• Double-click to rename the layer as Reference.
• Select the Template option to dim the image to 50% and press OK.
• Create two new layers named Outline and Color.

Working on the Outline Layer

• Color Panel: Set the stroke color to dark blue with 6-point thickness, rounded caps, and corners.
• Drawing the Outline:
  • Use the Oval Tool: Hold 'Option/Alt' and create an oval from the center point.
  • Duplicate and resize the oval for different parts.
  • Direct Selection Tool: Select and delete specific anchors.
  • Pen Tool: Connect lines together and adjust shapes.
  • Reflect Tool: Create mirrored shapes by selecting the middle anchor and using the copy function.
• Shape Adjustments:
  • Resize and align shapes as needed.
  • Create dome-like effects using perfect circles and anchor adjustments.
  • Use grouping functionality for organization.

Finalizing the Outline

• Rotate and adjust the entire illustration.
• Use the Shape Builder Tool to delete unnecessary lines.
• Width Tool: Taper lines to match the outline thickness.
• Apply outline finishing touches.

Applying Base Colors

• Select all elements and duplicate them to the Color Layer.
• Lock and hide the outline layer while working on colors.
• Live Paint Bucket Tool:
  • Convert to a Live Paint Group.
  • Use Swatches Panel to select and apply colors to different illustration parts.
  • Use fill colors without strokes.

Adding Shadows and Highlights

• Consider light direction (left side lighter, bottom right darker).
• Pen Tool for shadow shapes:
  • Create shapes and adjust colors for shadows.
  • Use command shortcuts for duplications and shape adjustments.
  • Apply shadow and highlight using color adjustments.

Adding Details and Finishing Touches

• Add Tapioca Balls:
  • Use blue strokes and fill with purple.
  • Use transparency and shape builder tools to create effects.
• Grouping and Layer Management:
  • Group elements for organization.
  • Adjust layer order to manage visibility and overlap.
• Add small details to complete the illustration.

Conclusion

• Tutorial covers a step-by-step process for creating a bubble tea illustration.
• Encourages feedback and suggestions for more tutorial content.