One more that I think would be helpful for logo design is http://vector.tutsplus.com/tutorials/tools-tips/quick-tip-how-to-create-a-paper-style-alphabet-using-illustrator-3d/. This tutorial was created by the same author of the previous post, Iaroslav Lazunov

I don't think that you need to create your own alphabet, but the article will give you tips on 3D modeling, symbols, and blends in Illustrator.

For those of you already working with CSS and web design, you might enjoy http://www.noupe.com/tutorial/drop-down-menu-jquery-css.html. Even if you don't know jquery, I think you can apply these concepts to your web design.

He seems to be very talented and very experienced in creating useful tutorials. I hope you can learn something from these.

In this ongoing view of the Illustrator tutorial, I am recommending http://vector.tutsplus.com/tutorials/illustration/how-to-create-a-tube-of-paint-and-a-brush-using-adobe-illustrator/. If you learn these skills, you will turn flat graphics into ones that show depth, perspective. Also, when is the last time you have used penumbras in designing illustrations? If you do this tutorial, I bet you will soon become a better designer, because your eyes will be trained to look at light, shadows, blends, and so on. Let me know what you think? How many of you already think of these techniques when creating illustrations?

This article on improving your Illustrator skills caught my attention this morning. Try this link and respond with the link to the one you liked the best. http://www.noupe.com/tutorial/improve-your-illustrator-skills.html. I have always like Noupe design. What do you think?

Illustrator CS5 for Web Design Interface.

Yes, you read correctly. To find out how, read http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/01/17/productive-web-design-with-adobe-illustrator/. Thorough explanations and even downloads to get you started. No time like the present. Take a look now. Have you used Illustrator as your interface design tool yet?

In my research for class I have found two very interesting illustrators that I had not viewed before. I hope you will visit and then comment on what inspires you.

http://koikoikoi.com/2010/09/illustrations-by-zso/

http://koikoikoi.com/2011/03/ethan-is-sweet/

amazing eye for design, passion, crazy thoughts, inspired. Read what Koi Koi Koi is. Send me a link to  what inspires you.

Adobe Illustrator CS5 Shape Builder Tool

If you are new to Illustrator or want to learn new features in CS5, then watch this tutorial:

http://tv.adobe.com/watch/learn-illustrator-cs5/creating-complex-art-with-the-shape-builder-tool-/

After you practice with this new tool, I am sure you can see the potential for its use. Please leave a comment and link to anything you have created with the shape builder tool.

Illustrator, designer profile. Interview with Serbanescu Gabriel.

Now that you have looked at the hidden messages in logo designs, read this article  about one successful illustrator and his thoughts on design contests:

http://blog.99designs.com/2010/12/17/designer-profile-trickster/

What do you think of his t-shirt designs?