Adobe Illustrator can be a little tricky to get your hands around, particularly after getting used to the workflow of applications like Photoshop. The differences between layer use and the creation of objects and shapes can be really strange at first hand.

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a very realistic and detailed old style telephone in Adobe Illustrator using simple tools and techniques like the Pathfinder, Align, Blend, Clipping Mask, etc. Let’s start!

Final Result

Let’s see what you will be creating in this tutorial.

Create a Old Style Telephone in Illustrator

Create a New Document

1. Launch Illustrator and then press (Ctrl + N) to create a New document. Select Pixels from the Units drop-down menu, enter 820 in the width box and 634in the height box then click on the Advanced button. Select RGB, Screen (72ppi) and make sure that the Align New Objects to Pixel Grid box is unchecked before you click OK.

Create the Handset of the Telephone

2. Pick the Rectangle Tool (M) and use it to create two objects (516 by 32px and 9 by 38px). Place the blue object to the position as shown in the second image. Next use the Convert Anchor Points Tool (Shift +C) to adjust the blue object like you see in the fourth image below. Finally fill two newly created objects with the linear gradient.

3. Pick the Pen Tool (P) and use this tool to create a red path as shown in the image below. Next fill this path with none and add a 1px stroke (apply the linear gradient within stroke).

4. Use the Rounded Rectangle Tool to create two objects and then place them to the positions as shown below. Next fill the bigger object with the linear gradient and then fill the remaining object with R=36, G=13, B=21. Now select the two newly created shapes and go to the Object/ Blend/ Blend Options…In the Blend Options box, follow the data as shown in the final image and then click OK. Next go to the Object/ Blend/ Make (Ctrl +Alt +B).

5. Continue with the Rounded Rectangle Tool. Use this tool to create an object and then fill it with the linear gradient as shown below. Next use the Pen Tool (P) or the Line Segment Tool (\) to create a vertical line. Fill this line with none and add a 2px stroke (R=0, G=0, B=0).

6. Use the Pen Tool (P) to reate an object as shown below. Once your object is drawn, reselect it and go to the Object/ Path/ Offset Path…Enter a -6px Offset and then click OK. Fill two newly created objects with the linear gradient like you see in the third and fourth images. Next select two newly created shapes and create a blend between them.

7. With the Rounded Rectangle Tool, create an object and then fill it with the linear gradient. Next pick the Ellipse Tool (L) and use this tool to create a 5 by 48px object. Now use the Direct Selection Tool (A) along with the Shift key to adjust the handles of anchor points of the newly created ellipse and then place the result to the position as shown in the fourth image. Finally fill this ellipse with the radial gradient.

8. Continue with the Ellipse Tool (L), create three ellipses and then place them to the positions as shown below. Fill these ellipses with R=254, G=251, B=188. Now select three resulting ellipses and go to the Effect/ Blur/ Gaussian Blur…Enter a 2px Radius and then click OK.

9. Use the Pen Tool (P) to create an object as shown below. Once your object is drawn, fill it with the linear gradient. Keep working with the Pen Tool (P), create a path and then set the values for it like you see in the third and fourth images below.

10. Select all shapes created from beginning step 5 to this time and then go to the Object/ Transform/ Reflect… Check the Vertical and then click Copy. Next move the copies to the right to the positions as shown below.

11. Use the Ellipse Tool (L) to create a 48 by 70px object. Next pick the Add Anchor Point Tool (+) and add two anchor points highlighted with blue of the newly created ellipse. Select the anchor point highlighted with yellow and move it 7px to the right. Then use the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift +C) to adjust the handles of the newly added anchor points like you see in the fifth image below. Finally fill the resulting object with the radial gradient.

12. Use the Pen Tool (P) to create objects and then set the data for them as shown in the images below.

13. Make a copy of the shapes selected as shown below (Ctrl + C, Ctrl + F). Group (Ctrl +G) the copies, rotate this group an angle of about 90 degrees and then place it to the position as shown below. Now reselect the newly created group and go to the Object/ Transform/ Scale… Check the Uniform, enter a 80 in the Scale box and then click Copy. Next move the copy down to the position as shown in the second image.

14. Use the Pen Tool (P) to create an object as shown below. Once your object is drawn, fill it with R=167, G=143, B=108 and add a 1px stroke (R=128, G=109, B=81). Make a copy of the shapes selected as shown in the third image (Ctrl + C, Ctrl + F). Keep the copies selected, go to the Object/ Transform/ Scale… Check the Uniform, enter a 90 in the Scale box and then click OK. Next place the result to the position as shown in the third image. Now create a horizontal path and then set the data for it like you see in the final image below.

15. Create an object and then set the values for it as shown in the images below. Now select and group (Ctrl +G) all shapes created from beginning step 11 to this time. Make a copy of this group (Ctrl + C, Ctrl + F) and then move the copy to the left to the position as shown in the third image.

16. Adjust a shape of the newly created group to become a symmetrical shape like you see in the image below.

Create the Receiver

17. With the help of the Rounded Rectangle Tool create an object and then place it to the position as shown below. Reselect the newly created object and go to the Object/ Tranform/ Transform Each… Follow the data as shown in the second image and then click Copy. Keep the copy selected, pick the Add Anchor Point Tool (+) and add two anchor points highlighted with green. Reselect two newly added anchor points and click on the "Convert selected anchor points to smooth" button from the Properties bar. Next move the top, center anchor point 5px down and then move the bottom, center anchor point 2px down. Now select and remove two anchor points highlighted with black. Finally fill two newly created objects with the linear gradient.

18. To add some details for two newly created shapes, first draw objects and then set the data for them as shown in the images below.

Create the Transmitter

19. Pick the Rectangle Tool (M) and use it to create a 33 by 20px object. Keep this object selected, pick the Eyedropper Tool (I) and click on the point highlighted with the red arrow.

20. Select shapes as shown below, duplicate them once and then place the copies to the position highlighted with the red arrow.

21. Use the Rounded Rectangle Tool to create an object and then place this object to the position like you see in the image below. Reselect the newly created object and go to the Object/ Expand Appearance. Now select the bottom, left anchor point and move it 15px to the left, then move the bottom, right anchor point 15px to the right. Next fill the newly created object with the radial gradient and add a 1px stroke (R=128, G=109, B=81). To add some details for the newly created shape, first draw three objects, fill them with R=253, G=253, B=190 and add a 1px stroke (R=251, G=176, B=104). Next apply a 6px Gaussian Blur for the resulting shape.

22. Continue create another object using the Rounded Rectangle Tool. Fill this object with the linear gradient and add a 1px stroke (apply the linear gradient within stroke). To add some details for the newly created shape, first draw two objects, fill them with R=167, G=143, B=108 (stroke =none). Next apply a 8px Gaussian Blur for the resulting shape.

23. Keep working with the Rounded Rectangle Tool, create three objects and then place them to the positions as shown below. Fill three newly created objects with the linear gradient and add a 1px stroke (apply the linear gradient within stroke). To add some details for three newly created shapes, first draw six objects as shown in the third image below. Once your objects are drawn, fill them with R=240, G=209, B=159 (stroke =none). Next apply a 6px Gaussian Blur for the resulting shape. Finally reselect six newly created shapes and press (Ctrl +Left Square Bracket) some times to get the results as shown in the final image.

24. Use the Pen Tool (P) and the Rectangle Tool (M) to create three objects as shown below. Once your objects are drawn, reselect the red and the green objects, fill them with R=167, G=143, B=108 and then add a 1px stroke (R=99, G=82, B=56). Next select the blue object, fill it with the linear gradient and add a 1px stroke (R=99, G=82, B=56).

25. Now, follow the sequence of images and draw some details for these newly created shapes in the previous step.

26. Create a rectangle as shown below, fill it with the linear gradient and add a 1px stroke (apply the linear gradient within stroke). Next draw two vertical paths and then set the data for them like you see in the third and fourth images. Finally reselect two newly created objects and press (Ctrl +Left Square Bracket) to send them backward.

27. Continue create two objects as shown below, fill them with R=109, G=91, B=69 and then apply a 12px Gaussian Blur for the results.

28. Now we’ll create other parts of the transmitter. First draw two objects and then fill them as shown in the images below.

29. We’ll add some shading and highlights to the newly created shapes. Follow the sequence of images, draw some objects, fill them and then apply the Gaussian Blur effect for the results. You should end up with something like you see in the final image.

30. Use the Pen Tool (P) to create three paths as shown below. Once your paths are drawn, fill them with none and add a 10px stroke (apply the linear gradient across stroke). Reselect the smallest object and then change the stroke weight to 7px. Continue create two paths like you see in the fourth image. Once your paths are drawn, reselect them, pick the Eyedropper Tool (I) and click on the point highlighted with the red arrow. Next select the left object and send it to back (Ctrl +Shift +Left Square Bracket).

31. Now, follow the sequence of images and draw some objects similar to the ones from below.

32. Pick the Ellipse Tool (L) and use this tool to create five ellipses ,then place them to the correct positions as shown below.

33. Select the anchor point highlighted with pink of the black ellipse and move it 7px down. Now select a red ellipse and add four anchor points highlighted with blue. Next select and remove two anchor points highlighted with green. Then adjust the handles of four newly added anchor points using the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift +C) to get the result like you see in the sixth image. Repeat the same techniques for the remaining four ellipses. In the end it should look like the final image shown.

34. Fill the newly created objects with the radial gradient. To add some details, first draw yellow objects and place them as shown in the second image below. Fill the newly created objects with R=254, G=253, B=240 and add a 1px stroke (R=253, G=253, B=190). Next apply a 4px Gaussian Blur for the results. Now select all shapes created from beginning step 30 to this time and go to Object/ Transform/ Reflect… Check the Vertical and then click Copy. While the copies selected, drag them to the left and place them as shown in the final image.

35. Use the Rounded Rectangle Tool create an object as shown below. Next add an anchor point highlighted with green and then move it 1px up. Place the newly created object to the position as shown in the fourth image. Finally fill this object with the linear gradient.

36. With the help of the Ellipse Tool (L) create a 29 by 29px object. Once your ellipse is drawn, place it to the position as shown below. Next fill this ellipse with the radial gradient and add a 1px stroke (apply the radial gradient within stroke). Now make sure that the newly created ellipse is still selected and go to the Object/ Path/ Offset Path… Enter a -6px Offset and then click OK. Replace the existing fill color of the resulting ellipse with R=35, G=31, B=32 and then replace the existing stroke color with the linear gradient.

37. Use the Rectangle Tool (M) and the Ellipse Tool (L) to create four rectangles and an ellipse and then place them to the correct positions as shown in the third image below. Next add two anchor points highlighted with green for the bigger green rectangle and then move them 1px down. Keep two newly created anchor points selected, click on the "Convert selected anchor points to smooth" button from the Properties bar.

38. Select the blue ellipse and duplicate it twice times (Ctrl +C, Ctrl +F, Ctrl +F). While a copy of the blue ellipse selected, hold down the Shift and click on the smaller red rectangle. Open the Pathfinder palette (Window/ Pathfinder), click on the Minus Back button. Next select the remaining copy of the blue ellipse and the red rectangle and then click on the Minus Back button.

39. Fill the newly created objects like you see in the images below.

40. Select the shape as shown below and go to the Object/ Transform/ Scale… Check the Non-Uniform, enter a 115 in the Horizontal box and enter a 30 in the Vertical box, then click Copy.

41. To add some details for the newly created shapes, first draw objects and then set the data for them as shown in the images below.

42. With the Ellipse Tool (L) draw a 100 by 18px object and then place it to the position as shown below. Continue create another object like you see in the second image. Next fill two newly created objects using the settings from the third and fourth images below.

44. Now follow the sequence of images and draw some details similar to the ones from below for two newly created shapes. In the end your artwork should look roughly like the final image.

Create the Base of the Telephone

45. With the Pen Tool (P) draw an object as shown below. Once your object is drawn, duplicate it once. Add two anchor points highlighted with black for the copy and then remove two anchor points highlighted with red. Next select the anchor point highlighted with green and move it 27px up.

46. Fill the red object with the radial gradient. Next fill the remaining object with R=78, G=22, B=9.

47.  We’ll add some shading and highlights to the two newly created shapes to make them look 3D. Follow the sequence of images, draw some objects, fill them and then apply the Gaussian Blur effect for the results. Select and group (Ctrl +G) five newly created shapes. Now select the smaller shape created in the step 46, duplicate it once and then bring the copy to front. Keep the copy selected, hold down the Shift, click on the newly created group and go to the Object/ Clipping Mask/ Make (Ctrl +7). Next use the Pen Tool (P) to create a path, with a 1px stroke (R=78, G=22, B=9) and no fill.

48. Create an ellipse as shown below, fill it with R=0, G=0, B=0 and then send the result to back. Continue create another object like you see in the third image, fill this object with R=36, G=35, B=37 and then send the result to back. Make sure that newly created shape is still selected and go to the Effect/ Stylize/ Drop Shadow… Follow the data as shown in the final image and then click OK.

49.  Now we’ll add some shading and highlights to the newly created shape. Follow the sequence of images, draw some objects, fill them and then apply the Gaussian Blur effect for the results. In the end your artwork should look like the final image shown.

Create the Dial of the Telephone

50. Use the Ellipse Tool (L) to create two object (195 by 195px and 106 by 106px). Show the Rulers (View/ View Rulers /Show Ruler) or (Ctrl +R). Next drag a horizontal and vertical guide from the Rulers (if the guides locked, go to the View/ Guides/ Lock Guides) or (Ctrl +Alt + ;). Now select two ellipses and two guides, open the Align palette (Window/ Align), click on the Horizontal Align Center button and then click on the Vertical Align Center button. Next create a 31 by 31px ellipse and then place it to the correct position as shown in the second image. Make sure that the newly created ellipse is still selected, pick the Rotate Tool (R), hold down the Alt key and click on the intersection point of the two guides. In the Rotate box, enter a 26 degrees Angle and then click Copy. Next press (Ctrl +D) ten times to get the results as shown in the fourth image. Now select all small ellipses and rotate them an angle of about -75 degrees.

51. Select all small ellipses and the biggest ellipse and then duplicate them once. While the copies selected, open the Pathfinder palette (Window/ Pathfinder) and click on the Minus Front button and then press (Ctrl +Left Square Bracket) to send the result backward. Now select all objects created from beginning step 50 to this time and go to the Object/ Transform/ Scale… Check the None-Uniform, enter a 90 in the Vertical and then click OK.

52. Select the object created by the small ellipses and the biggest ellipse in the previous step and fill it with the linear gradient. Duplicate the resulting shape twice times (Ctrl +C, Ctrl +F, Ctrl +F). Now select a copy, replace the existing color with R=33, G=23, B=18, apply a 10px Gaussian Blur for the resulting shape and then send it to back. Next select the remaining copy, replace the existing color with R=241, G=210, B=174 and then send it to back.

53. Select all the small ellipses and the biggest ellipse and then add a 1px stroke (apply the linear gradient within stroke). Next reselect the biggest ellipse and then change the stroke weight to 2px. Now select the red ellipse and add a 1px stroke (R=70, G=32, B=23). Duplicate the resulting ellipse once, replace the existing color of the copy with R=226, G=211, B=190 and change the stroke weight to 2px. Next apply a 5px Gaussian Blur for the resulting ellipse and then press (Ctrl +Left Square Bracket) to send it backward.

54. Select the biggest ellipse with 2px stroke weight and go to the Object/ Transform/ Scale… Check the Uniform, enter a 97 in the Scale box and then click Copy. Remove the stroke of the copy and fill it with R=0, G=0, B=0. Next move the resulting shape 12px down, then send it to back. Keep this shape selected, go to the Object/ Path/ Offset Path… Enter a 8px Offset and then click OK. Replace the existing color of the newly created shape with the linear gradient like you see in the final image below.

55. Select the ellipse as shown in the first image below and go to the Object/ Transform/ Scale… Check the Uniform and enter a 144 in the Scale box, then click Copy. Replace the existing stroke color with red color. Now open the Character palette (Window/ Type/ Character) and then set the values like you see in the image. Pick the Type Tool (T), add some simple numbers and then place them to the correct positions as shown in the third image. Next reselect all newly created text and press (Ctrl +Left Square Bracket) some times to get the result like you see in the final image.

56. Use the Pen Tool (P) to create an object as shown below. Once your object is drawn, fill it with the linear gradient. Next apply the Drop Shadow effect for the resulting shape. Continue follow the sequence of images and draw some details similar to the ones from below. Now select and group (Ctrl + G) all shapes created from beginning step 50 to this time, then place this group to the position as shown in the final image.

57. Use the Pen Tool (P) to create a path as shown below. Once your path is drawn, fill it with none and add a 8px stroke (apply the linear gradient across stroke). Make sure that the newly created object is still selected and go to the Effect/ Distort & Transform/ Zig Zag… In the Zig Zag box, follow the data as shown below and then click OK. Next create another path, fill it with none and add a 8px stroke (apply the linear gradient across stroke). Now we’ll create the shadow for the handset cord. With the help of the Ellipse Tool (L), create an ellipse as shown in the sixth image. Next fill this ellipse with the linear gradient. Apply a 34px Gaussian Blur for the resulting shape and then hide it behind the handset cord. Finally select all objects created in this step and send them to back.

58. Place your logo to the position as shown below.

59. Start with drawing a 818 by 634px object using the Rectangle Tool (M). Next fill this object with the radial gradient. Now select and group (Ctrl + G) all shapes created from beginning step 2 to this time. Finally place the "telephone" group to the position like you see in the second image. We are done with the old style telephone for the moment.

The final image is below.

Final Result

Here’s the final result. Hope you enjoyed the tutorial.

Congratulations! You have completed the lesson. I hope you’ve discovered some useful things in this tutorial. The final result image is below. Enjoy!

Conclusion

As difficult as it looks I’m very sure if you follow my tutorial you will find a lot of help using your skills and images to produce your own creation! Ones again Thank you for using our tutorial, we will be very happy to answer any questions that you may have, You can simply leave a feedback and or a comment bellow.

Download Result Source Files

• Download .ai Source File (.zip, 16.90 MB)