Symbols and signs are one of most recognizable logo designs. So, in this tutorial we are going to talk about how can one use a pen tool, circle and a triangle to create a minimal logo. We’ll use the single circle as our base and create triangle using the polygon tool and use the shape builder tool to enhance the design. Afterwards we’ll add some drop shadow to the design to make it look more dimensional and a logo with depth. You may find additional inspiration by searching on Vlemonn.
Let’s get started!
Step 1
First, we create a new document (cmd+N or ctrl+N) in Adobe Illustrator with an artboard size of 800 x 600px
Step 2
Now use Ellipse Tool (L) to create a circle on the centre of the artboard. Once you select the ellipse from tool panel click and drag on the artboard while pressing Shift on your keyboard.
Step 3
Use the Polygon Tool from the tool panel and click on your artboard once. Then a polygon panel will appear. Select the side to 3 and the size to 50 px and hit Okay. Once a triangle is created, Click Right > Transform > Rotate > - 90 degree > Okay.
Step 4
Use the Pen Tool (P) to create a curve on starting from end point of triangle to the outside of the circle as shown below. Work with the curve until you are satisfied.
Then select the curve and Click Right > Transform > Rotate > 120 degree > Copy. Then place the copy to another end of the triangle. Repeat this process once more.
Step 5
Now select your entire design, this time include the circle as well and select the Shape Builder tool (Shift + M) to create different objects.
Select the Shape Builder tool and then click on the triangle and three objects defined by curves. Then you have to go ahead and delete the useless curve lines from the artboard. For your reference, I have filled different objects with different colors.
Then delete the triangle in between. You should only be with three objects on the artboard.
Step 6
We’re now going to create our color palette. I have worked with three different shades of green. Then select the squares with color fills and add them to the swatch by clicking on the New Color Group.
Then fill your design with the colors you want. I worked with light on top and darker tone on the bottom. If you want you can stop on this step as the logo will look complete on its own in this one.
Step 7
Now we are going to add some drop shadow. Create a circle the size of the original circle with the help of ellipse tool. Select the circle and go to Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow. A drop shadow panel will appear on your screen, set the opacity to 75%, and the color to a lighter grey shade and x and y offset to 10 px.
Once you are happy with the way your shadow looks, change the color of the circle to match your background color. Then select the circle and Click Right > Arrange > Send to Back. This feature will send this particular object behind other objects so that they are visible.
Conclusion
Our gradient logo made with pen tool is complete! It is a very simple and easy style of logo which you can incorporate in any basic shape you want. Just go ahead and play with the colors to change the purpose of the logo. I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you do follow this tutorial and create your own logo, please post it in the comments so we can see your result. Thankyou fellow designers!
Please go and check out my portfolio on Shutterstock guys!
Charu Jain Portfolio
