Jakubs | November 3, 2022

How to draw unusual shapes in Illustrator

Have you ever wondered how to draw unusual shapes in Illustrator? Designers, open Adobe Illustrator now! We're about to reveal a ridiculously easy method for quickly producing original geometric shapes in Adobe Illustrator.

We're going to demonstrate how to create complex forms with the Distort & Transform tool in Adobe Illustrator so you can use them for branding projects, graphic designs, illustrations, and more! Let's get started right now.

Distort & Transform > Zig Zag

Draw a simple circle, then use the Zig Zag effect found under Distort & Transform:

Using the Ellipse Tool, make a circle:
Effect > Distort & Transform > Zig Zag (make sure the shape is selected) Adjust the sliders until you achieve the configuration and impact that you want.

Pro tip: For either rounded or sharp edges, alternate between “Smooth” and “Corner” points within the Zig Zag. The shape's general form can be changed by switching between the “Relative” and “Absolute” choices. Try new things until you find something cool.

Distort & Transform > Pucker and Bloat

Start with a straightforward square or circle, then use the Pucker & Bloat effect to produce evocative twinkling stars and floral-like forms:

1) Using the Ellipse/Rectangle Tools, produce a perfect circle or square. 2) Effect > Distort & Transform > Pucker & Bloat (make sure the shape is selected)
3) To test out various forms, move the slider from left to right.

Pro Tip: To give the object a pinching effect, move the slider towards Pucker (great for twinkling stars). To make items inflated, move the slider to Bloat (like the flower-like formations below).

Continue to experiment!
With these two instruments, the possibilities are unlimited. To produce even more dynamic shapes, explore with various fill strokes and stacking on numerous objects.