Illustrator 2026 Shading with the Shape Builder Tool Exercise with Download

In this tutorial, I walk through a practical shading technique in Adobe Illustrator using drawing tools, the Shape Builder tool, and the Multiply blending mode. Starting from a pencil sketch, you will learn how to: • Draw shading shapes that perfectly match underlying artwork • Use transparency and Multiply for natural color mixing • Work with Pencil, Blob Brush, and Curvature tools • Edit shapes using the Shape Builder tool I also show how this workflow pairs well with global colors, so adjusting shading later is quick and flexible. Toward the end of the video, I compare Illustrator’s Direct Selection tool with the PathScribe tool from Astute Graphics, including how Auto Glue can make editing overlapping paths much easier. ⬇️ Download the exercise file here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/on3dpc... 📚 Learn Illustrator from the start with my Heart of Illustrator Course and other courses that are part of my membership: https://www.lauracoylecreative.com/le... 👑 Learn more about Astute Graphics: https://astutegraphics.com Share this video:    • Illustrator 2026 Shading with the Shape Bu...   SUBSCRIBE! ♥️    / lauracoyle   Quick transparency note: I sometimes do freelance work for Astute Graphics, but this video is not sponsored. This tip is something I use in my own work and wanted to share. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✉️ Newsletter Sign Up http://eepurl.com/gJNbQn 🏝FOLLOW & CONNECT   / lauracoylecreative     / lauracoylecreative   #adobeillustrator #illustratortutorial #transparency #shading #shapebulder All content by Laura Coyle