2012's Best Digital Illustration Tutorials

http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/illustration/best-of-2012-illustrator-tutorials/

Click on the above link for a short but impressive list of how-to's:

Create jewel-encrusted gold 3D type - Bring a sense of fun to typography design by adding a golden sheen and sparkling gems.

Texture effects for vector portraits - Trace a face using vectors

Master Illustrator CS6's new Pattern tool - Build repeating objects within vector scenes

Create vintage type styles

Bring the happy to an illustration with fairly basic shapes and colours

Create promotional artwork that sells you to new clients

(Note: the descriptions are lifted directly off the blog post.)

Postcard tips

From Molly Idle, a blog post exploring promotional postcards including a few samples and ending on an inspirational note.
http://idleillustration.com/2012/07/02/promo-postcard-planning/

Portfolio tips

Our friends at Midsouth SCBWI have compiled tips for putting together your art portfolio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iExVZ7uF-kM
Thanks, Midsouth!

Bonus: You'll see more fabulous videos on craft by Susan Eaddy, on the sidebar.
This one, entitled Quiet Mouse, shows the process of her clay illustration technique, start to finish. Even just the view of her studio is so juicy! Definitely worth watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=jUX8oWK_z7g