How can I get a similar “handmade feel” stroke in Illustrator?

Question

Hi ! How can I get this shape with Illustrator ? ( I refer to the house shape, both inner and outer shape).

I tried to use the Pencil tool, then I edited the stroke using "Roughen", but the result is not what I expected. The shape, the feel, the stroke that you can see on the pic is really what I would love. Should I use a tablet instead of the mouse?

Answer 1

To be truly effective, you need to do this manually...

• create the shape then add anchors and move them
• draw by hand and scan/trace.

I think the top option is generally quicker and easier, but takes some "fiddling" to get where you want.

I merely added anchor points to the shape's path. Converted those new anchors to smooth points and moved the handles a little.

To the best of my knowledge, none of the effects are going to be as subtle as your example.

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Another option, although possibly more complex than necessary, would be to use an Envelope Mesh.

• Draw the shape and then select it
• Choose Object > Envelope Distort > Make With Mesh and enter a good number of columns/rows based upon the object....
  
• Use the Direct Selection Tool to move handles and mesh anchors around...

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A third option would be to use the Warp Tool

• Draw your shape
• Grab the Warp Tool
• Start pushing and pulling segments

_{Note, my shape does have Effect > Stylize > Rounded Corners applied to it, in all 3 examples.}