One thing we do regularly at Go Media is create beautiful vector people. Having illustrated hundreds of these, I have worked out a few tips that I would like to share with you. This will make your job much easier.
One of the coolest toys I had growing up was a spirograph. I was amazed how multiple repeated shapes created such intricate patterns. Along with all the wonderful things that can be done in Illustrator, pressing the TILDE KEY while dragging a shape can provide similar results. Also, by experimenting with the LIVE PAINT BRUSH complicated graphics like the example below are a snap. Follow along as I walk you through the basics of making this exploding star.