One fun way of creating shapes is to use the Blob Brush tool in combination with the Eraser tool. In this video we'll use these tools to create a stylized teddy bear.

The Blob Brush and Eraser tools perform pathfinder operations behind the scenes as you draw. Draw over existing brush strokes with the Blob Brush to merge the strokes. Select objects before drawing with the Eraser tool to erase only selected areas.

in this episode you'll learn how to take advantage of the New Blob Brush in Illustrator CS4 as well as the Eraser Tool introduced in CS3

Draw merged paths and automatically remove redundant points so the path is easy to select and edit. Learn how to use the Eraser and Smooth tools.

Learn how to make a nondestructive selection in Photoshop CS3 from the layer transparency created by the Background Eraser Tool. It sounds complex, but it's easy and the results look great!