T-shirt mockups are the most popular category. Using a for apparel allows you to change the shirt color to match the brand’s seasonal palette instantly. You can also use Symbol Sprayer tools in Illustrator to repeat a pattern across a hoodie or tote bag.
Whether you are a freelancer fighting for approval on a logo, an in-house designer creating packaging specs, or a student building a portfolio, are non-negotiable. They save time (no more manual perspective warping), save money (no more printing samples for every color iteration), and win clients (visual context sells).
Nothing ruins realism like a drop shadow that uses a default Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow . Use blurred shapes or gradient meshes instead. For pure vectors, simulate soft shadows by drawing a dark shape and applying a Feather effect via Effect > Stylize > Feather .