In this guide, we will initiate the creation of a new Illustrator document, which can be tailored to any desired dimensions. For the purpose of this tutorial, we will set our artboard to a 4×4-inch square. Whether you intend to use the final product for print or web, this flexibility is key to ensuring the document meets your specific needs. 
Initiate the process by pressing the ‘L’ key to activate the Ellipse Tool.Ensure a solid black fill with no stroke is applied (adjust these settings at the bottom of the Tools Panel, indicated by a red circle). To maintain proportion, hold the Shift key while clicking and dragging to form a circle that occupies nearly the entire artboard space. In Illustrator, vector-based designs allow for easy resizing without compromising quality or resolution. 
Select the large black circle, then use Cmd/Ctrl + C to copy and immediately press Cmd/Ctrl + F to paste it in front. Change the fill to solid white, maintaining a strokeless design to clearly differentiate the shapes. 
With both Shift and Option/Alt keys held, select a corner of the white circle and drag inward. This centers the reduction, saving time and ensuring precision. 
Open the Pathfinder Panel (Window > Pathfinder or Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + F9) and select both circles with the Selection Tool (V). Click the Minus Front command (circled in red) while holding Cmd/Ctrl to create a compound shape, subtracting the white circle from the black one. This fundamental technique is pivotal in crafting unique shapes. 
Repeat the process with the Ellipse Tool to create a larger black circle, then copy and paste it in front, adjusting the fill to white and scaling it down from the center. This step creates a thicker black outline. 
Select both shapes and use the Minus Front command in the Pathfinder to subtract the white circle from the larger black circle, adding complexity to the design. Transition to the Rectangle Tool (M) to create a vertical black rectangle that extends beyond the diameter of the new black shape. Use the Align Panel (Window > Align or Shift + F7) to center the rectangle with the circular shape. 
Using the Align Panel, ensure the rectangle and circle are centered. Apply the Minus Front command in the Pathfinder to subtract the rectangle from the circle, revealing a thinner circle shape beneath. Adjust as needed for perfect alignment. 
Return to the Pathfinder Panel and press the Unite command to combine the shapes, allowing for further variation by overlaying different shapes and utilizing subtract or unite operations. This foundational technique is versatile and adaptable. 
Select a solid black outline without fill and adjust the stroke weight to 4 pt with a miter limit of 4 in the Stroke Panel (Window > Stroke or Cmd/Ctrl + F10). Create a large outline within the shapes while holding Shift, then align the shapes to ensure they are centered. 
Return to the Ellipse Tool (L) to create another black circle within the shapes, ensuring a solid fill and holding Shift for proportionality. Copy the shape, fill it white, and paste it in front. Reduce the shape from the center to create a thicker outline. 
Using the Minus Front command in the Pathfinder, subtract the white circle from the larger black circle. Switch to the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a tall, thin rectangle, then reflect it horizontally to form an X shape. Combine the rectangles into one solid shape using the Unite command. 
Select the X shape and the innermost circle, then align them vertically and horizontally. Use the Pen Tool (P) to create anchor points on the X shape to cover the exposed circle. Group the shapes together and subtract the innermost circle from the combined shape. 
With the Ellipse Tool (L), create another black circle in the center of the shapes, then align all objects. Copy and paste the circle, reduce it from the center, and subtract it using the Minus Front command. 
Transition to the Rectangle Tool (M) to create a thin vertical rectangle, then copy and paste it in front. Reflect it to create a plus (+) shape and combine the rectangles using the Unite command. Align the shapes and subtract the innermost circle using the Minus Front command. 
With the Ellipse Tool (L), create another black circle in the center of all shapes, align them, and copy the circle, pasting it in front with a white fill. Reduce the white circle from the center and subtract it from the black circle. 
Copy the black circle, paste it in front, and reduce it from the center. Change the fill to black and reduce the shape proportionally within the white circle. Subtract the black shape from the white circle. 
With the Rectangle Tool (M), create a thin vertical rectangle that intersects the bottom of the white shape at the document’s center. Select both the rectangle and the white circle, then use the Minus Front command in the Pathfinder to subtract the rectangle from the circle. 
Select the white shape and the black circle it’s contained in, then use the Minus Front command to subtract the white shape from the black circle. This step is crucial for the final design. 
This guide outlines the process of creating a complex geometric design in Illustrator. The techniques provided can be adapted to create a wide variety of shapes, making them versatile for various design elements, art brushes, or exportation to other software. I hope this tutorial has been beneficial and inspires you to explore interesting compositions in your own artwork. Thank you for following along! 
circular_fragments_illustrator (ZIP, 0.96 MB)
