In designing this printer icon, the requirement for an oversized artboard is unnecessary. A 272px x 256px artboard is sufficient. Additionally, ensure the document is set in RGB color mode and 72 ppi for optimal screen compatibility. 
For creating a realistic object like a printer, preliminary sketching is not mandatory. However, sketching a rough composition is beneficial when designing logos or website wireframes. Instead, refer to reference photos for inspiration. If you possess a desktop printer, examine it closely. Observe the printer’s components and construction details, such as logos, screws, bolts, labels, and bar codes. These details are crucial for developing a lifelike icon. The following reference images were utilized for our printer icon. Pay attention to the curvatures, shading, and shadows. 
To initiate the design, create the printer’s base and floor shadow to define its standing area. All structural elements for the printer icon will be initially crafted using the Pen Tool (P), with occasional use of basic shapes like the Ellipse Tool (L) and Rectangle Tool (M). Utilize the Pen Tool (P) to create a vector shape for the shadow and base. Initially, set the Fill color to black with 0% Opacity. 
Select the shape with the Selection Tool (V), copy it (Ctrl/Cmd + C), paste it in front (Edit > Paste in Front, shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + F), and set its Opacity to 100% (black). Reduce its size to fit inside the previous shape. The two shapes should appear as follows (Fill color is temporarily removed for demonstration purposes): 
Now, utilize the Blend Tool (W) to blend the two shapes, creating a transition from black to 0% Opacity. 
With the base established, proceed to create the printer’s components. Begin with the paper tray on the front side. Use the Pen Tool (P) to draw a small gray shape representing the edge of the printer tray. For straight corners, press over the last anchor point before continuing to draw. 
Next, create a shape with a color gradient. Instead of a solid color, use the Gradient Panel (Ctrl/Cmd + F9) to fill it. The gradient settings should be as follows:
Type: Linear
Angle: -5.7 degrees
Two gradient sliders (color stops), from gray to black
Next, draw a solid color shape connected to the first shape. The combination of gradient and solid color fills can yield impressive results. 
Continue with another gradient-filled shape. 
These meticulous details contribute significantly to the realism of the icon design. 
Draw a small shape using the same gradient settings but with a lighter gray color stop. 
Close the left edge with another gradient shape. 
Carefully create a shape with a gradient fill and a small rectangle inside, both filled with a gradient (Type: Linear, Angle: 118°). 
Open the Pathfinder Panel (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + F9) and select the two shapes. Use the Minus Front command (second button on the first row) to create the basic shape of the paper tray. 
Add highlights and glows to the paper tray to enhance its realistic appearance. Draw a shape on the top surface using a color gradient and place a highlight on the top-left surface edge. 
Continue refining the paper tray with additional shapes and gradients, paying close attention to the details. 
Use the Transparency Panel to adjust blending modes and gradients for highlights and shadows. 
Move on to the printer’s body, drawing the shape shown in the image below using the Pen Tool (P). 
Duplicate the shape and adjust its size and color to create the next component. 
Continue creating complex shapes and gradients to build the printer’s body. 
Add highlights to the printer’s body to enhance its depth and realism. 
Continue the process by creating the paper holder on top of the paper tray, using a subtle color gradient from black to dark gray. 
Add edges to the paper holder using shapes with gradient fills. 
Create a curved shape in the middle of the paper holder and continue drawing the edge of the paper holder. 
Draw the paper feed on top of the printer where the paper enters, initially filling it with a pure black color. 
Place a vectorized image on top of the paper holder to simulate a printed document. 
Add a white frame border behind the image to emulate a printed paper concept. 
Refine the paper feed with additional shapes and gradients to enhance its volume. 
Create a new shape with a beveled appearance, filled with a black-gray gradient. 
Continue refining the paper feed with additional shapes and gradients. 
Return to the right side of the printer and draw the inner part facing to the right, filling it with a subtle color gradient. 
Create the paper ejection area on top of the printed paper using the Pen Tool (P) and adjust its blending mode and gradient. 
Draw a base shape/shadow for the paper on the paper feed, filling it with a black-white gradient and changing the blending mode to Multiply. 
Create the actual paper shape on top of the base shape/shadow, filled with a gradient that has 4 color stops. 
Use the Mesh Tool (U) to create the cover of the printer, achieving a 3D-like appearance without specialized 3D software. 
Fill the shape with a dirty blue tone and pay attention to symmetry. 
Use the Mesh Tool (U) to create the initial mesh and adjust the anchor points for volume and surface contours. 
Fill the mesh with various colors using the Mesh Tool (U) and adjust the anchor points for the final result. 
Add a subtle highlight to the cover using the Pen Tool (P) and adjust the blending mode
