i dug out these old vector illustrations i did some time back of my friends.i did them using fireworks rather than illustrator. i had a few problems getting the skin tones correct, but the final designs were okay for a first attempt. (i don't currently have a graphics tablet, so a mouse had to do.)

the beautiful alex, i used solid colours and tried to keep them to a minimum. the lovely zoe. used some gradients around the eyes, slightly rushed in parts.