Inspiration/Recommendations?

[muted yarrow]

I've been getting really good at using the pen tool and paths and stuff but now I don't know what to do with them. Any recommendations for cool projects/effects I can make using the pen tool or paths?

[elder shoal]

Accurately cut out something (try to cut out something very complicated, like a piece of lace, or jewellery)
The other thing you can do is create lettering (vector)
To be honest, the reason why the options for vector tools are limited in Photoshop is that they don't really serve a lot of purpose beyong creating shapes for UI projects (websites, apps) since things more generally associated with vector (illustration, logos etc) will be done with Illustrator, which is a ral vector program
Personnaly, things I use most the pen tool in Photoshop for are cut outs, either on their own (ie vector masks) or to create accurate selections.

But actually you can just create a simple illustration and try your hand at using raster effects in addition to vector line work to create textured artwork and shading
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpS0psu5MQ4

[muted yarrow]

I've heard this before: There are some tasks that it's better to not even try to do in photoshop just because it's so much easier in Illustrator. Can you recommend any videos like the vector art one you posted but for Illustrator projects?

[elder shoal]

I wouldn't say it's easier. If you know how to handle the pen tool in PS, you'll know how to handle it in Illustrator, it's just that there are more options, effects and everything is "live" , a bit like if everything you are doing to the path is a smart filter.

As for specific videos, not on the top of my head, but there is an illustrator server and they will probably tell you better than me!