INFOGRAPHIC SERIES - Curved Paper Pointer

Create a curved paper pointer for any infographic. This creates a nice edge, some dimension and can be turned any way to be used as a pointer. 

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Create a rectangle and fill it with a color, no stroke. 

Create another rectangle and round the ends fully

Align the rounded shape to the top of the box, and centered on the left edge. COPY the rounded shape (for later)

Select both shapes and use the Pathfinder Panel>Minus Front

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PASTE the shape again, the select both shapes and use the Pathfinder Panel>Minus Front again.

This is the result.

Paste the shape again, then using the corner widgets, unround the bottom edges so just the top edges are rounded. 

Place the new shape behind the front shape, align the tops.

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Draw a line at the base of the back shape. 

Use the Width Shape Tool to make the line wider in the middle.

Under Effects Menu, choose Gaussian Blur to blur the line.

This is the result of the blur. Send it behind the main shape but in front of the back shape.

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Draw a box over the blurred line, lining it up with the horizon line. Select both the blurred lines and the box. 

With both selected, choose Object>Clipping Mask>Make. This masks the bottom of the blurred line to make it a hard edge.

Select the bottom of the main shape with the Direct Selection Tool and change the corners to flat, then pull them into towards the center to make a strong point.

Select the main shape with the Selection Tool and choose Object>Path>Offset Path. This is set to -70 to create a smaller shape inside. Click OK.

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Fill the shape with a gradient. 

Open the Gradient panel from the Window Menu. Double-click on the color stops on the Gradient Ramp to call up your swatches or the Color Picker.

Select the blurred line and Click on the Opacity link in the Control Bar. Set the Mode to Multiply. This makes the drop shadow look more realistic.

Add anything to the pointer and you are done!