There are several drawing tools availble in Vector-based programs. Each has a slightly different use and gives you a great deal of flexibility in your overall design. (Remember, these specific images are from Freehand. Other programs may not have all the same tools available.)
The Pen tool is common to most design programs. The Pen tool creates
points along a line which you can alter when you make them by
clicking, holding, and dragging the "handles" to change the curve of
the line.
Similar to the Pen Tool, except that when you click-and-drag, the
point you are creating moves with the mouse. The Belzigon tool can
only be used to make straight-lined objects.
Makes a path along a line drawn by clicking and dragging the mouse.
The line tool makes a single straight line between two points.
Create a rectangle, oval, or polygon with ease.
Which tool you use should be determined by the shape you're looking to develop. Whichever tool you choose, though, you will end up with a collection of paths to mold into whatever you like.