In this course, students learn the essentials of Illustrator, the industry-standard vector software, including

• • formatting and stylizing type

• • creating custom shapes

• • applying effects and styles

• • drawing with the brush and pen tools

• • tracing over photos

• • creating basic logos

• • using the various tools in Illustrator, including when to use certain ones

• • creating patterns, blends, and more

Instructor Qualifications:

I’ve used Illustrator for years as a freelance graphic designer, and I’ve also used Illustrator when I was Internet Development Director at an award-winning advertising design firm. While I was Managing Editor of two international graphic design magazines, one of the magazines I oversaw focused on Illustrator.

For the past eight years, as I’ve continued freelance work, I’ve taught students Illustrator and logo design in classes such as Layout and Design, as a full-time university professor.

I have a BA in Communication, an MA in Journalism and Media Studies, a PhD in Communication, and a passion for teaching.

Enroll now and let’s get started learning and illustrating!

Who this course is for:

• • This course is meant for people new to Illustrator or those who know a little about it and want to know more.

• • This course is NOT for people who are experts at Illustrator already.

• • If you already enrolled in my higher-priced Logo Design: Become a Professional Logo Designer course, then you do not need this course, since much of the Illustrator introduction in a few sections of that course overlaps with this course.

Course content

• • • • Versions of Creative Cloud, Toolbar Customization, and Mac vs. PCIntroduction to the Illustrator Course
        • • Introduction to the Illustrator Course
        • • How to Get Adobe Illustrator
        • • Download Support Files for Illustrator Lessons
        • • Common Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts
        • • Join Our Facebook Group and Community for Design Feedback and Critique!

• • • • Selection, Direct Selection, and Isolation ModeGetting Started in Illustrator
        • • Panels and Workspaces
        • • Navigating and Zooming
        • • Creating New Documents
        • • Working with Multiple Documents
        • • Guides and Grids
        • • Understanding Paths and Points
        • • Fills and Strokes

• • • • Activity: Trace and Stylize a City LandscapeDrawing and Editing Shapes in Illustrator
        • • Using the Pen Tool
        • • Using the Curvature Tool
        • • Using the Line Tools
        • • Using the Shape Tools
        • • Using the Brush Tools
        • • Using the Pencil Tools

• • • • Activity: Create a Stylized LogoWorking with Text in Illustrator
        • • Using the Type Tool
        • • Type on a Path
        • • Applying Character and Paragraph Settings
        • • Outlining Text

• • • • Activity: Vector Art PracticeUsing the Tools in Illustrator
        • • Using the Magic Wand and Lasso Tools
        • • Using the Eraser Tools
        • • Using the Rotate and Reflect Tools
        • • Using the Scale Tool
        • • Using the Width Tools
        • • Using the Free Transform Tool
        • • Applying Gradients
        • • Using the Eyedropper Tool
        • • Using the Blend Tool

• • • • Activity: Warped Text on Radial PatternMastering Illustrator Workflows and Functions
        • • Using the Appearance Panel
        • • Stylizing Shapes
        • • Envelope Distort and Warp Effects
        • • Using the Transform Each Technique for Patterns
        • • Using the Pathfinder Panel

• Printing, Saving, and Exporting in Illustrator
  • • Saving, Exporting, and Packaging Files in Illustrator
  • • Printing in Illustrator
  • Bonus: Learn Even More in My Other Courses!