
Learn Adobe Illustrator quickly by mastering vector basics, anchor points, and curves, and understand AI and EPM vector files for scalable logos and artwork.
Learn the core concept of grouping and nesting in Illustrator, using isolation mode and the layers panel to manage multi-element vector files, and build complex shapes by layering groups.
Create basic shapes in Adobe Illustrator: rectangles, rounded rectangles, circles, polygons, and stars, with fill and stroke. Use pencil and brush tools, adjust fidelity, and convert strokes to shapes.
Master the pen tool in Illustrator by tracing shapes with anchor points and bezier handles, adjusting strokes and fills, and using layers to safely reproduce logos.
Learn how to replace the obsolete Pathfinder tool with the Shape Builder tool in Adobe Illustrator, mastering cutting, combining, and shaping shapes to create moons and logos.
learn to create the Twitter logo in Illustrator using the shape builder tool, combining circles and overlapping shapes, lock layers, adjust opacity, and sketch ideas before finalizing the vector design.
Explore fills and strokes in illustrator, applying colors, adjusting stroke size, and choosing inside or outside alignment. Expand appearance to turn strokes into shapes, then group objects.
Explore gradients in adobe illustrator using the gradient tool and panel to apply linear and radial fades, adjust colors with rgb swatches, and control opacity for a bubble-like effect.
Master the appearance panel and effects in Illustrator to build complex vector shapes, apply multiple strokes and fills, warp text, and expand appearances for final logos.
Adobe Illustrator is one of the most powerful vector-based programs in the world. It is the industry standard for creating beautiful logos, packaging design, artwork and more recently website layouts.
I have been using Illustrator for over 15 years and I designed this class to focus only on the specific things you need to learn to get up and running with Illustrator quickly. Within the first few classes you will already have what you need to open Illustrator and start working.
This isn't going to be one of those boring classes where we walk through every single tool and your mind starts to drift. There are plenty of classes out there that will show you every bell and whistle included with Illustrator. But let's be honest, nobody needs to know everything to be a professional graphic designer. Some of the most successful designers I know only use about 25% of the program's full potential. The key to becoming a graphic designer is to learn how to effectively use the tools to bring your vision to life.
Do I need to know how to draw to use Illustrator?
No! I am a mediocre artist at best. Of course it doesn't hurt to be able to draw, but most of the graphic designers I know are bad to terrible artists.
Some of the things we cover:
I know it is frustrating to try and learn a new program, and my goal is to show you exactly what you need. We won't waste time on tools and parts of Illustrator you don't really need to know. Just like Photoshop, Illustrator is a program that has added lots of new tools. But in the process of adding things, it has also held onto a lot of the older tools that are now obsolete (like the Pathfinder tool).
I hope you will join me.