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Create Whimsical Art in Adobe Illustrator

Name: Create Whimsical Art in Adobe Illustrator
Rating: 4.8 (62 reviews)

Learn to create a range of whimsical illustrations in Illustrator as you develop graphic design and Illustrator skills

Created byHelen Bradley

Last updated 6/2020

English

What you'll learn

Make whimsical designs in Illustrator.
Work from sketches to create art in Illustrator.
Work more confidently in Illustrator.
Use Illustrator tools in a real world situation.
Choose the right tool to use for a particular need.
Be familiar with a range of everyday Illustrator tools.
Develop graphic designs skills and use smart workflows.

Course content

7 sections • 33 lectures • 3h 15m total length

Introduction2:13
In this lecture I'll explain how best to study this course. If you are just starting out with Illustrator you can pause and rewind the video as required. If you are more experienced with Illustrator you will find some introductory material in the first couple of lectures but we'll move past this pretty quickly so you won't be bored!

Set up the Template Image3:36
In this lecture you will learn to create a new Illustrator file. You will learn to import a line drawing to use as a template - I have provided you with an image to use. You will understand how to find and use palettes in Illustrator.
Add the Lines6:56
In this lecture you will see how to save a file and open it again. You will learn to set up and use the Pencil tool to trace a design. You will learn to set the stroke and fill on an object, undo mistakes, close a path using the Pencil tool and to zoom in and out of your project. You will also learn some handy shortcut keys for working in Illustrator.
Edit and smooth the lines3:42
Now that you have drawn your art, you will learn to edit your lines. You will see how to do this with the Pencil tool itself and the Smooth tool. You will also learn some additional Illustrator shortcuts.
Prepare for Live Paint2:23
In this lecture you will learn to duplicate a layer in Illustrator, how to prepare art for use with the Live Paint tool and how to protect content from being edited by locking it.
Fill shapes using Live Paint5:34
In this lecture you will see how to find color schemes to use to color your art. You will learn to add colors to the swatches palette and how to setup and use Live Paint to fill shapes you have drawn in Illustrator.
Color the Lines3:15
In this lecture you will learn to unprotect content and how to select objects and color the strokes of selected art in Illustrator.
Add a background color5:41
In this lecture you will see how to add a background to your project using a rectangle. You will learn how to align the rectangle to the artboard and how to move it so it is placed underneath the art you have made.
You will also learn how to adjust the corners on the stroke around a shape so the corners look the way you want them to look.
Recolor the Art4:51
In this lecture you will learn to recolor artwork with the Recolor Artwork tool. This tool lets you drag sliders to change all or just some colors in your art. You will learn a workflow for recoloring a project and you will learn to make new color groups in the Swatches panel.

Create and use a custom brush6:45
In this lecture you will learn to make a custom brush to use on the outline of a shape. You will draw the brush using the Pencil tool. You will use the Average tool to manipulate your lines and then create the lines as a brush that you can then apply to your art. You will also learn how to adjust the thumbnail size in the Illustrator Layers panel.
Save a Brush for Reuse2:39
In this lecture you will learn one limitation of creating your own brushes - that the brushes are not saved in Illustrator. So, you will learn how to save a brush to disk so you can use it again in future for another project. You will also learn how to add the custom brushes that you have saved to a new document.
Create an Off-Register Effect4:57
In this lecture you will learn to create an off register effect reminiscent of the print you might get if you had a set of badly aligned printing plates. You will learn how to expand a live paint object, how to ungroup objects and how to select and move objects out of alignment.

Draw with the Pen and Ellipse tools9:46
In this lecture you will learn to use the Pen tool to trace around an object in a reference drawing. You will learn the ideal place to make anchor points when drawing with the Pen tool and how far to drag when making a line to ensure you get the desired curve. You will learn how to join a path made with the Pen tool. Also covered in this lecture is how to draw ovals using the Ellipse tool.
Edit Shapes using the Smooth and Direct Selection tools6:00
In this lecture you will learn to adjust lines you have drawn with the Pen tool by using the Direct Selection Tool and manipulating the anchor points on the path. You will see how to use options in the Pathfinder palette to manipulate shapes, how to make a duplicate of an object positioned right on top of the existing object. You will also learn how to add a round cap to lines that you draw as open paths.
Work with Stroke and Fill colors5:06
In this lecture you will learn how to select multiple objects at a time. You will learn to color objects and to sample colors to use from other objects. You will learn how (and why) to convert lines to filled shapes and to color them.
Layers and freehand drawing with the Pencil9:25
In this lecture you will see how import an image to use as a visual reference and how to name the layer it is placed on. You will see how to set the Pencil tool options and how to draw clothing onto your character using the Pencil tool. You will learn how to convert an outlined shape into a filled shape by swapping stroke and fill. You will learn to use the Layers palette to control the layering of objects.

You will also learn to select only part of a shape so you can manipulate only one side of the shape and how to remove an element once you are finished with it.
Make a Knitting Stitch brush and pattern8:53
In this lecture you will learn how to select a shape and how to make a copy of it to save away for use later on. You will learn how to unite two overlapping shapes to make a single shape. You will learn to scale an object in proportion using the Shift key. You will see how to turn a shape you have created into a Scatter Brush and how to configure a scatter brush so it works the way you want it to. You will then learn to create a repeating pattern from a design you have made using your scatter brush.
Apply a custom made Pattern to a shape5:53
In this lecture you will learn to fill a shape with a pattern and how to scale the pattern to make it the right size within an object. You will also learn how to recolor a pattern. You will see how to use the Appearance panel to add a second fill to a shape and learn how the stacking order of fills in the Appearance panel affects how an object with multiple fills looks.
Make and warp a stripe pattern5:53
In this lecture you will learn to make a pattern of stripes and apply this to an object. You will learn to distort the pattern filled shape using Envelope Mesh so it bends. You will then learn to clip the pattern filled shape using another shape as a Clipping Mask.
Add texture with a scatter brush8:19
In this lecture you will learn to create a color group in the Swatches panel from your art. You will see how to texture an object using a custom made scatter brush. You will learn to select similar objects all at one time and to move them around in the layers panel. You will see how to 'crop' the texture using a clipping mask.
Scallop edges and Graphic Styles4:02
In this lecture you will learn to make a dotted line stroke on a shape. You will see how to turn the dotted stroke into a scallop by adjusting the stacking order of strokes in the Appearance panel. You will also learn how to create and use a Graphic Style to format shapes more quickly.
Cut a shape with the Knife tool and replace its pattern fill6:31
In this lecture you will learn to create a custom pattern from a single object by adjusting width and height to suit. You will learn to cut a shape in two pieces using the Knife tool and how to replace a pattern fill in a shape. You will also see how to scale the pattern to suit. You will also see how to add a single color to a Color Group.
Recolor artwork using the Recolor Artwork Tool5:58
In this lecture you will see how to lock content on layers in an image so you can selectively adjust colors using the Recolor Artwork tool. You will also learn a little more about recoloring artwork using this tool.

Brush profiles and the Twirl Tool5:19
In this lecture you will see how to draw a line and apply a brush profile to it. You will learn to configure the Twirl Tool settings and use it to twirl your lines. You will see how to adjust stroke width and use the Width tool and to reverse a line so it faces the opposite direction.
Simplify and smooth and unite paths7:12
In this lecture you will see how to duplicate, rotate and reflect lines and convert lines to filled objects. You will see how to simplify paths and how to unite multiple shapes to make a single shape. Finally you will see how to smooth lines using the Smooth tool.
Make and work with Symbols6:28
In this lecture you will see how to draw a leaf using an ellipse. You will see how to convert a point, draw a line and expand and remove your line from a shape. You will see how to create your leaf as a symbol and to spray it onto your document using the Symbol sprayer. Finally, you will see how to move, size and rotate symbols using the Symbol tools.
Make patterns using Transform Effects11:29
In this lecture you will learn how to expand a symbol set to break it into individual symbols. You will learn to make a background layer and align it over the artboard. You will see how to draw a small circle using the pencil tool and fill it. You will use the Transform tool to create a grid of dots and how to expand the pattern to create individual shapes. You will then see how to use the Transform Each command to upset the a regular grid and make a random pattern of shapes.

Understand problems with formatting text4:10
In this lecture you will see the problems that occur when you try to format text using both simple and more complex effects. You will see that the method that you might use to format shapes in Illustrator doesn't work when formatting text. Don't worry! In the next lecture we will solve the problem, it will just help you to see that there is a problem, to understand what it looks like and that it isn't anything that you are doing wrong!
Create scallop edge text5:02
In this lecture we will solve the problem of formatting text in Illustrator. We will make a dotted stroke and see how you can change a dotted stroke into a scallop edge effect using the Appearance panel. You will see how strokes and fills can be layered and that their impact on text will change if the layer order is altered.
Apply stroke effects to editable type4:37
In this lecture you will learn how to place a stroke behind the text fill and see how to give an uneven edge to the text using the Roughen effect on its stroke. You will also see how to add multiple strokes each with the same or different effects as you wish. See too, that the effects that we have created don't alter the ability that we have to edit the text.
Adjust type with the touch type tool2:36
In this lecture you will learn to use the Touch Type tool in Illustrator. This tool lets you alter each character in a word individually but at the same time retaining the type as editable type. This tool is very handy for creating fun text effects very easily.
Whimsical pattern filled text14:17
In this lecture you will learn how to make a document with two artboards. You will build a random pattern of dots on one artboard by drawing the starting dot with the blob brush and making the pattern itself using the Transform tools. The text will be placed on the other artboard and you will see how to fill the text with the pattern and a solid fill behind it and how to scale the pattern inside the text. You will also see how to add a gradient background behind your text and alter the gradient to suit.

Requirements

You should be able to use your PC or Mac at a competent beginner level.
You should have a recent version of Adobe Illustrator installed and be able to launch the program.
You should have an interest in creating whimsical art which has a hand drawn and organic feel.
A desire to learn and a willingness to learn and practice new skills.

Description

Make Whimsical Illustrations and Designs in Illustrator

A practical guide to using Illustrator that focuses on making fun stuff

Are you ready to learn Illustrator? Do you want to increase your Illustrator knowledge? Are you ready to take your graphic design skills to the next level?

Great!

Welcome!

This course is for you. It's a fun and a practical way to learn Illustrator.

Here you'll "learn by doing" as you create a range of whimsical designs in Illustrator. You can use these designs for stock images, backgrounds, and scrapbook papers and embellishments. You can upload them to Spoonflower to make fabric and wallpaper, you can print them on book covers and mugs. There are literally hundreds of ways to make use of the designs you'll make in this course and you'll be so proud when you say "I made that".

What will you learn?

When you complete this course, you'll:

- be able to create a range of whimsical designs in Illustrator

- have extended your knowledge of Illustrator tools

- have learned new tips and techniques that you can use every day

- be able to confidently render whimsical style illustrations for a range of design and commercial uses

Do I hear you say "...but I don't know how to use Illustrator (and frankly, I'm scared of it)"?

I understand!

I've been there.

Illustrator can be really scary to use when you first start out.

… but I've created a better way to learn Illustrator. One that makes it a lot less scary and a whole lot more fun.

You see, you'll learn by actually making art that you can sell, give away on your blog, and use yourself. So you'll be making designs that you can do something with at the same time that you are learning Illustrator. There's no waiting! There's no hours of learning before you can get started actually doing something. In fact you can start today. Complete the first few lessons and you'll have your first design made!

Do I hear you say "... but I hate the Pen tool!"?

I understand! Most people hate the Pen tool. You are not alone!

… I believe that Illustrator is so much more than its (dreaded) Pen tool – so we'll use the pen tool only when we have to (which is practically never) and you'll see just how much you can achieve without it.

Do I hear you say "... but I can't draw"?

No problem! If you can use a mouse you can complete this course.

Quite simply, you don't need to be able to draw. In fact many designers can't draw and yet they make fantastic designs and great products.

If you can draw – great! If you can't draw – don't worry, you'll be able to do succeed in this course even if drawing isn't a skill you have mastered.

If drawing is needed in this course I will give you reference images you can use so you can trace over them.

Are you ready to extend your Illustrator skills?

If you already know the basics of using Illustrator, taking this class will elevate your skills to a new level. You'll learn to use tools and techniques in a practical situation. No laboriously making shapes just to learn what the pathfinder tool does. No! In this class you'll learn the pathfinder because you need it, you'll draw shapes intrinsic to the design you are making - you'll be putting your skills to practical use from the first lecture. You'll reinforce your existing knowledge as you apply it to real world designs. And if we use tools you've never used before - great! You'll learn to use them fast and easily so you understand how you can put them to work in your daily workflow.

Do I hear you say "Please don't waste my time"?

If there is one thing I hate it’s wasting time and you probably do too.

So, I don't say "um", I don't fluff about, I don't make mistakes, I know my stuff and I show you how to do things efficiently and effectively. I speed up the videos where appropriate so you don't get bored or distracted.

I'm 100% focused on helping you learn.

In short, I'll get straight to the point and I’ll maximize what you learn in every class.

So, I'll learn all there is to know about Illustrator in this course?

I'm sorry, no you won't. No one can truly promise you that.

What I will do is to teach you to use a range of tools in a practical setting so you can apply these tools to your own work in future. My hope for you is that you will fall in love with Illustrator and leave the class feeling excited about the creative possibilities ahead.

How will I learn?

This course is made up 100% of video content. You'll watch my screen as I show you how each step is performed. I'll explain what I am doing and why so you can learn as you watch.

If resources are needed, I'll either give them to you to use or give you download links so you can download them yourself.

Join me...

I hope you will join me in this Illustrator class. I look forward to meeting you and I invite you to contact me if you have any questions as you work through the lectures.

cheers!

Helen

Who this course is for:

Anyone who wants to learn Illustrator in a fun and practical way by making art.
Anyone who knows a little about Illustrator and who wants to advance their knowledge.
Anyone wanting to make designs and patterns for sale online or personal use (eg. scrapbooking, stock).
Anyone who doesn't think they can draw and who wants to learn Illustrator.

Create Whimsical Art in Adobe Illustrator

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 2min

Create a Whimsical Drawing8 lectures • 36min

Effects for adding Whimsy3 lectures • 14min

Textures and patterns for whimsical drawings11 lectures • 1hr 16min

Whimsical curls and patterns4 lectures • 30min

Whimsical Text Effects5 lectures • 31min

Extra and Bonus videos1 lecture • 6min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: