Class Policies and Requirements

All students need to bring their USB flash drives (sticks) for to work of, save and download files, 1Gb or more volume is recommended. Each class will consist demonstrations and practice time, and welcome bring your own projects for to be included into the curriculum.

 Adobe Illustrator Lesson 1 Up and Running with Illustrator creating your first vector art.

creating-logoDownload project files
What is Adobe Illustrator 
Creating your Logo using Adobe Illustrator – by Paul Trani

Adobe Illustrator is a tool to create Vector based graphics – illustrations and layouts, which are resolution independent, which its main strength and difference for bitmap (Photoshop alike) graphics.  Although, Adobe Illustrator (AI) is capable to output bitmap images (pixel based) as needed  at any resolution suited to print or online publishing. In this class you will experience power of AI, doing your first project – producing a personal logotype. Throughout this and next sessions you will practice working with AI Tools, Panels and other features.

Saving files for high-end print with select: File >Save As, choose format: Illustrator, EPS (legacy version as needed), PDF, SVG based on specific requirements. For online publishing you may use Save for Web and pick output format (jpg, png, gif), compression, and pixel size. A web page or a site, email body may have specific requirements for maximum image pixel size displayed. Any larger, than required pixel size image, will cause longer upload and preview time. Export allows to save files for use in AutoCad software, in Photoshop, TIF and many other formats. Native Illustrator .AI format allows to save working layered files for to future editing. With AI format Layers, Masks,  effects, and symbols are saved.

Additional resources to learn and practice

AdobeTV Illustrator CS6     AdobeTV       Adobe Help and Learning     Linda.com      100 amazing Adobe Illustrator tutorials
Understanding the Control Panel

Keyboard Shortcuts

Temporarily switch any tool to Selection Tool – press and hold Com [Ctrl] key, release to continue working with previous tool.
To duplicate an object while moving with Selection Tool – press and hold Opt [Alt] key.
Toggle View in Preview or Outline mode –  Com [Ctrl] + Y.
Constrained to 90° or 45° movement of a selected object, proportional scaling – press and hold Shift key while performing transformation.

 Adobe Illustrator Lesson 2  Vector image basics, creating vector illustrations with drawing tools and shapes.

Download project files (updated 4-30-14) Ely winter festival pin preview and vector paths

Additional resources to learn and practice

Understanding vector graphics    Understanding paths    Essentials of the Pen and Pencil Tools    Using the Blob Brush and Eraser Tools    Using Brush vs Blob Brush tool     Using Control Handles   The importance of modifier keys   Creating objects with Shape tools

Keyboard Shortcuts

Drawing Modifier Keys (hold down): Shift-constrains simple shape size or rotation; Spacebar-use to reposition shapes; Alt [Option]-use to draw from shape-center, Control [Command] – changes delta of radius; Up and Down arrows-changes number of sides or points, corner roundness, Bracket keys – changes size of a brush
To view in 100% image size – double-click on a Magnifying lens tool or press CTRL [Com]+1
To view fit image in window – double-click on a Hand tool or press CTRL [Com]+0
Change tool cursor to cross-hair – press CapsLock

 Adobe Illustrator Lesson 3  Guides and Rulers, Using Selection tools and Transformation tools, applying colors to fill and outline (stroke) shapes.

Download project files
Heart and Arrow project AI file

Intuos Wecom tabletUsing tablets like this Wacom Intuos, instead of computer mouse, let more natural freehand drawing with pressure sensitivity option.

Illustrator guides optionsUsing smart guides and snapping features can help in creating a structured artwork with Illustrator. Shown: View menu with highlighted options to  set on.

Additional resources to learn and practice

Using drawing modes – Draw Behind and Draw Inside       Scaling and Rotating     Using Magic Wand selection tool     Reshaping a path outline     Using control handles

Keyboard Shortcuts

Right click on an object (shape, path, symbol) to check modification options.
Double-click on a tool to check and change this tool options.
Click on art board with Simple Shape (rectangle, oval, etc) tool to set options and create a specific size-type shape.
Change Blob-brush, Erase tools size – press left or right [  ] bracket keys.

 Adobe Illustrator Lesson 4  Color modes and color swatches, picking a specific color and saving as a swatch. Gradients and Patterns.

Download project files – continuing working with files from Lesson 3

Additional resources to learn and practice

Using Rulers and guides       Working with Gradients       Using Kuler Color Themes      Working with Fill and Stroke         Color Filling and Stroking       Post-card project Logo Colors     Working with Shape Builder tool   Recoloring Artwork      Creating repeatable pattern       Creating a simple pattern     Pattern creation with Illustrator      Flexibility of Patterns used on fabrics, clothing, and more

Keyboard Shortcuts

Spacebar pressed – temporarily switch to a Hand tool for to move/pan image around
Shift pressed –  1. to constrained proportional scaling,  selecting and cropping.  2.To add selection
Option [Alt] key pressed –   To enter options while creating New: Layers,  Swatches, Gradients, etc.

 Adobe Illustrator Lesson 5  Tracing images (photographs) bitmap into vector

Download project files

Additional resources to learn and practice

Keyboard Shortcuts

Spacebar + Com/Ctrl  or  Spacebar + Alt/Opt – to quickly switch to magnification tool
Com/Ctrl plus (+) or minus (-) key  to zoom in or out in increments
Alt/Opt + click on a layer mask revelas layer mask and back
Right click on a layer or a layer mask provides with options, including Convert to a Smart Object, Disable/Enable mask, and more.

 Adobe Illustrator Lesson 6  Type tools. Output for print and online publishing.

Download project files (TBA)

Additional resources to learn and practice

Putting type on path

 Adobe Illustrator Lesson 7  Topic on demand.

Download project files (TBA)

Additional resources to learn and practice at home

Monitor/Display Calibration is an important step to correctly view, edit and print/publish your pictures.
Making fine prints in your digital darkroom by Norman Koren
Apple display calibration
An example of calibrating monitor using software and a on-monitor sensor

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