Learn Adobe Illustrator – Beginning
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.
Download 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)
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
Using tablets like this Wacom Intuos, instead of computer mouse, let more natural freehand drawing with pressure sensitivity option.
Using 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
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
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