Introduction to Illustrator

Illustrator is used to produce all types of illustration using its vector based engine that gives clean sharp images. Illustrator images, unlike those produced by Photoshop, can be scaled to any size without loss of quality, making it ideal for originating logos, graphics as well as pure Illustration. Adobe Illustrator is one of the core skills that professional studios require for delivering to print.

The trainer will explain the core techniques and the underpinning concepts that drive Illustrator, along with an explanation of the fundamental drawing tools. Also taught are uses of the type tools, the concepts of strokes, fills and the use of colour.

Time is allowed for learners to explore Illustrator by drawing demonstration pieces, ask questions and explore areas of particular interest. Notes accompany the course. Learners completing this two day introductory course will emerge with an understanding of the core concepts of Illustrator and a good grounding in the use of the main tools. They will have drawn a number of images, using different tools and explored techniques such as layering, grouping, masking to effectively produce artwork in a timely manner.

• Understanding Illustrator's core concepts. What a vector is, and why it gives sharp, scalable graphics.
• Customising Illustrator through its preferences.
• Setting up a new document based on the output requirement.
• Using and saving to the correct file format.
• Using rules, guides, and grids.
• Using smart guides.
• Selecting objects, using selection tools to quickly change the image.
• Understanding objects and stacking orders in Illustrator. What a bounding box is and why it matters.
• Using the line and shape primitive tools to draw with.
• Drawing and editing paths with the Pen and Pencil tools.
• Using distortion tools to modify and add complexity to an image.
• Using patterns and symbols.
• Creating compound vector shapes.
• Understanding how to use text and fonts in Illustrator.
• Applying live effects such as shadows and glows.
• Creating and using colours. Using the colour harmony tools.
• Transforming artwork with Rotation, Scale, and Transform effects.
• Placing images from Photoshop into Illustrator
• Printing, saving, and exporting artwork.

Intended for infrequent users or those new to Illustrator.  No drawing ability is assumed. Suitable for those who have to redraw or generate from scratch company logos and other graphics; artists who wish to expand into digital media.