What is Illustrator?
Illustrator Basics
Raster Vs. Vector

Before you can really get started using Adobe Illustrator, you need to understand the program interface itself. Start by watching the Get to Know Illustrator Video linked and answer the questions on the worksheet provided in the assignment. Follow along with the videos while you answer the questions.

Now that you are starting to understand Illustrator, understanding how to use Artboards is an important skill to have as well. Start by watching the Work with Artboards Video linked to the right and answer the questions on the worksheet provided.

Once you have mastered the pen tool, it opens up so many different drawing possibilities to you. It allows you to create very simple shapes to very complex ones.

The Bezier Game is great practice on how to get the feeling for the pen tool. We will spend 30 minutes on this game. When the hour is up, record your score on the Score Card. The game is to start you off with the fundamentals of creating basic shapes using the pen tool.

Start by learning how to draw and manipulate simple + complex shapes and line styles using different tools by following along with this Illustrator Tutorial (I know, I know). Once your brain is full of knowledge, please complete the worksheet (using Illustrator) found in the Assignment Tab below.

Second Year Student? Try this one instead!

Knowing how to manipulate a existing drawing is also extremely helpful. We will use the Select Tool, the Direct Select Tool, the Anchor Point Tool, the Add and Remove Anchor Point tool to do this activity. The goal is to make your objects match that of the source image (except, add your own flavor).

Sometimes it is easier to work with 2 shapes to than to draw the entire thing by hand. This Quick Video will load your noggin with info on how to manipulate shapes using the pathfinder panel. Assignment to follow.

Second Year Student? Download the Pathfinder Advanced instead! Just create the shapes shown in the original. Use the pathfinder tool indicated in the directions. Your goal is to make YOURS look like MINE.

Learning to let Illustrator do some of the work for you is always best. Using the alignment tool is super helpful in making sure all of your elements are perfectly placed. Download the Alignment worksheet .AI file found below and following the instructions to complete the 4 activities.

Image Trace lets you convert raster images (JPEG, PNG, PSD etc.) to vector artwork. Using this feature, you can easily base a new drawing on an existing piece of artwork by tracing it. For example, you can convert the image of a pencil sketch you've drawn on paper into vector artwork using Image Trace. You can choose from a set of tracing presets to get the desired result quickly. For this project, you’ll be creating an Andy Warhol inspired Portrait using your favorite selfie. See the Assignment for more details.

The Type tool can be used for more than simple text boxes, especially when used along with the pen tool. For this topic, I’d like you to create 3 word play posters using only text and color. See the assignment for instruction.

Learning to use gradients in a fundamental in creating more realistic drawings in Illustrator. Download the Gradient worksheet to the right, and follow the instructions and create the 4 gradients.

Second Year Student? This is for you.

When creating complex artwork, it’s a challenge to keep track of all the items in your document window. Small items get hidden under larger items, and selecting artwork becomes difficult. Layers provide a way to manage all the items that make up your artwork.

The assignment for this topic is the famous Sandwich Shop Project. Click below for instruction.

Clipping Masks are a highly useful technique to have in your arsenal when using Adobe Illustrator. This can save your a huge amount of time and work depending on what you are doing. Start by downloading the Clipping Mask AI worksheet below. Using the skills you were shown in class, you will look at the examples on the worksheet and create your own version.

Learn the basics of working with colors in Adobe Illustrator - including how to change color, create swatches, recolor artwork, and more by watching this tutorial and following along with the practice files.

Choose one of the 3 projects to complete for your Adobe Illustrator course certification.