Print this page Adobe Illustrator for Beginners

Have you ever wanted to design your own logo, poster, invitation or social media graphic? Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard tool for creating vector graphics, used in graphic design, branding, advertising, fashion, packaging and more. Unlike photos made of pixels, vector graphics are built from shapes and lines, so they stay crisp and clear at any size. One design can work everywhere, from a business card to a billboard. In this two-week, hands-on course, you'll go from your very first click to working confidently on your own creative projects. You'll learn how to set up documents, draw and combine shapes, work with colour and layers, and use Illustrator's powerful tools to edit and transform your artwork. You'll even learn how to turn photos or scans of your own hand-drawn work into editable digital designs.

Learning happens in a friendly, supportive class where no question is too simple. You'll learn not just which tools to use, but how and when to use them, so you can build a smooth workflow from idea to finished design. Basic computer skills are recommended. No previous Adobe experience is needed. Just bring your ideas and creativity.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• Please bring a laptop and charger, with Adobe Illustrator installed
• A free Adobe Illustrator trial is available from the Adobe website for those without the software.
• Mouse is also recommended for laptops

COURSE OUTLINE

• Understanding the principles of vector graphics and colour modes
• Setting up documents, file formats and shortcuts
• Navigating the Illustrator workspace: understanding the panels and the tools in the toolbar
• The importance of working with layers
• Editing shapes using the selection tools and control handles, and with Shape Builder and Pathfinder
• Drawing inside shapes and using clipping masks
• Working with colour: understanding fill and stroke, creating palettes and making them available across different files
• Using the Effects options to distort, transform and apply a range of special effects
• Saving and sharing files for specific end uses, ready for print or the web

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Have the skills, confidence and practical experience to create and develop your own vector artwork independently