Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

AICS3-0101-A

Instructor: Chris Price

This is a SELF STUDY Course.

Introduction to Adobe Illustrator Logo

Description

Prepare to immerse yourself in a whole new world of digital art. Leave pixels behind and discover vector illustration using the industry standard application. In Illustrator I, learn the tools and interface of Adobe Illustrator CS3 in a friendly environment and at your own pace.

Skill Level

This course is designed for complete beginners.

Software Requirements

  • Microsoft® Windows® XP, Microsoft® Windows® Vista or Apple® Mac OS® X operating system
  • Adobe® Illustrator® 10* or above

Hardware Requirements

  • A computer capable of running Adobe Illustrator
  • Mouse and keyboard input devices
  • Wacom or comparible tablet is recommended, but not required

*While this course is designed for Adobe Illustrator CS3 (version 13), most of the materials covered are standard as far back as version 10 of the software. If attending with any version below 13, please be aware that some of the features of the software covered in the course may not apply to your version and that no substitute materials will be offered.

Before Class

If you have not already ran a trial of Adobe Illustrator CS4 on your computer, a free 30-day trial may be downloaded from Adobe’s Illustrator page. If choosing this option, please do not install Illustrator until the course begins to avoid your trial expiring before the end of the course.

Week One

Basic Shapes

Explore the Illustrator interface and create a basic illustration with primitive shapes like circles, rectangles and triangles. The lesson is designed to familiarize the student with the very basic commands of Illustrator.

Week Two

Complex Shapes

Expand from simple shapes into complex shapes using the Pen tool, Pencil tool and the Pathfinder panel.

Week Three

Working with Text

Learn to work with text inside of Illustrator. Also, see text in a whole new light as it is used as a graphic element to create photo frames.

Week Four

Special Effects

Explore the Effects menu and gradient mesh to add realism to your Illustrator projects.