Adobe Illustrator CC is a powerful tool for designers to create vector graphics, illustrations, and logos. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer, it is important to have a good understanding of the essentials of Adobe Illustrator. Skillshare offers a comprehensive Illustrator CC Essentials Training course that covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
The Illustrator CC Essentials Training course on Skillshare is designed to help designers learn the essential tools and techniques needed to create professional-looking artwork. The course covers topics such as the Illustrator workspace, creating and manipulating shapes, working with colors and text, exporting and saving artwork, and much more. The course is taught by an experienced designer who provides step-by-step instructions and exercises to help students learn the material.
Whether you are looking to improve your skills as a designer or learn how to use Adobe Illustrator for the first time, the Illustrator CC Essentials Training course on Skillshare is a great resource. With exercise files, cheat sheets, and templates provided, students will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to create stunning graphics and illustrations.
Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator CC
Adobe Illustrator CC is a powerful vector graphics editor that allows users to create stunning designs and illustrations. In this section, we will cover the basics of getting started with Adobe Illustrator CC.
Workspace and Tools
When you first open Adobe Illustrator CC, you will be presented with a workspace that contains various tools and panels. The workspace can be customized to suit your needs, and you can save your preferred workspace for future use.
The tools in Adobe Illustrator CC are located on the left side of the workspace. These tools include the selection tool, the pen tool, the shape tools, and many others. Each tool has a specific function, and it is essential to learn how to use them to create your designs effectively.
Creating a New Document
To create a new document in Adobe Illustrator CC, go to File > New. You will be presented with a dialog box where you can specify the document’s size, orientation, and other settings. Once you have set your preferences, click on the Create button to create your new document.
You can also choose from a range of preset document sizes and templates that are available in Adobe Illustrator CC to get started quickly.
Importing and Exporting Files
Adobe Illustrator CC allows you to import and export files in a variety of formats, including JPEG, PNG, PDF, and many others. To import a file, go to File > Import and select the file you want to import.
To export a file, go to File > Export and select the format you want to export your file to. You can also choose to export your file as a PDF, which is a popular format for sharing documents.
With these basics, you can start creating your designs and illustrations in Adobe Illustrator CC. The next sections will cover more advanced features and techniques.
Drawing and Designing with Adobe Illustrator CC
Adobe Illustrator CC is an essential tool for designers and artists who want to create stunning graphics, icons, logos, and illustrations. In this section, we will explore the various tools and features of Adobe Illustrator CC that can help you create beautiful designs and illustrations.
Pen and Pencil Tools
The Pen and Pencil tools in Adobe Illustrator CC are essential for drawing and designing. The Pen tool allows you to create precise lines and shapes, while the Pencil tool lets you draw freehand sketches and designs. With these tools, you can create custom shapes, icons, and logos that are unique to your brand or project.
Brushes and Gradients
Brushes and gradients are powerful tools that can add depth and texture to your designs. Adobe Illustrator CC offers a wide range of brushes and gradients that you can use to create stunning effects and designs. You can customize the brushes and gradients to match your project’s color scheme and style.
Shapes and Compound Shapes
Shapes and compound shapes are the building blocks of many designs and illustrations. Adobe Illustrator CC offers a wide range of shapes and compound shapes that you can use to create complex designs and illustrations. You can also create your own custom shapes and compound shapes using the Pen tool and other drawing tools.
Curvature Tool
The Curvature tool in Adobe Illustrator CC makes it easy to create smooth curves and lines. You can use the Curvature tool to create custom shapes and designs that are freehand or precise. With this tool, you can create hand-drawn illustrations, repeat artwork, and custom logo shapes.
Shape Builder Tool
The Shape Builder tool in Adobe Illustrator CC allows you to combine and subtract shapes to create complex designs and illustrations. You can use the Shape Builder tool to create custom shapes and designs that are unique to your project. This tool is perfect for creating practical projects like postcards and hand-drawn illustrations.
Width Tool
The Width tool in Adobe Illustrator CC allows you to create variable-width strokes for your designs and illustrations. You can use the Width tool to create custom strokes that are tapered or expanded. This tool is perfect for creating graphics and effects that are unique to your project.
Align and Distribute
The Align and Distribute tools in Adobe Illustrator CC make it easy to align and distribute objects in your designs and illustrations. You can use these tools to align objects to the center, top, bottom, left, or right of your artboard. You can also distribute objects evenly across your artboard.
Overall, Adobe Illustrator CC is a powerful application that offers a wide range of tools and features for drawing and designing. With these tools, you can create stunning graphics, icons, logos, and illustrations that are unique to your brand or project.
Working with Text and Type in Adobe Illustrator CC
Type and Fonts
Adobe Illustrator CC offers a wide range of typography tools to help designers create stunning text designs. Users can choose from a variety of fonts and typefaces to create unique and professional-looking designs. The software also allows users to customize the font size, color, and style to match their design needs.
One of the most useful features of Adobe Illustrator CC is the ability to create and save custom font styles. This can be done by selecting the “Type” menu and then “Create Outlines.” Users can then modify the font style by adjusting the fill and stroke colors, as well as the weight and style of the font.
Text Effects
Adobe Illustrator CC also offers a range of text effects to help designers create dynamic and eye-catching designs. Users can add drop shadows, glows, and other effects to text to make it stand out from the background.
The software also allows users to warp text to create interesting and unique designs. This can be done by selecting the “Type” menu and then “Warp Text.” Users can then choose from a range of warp styles, such as “Arc,” “Bulge,” and “Flag,” to create custom text designs.
In addition to these features, Adobe Illustrator CC also allows users to add special effects to text, such as 3D bevels and embossing. These effects can be applied to text by selecting the “Effect” menu and then “3D.”
Overall, Adobe Illustrator CC provides a powerful set of tools for working with text and type. Whether you’re creating a logo, a brochure, or a website design, the software makes it easy to create professional-looking text designs.
Using Color and Color Management in Adobe Illustrator CC
Adobe Illustrator CC offers a wide range of tools to help you manage color in your designs. In this section, we’ll explore some of the essential features that you need to know about when working with color in Illustrator.
RGB and CMYK Colors
RGB and CMYK are two popular color models used in digital design. RGB is commonly used for web design, while CMYK is used for print design. In Illustrator, you can easily switch between the two color models by selecting the appropriate color mode from the Color panel.
When working with RGB colors, you can use the Eyedropper tool to select colors from an image or other design element. The Eyedropper tool allows you to pick up colors from anywhere on your screen and apply them to your design.
For print design, it’s important to use CMYK colors to ensure that your colors look the same when printed. In Illustrator, you can convert your RGB colors to CMYK by selecting the appropriate color mode from the Color panel.
Eye Dropper and Color Theme
The Eye Dropper tool is a handy feature that allows you to pick up colors from an image or other design element. You can use the Eye Dropper tool to select colors from anywhere on your screen and apply them to your design.
Another useful feature in Illustrator is the Color Theme tool. This tool allows you to create color palettes based on the colors in an image or design element. You can use these color palettes to create a cohesive color scheme for your design.
CC Libraries
CC Libraries is a feature in Illustrator that allows you to save and share design assets, including colors, graphics, and text styles. You can access your CC Libraries from any device that has Illustrator installed, making it easy to collaborate with others and work on your designs from anywhere.
Overall, Adobe Illustrator CC offers a wide range of tools to help you manage color in your designs. Whether you’re working with RGB or CMYK colors, using the Eyedropper tool or Color Theme tool, or saving your design assets to CC Libraries, Illustrator has everything you need to create stunning designs that look great on screen and in print.
Working with Artwork and Logos in Adobe Illustrator CC
Redrawing Famous Logos
When working with logos, it is important to have a good understanding of the different shapes and colors that make up the design. In this section, learners will be taught how to redraw famous logos such as the Mastercard, Instagram, Kodak, eHarmony, Tinder, and BP logos. This will help learners develop their skills in creating complex vector shapes.
Creating Custom Logos
Creating custom logos is a great way to showcase your creativity and design skills. In this section, learners will be taught how to create custom logo shapes using the various tools available in Adobe Illustrator CC. They will also learn how to manipulate shapes and colors to create unique logos that stand out.
Exporting and Saving Artwork
Once you have created your artwork or logo, it is important to know how to export and save it in the correct format. In this section, learners will be taught how to export and save their artwork in various formats such as JPEG, PNG, SVG, and PDF. They will also learn how to optimize their artwork for web and print.
Vectorizing an Image
Vectorizing an image is the process of converting a raster image into a vector image. In this section, learners will be taught how to vectorize an image using Adobe Illustrator CC. They will learn how to trace an image, adjust the settings, and clean up the vectorized image to make it look more professional.
Overall, working with artwork and logos in Adobe Illustrator CC can be a challenging task, but with the right training and practice, learners can develop their skills and create stunning designs.
Advanced Techniques in Adobe Illustrator CC
Masks and Clipping Masks
Adobe Illustrator CC offers a variety of masking options that allow users to create complex designs. Masks and clipping masks are essential tools for creating artwork with complex shapes and patterns. Masks are used to hide or reveal parts of an image, while clipping masks are used to crop an image to a specific shape. Users can apply masks to any object or group of objects, and they can also create masks from shapes or paths. Clipping masks are used to apply the same mask to multiple objects at once.
Repeating Shapes and Patterns
Repeating shapes and patterns are a great way to add texture and depth to your designs. Adobe Illustrator CC offers several tools for creating repeating patterns, including the Pattern Options panel and the Pattern Maker tool. Users can create seamless patterns by using the Pattern Options panel, which allows them to adjust the size, spacing, and rotation of the pattern. The Pattern Maker tool allows users to create more complex patterns by using a variety of shapes and colors.
Liquid and Distorted Effects
Liquid and distorted effects are perfect for creating unique designs with a hand-drawn feel. Adobe Illustrator CC offers several tools for creating these effects, including the Warp tool and the Liquify tool. The Warp tool allows users to distort shapes and lines, while the Liquify tool allows users to push and pull parts of an image to create a liquid effect.
Bend and Warp Effects
Bend and warp effects are great for creating dynamic designs with movement and flow. Adobe Illustrator CC offers several tools for creating these effects, including the Warp tool and the Twirl tool. The Warp tool allows users to bend and twist shapes and lines, while the Twirl tool allows users to create a spiral effect.
Overall, Adobe Illustrator CC offers a wide range of advanced techniques that allow users to create complex designs with ease. By using masks, repeating shapes and patterns, liquid and distorted effects, and bend and warp effects, users can create unique and dynamic designs that stand out from the crowd.
Professional Development with Adobe Illustrator CC
Adobe Illustrator CC is a powerful tool for creating vector graphics that can be used in a variety of applications. Whether you are a graphic designer, illustrator, or just someone who wants to learn how to use Illustrator, there are many resources available to help you develop your skills.
Adobe Certified Instructor and Expert
One of the best ways to learn Adobe Illustrator CC is to work with an Adobe Certified Instructor or Expert. These professionals have extensive knowledge of Illustrator and can teach you the skills you need to become proficient with the software. They can also provide guidance on how to use Illustrator in a professional setting, which can be invaluable if you are looking to pursue a career in graphic design or illustration.
Essentials Training on Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a variety of courses on Adobe Illustrator CC. One of the most popular courses is the Essentials Training on Skillshare, which covers the basics of Illustrator and provides hands-on exercises to help you develop your skills. This course is taught by Daniel Walter Scott, an Adobe Certified Instructor and Expert, who has over 20 years of experience in the