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VDCI

Illustrator in a Day

via VDCI

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Overview

Get up and running with Adobe Illustrator and start creating and editing vector graphics from day one. You'll get hands-on practice with the core drawing tools, building custom shapes, applying color, converting pixel-based images to vector, and more. It's an ideal starting point if you're new to Illustrator and want to build real skills fast.

Syllabus

Section 1

Drawing with Basic Shape Tools

  • Drawing Ovals & Perfect Circles
  • Creating Precise Shapes
  • Setting Fill & Stroke Color
  • Using the Eyedropper to Copy Formatting
  • Navigating a File: Zooming & Scrolling
  • Outline & Preview Views

Shape Controls

  • Rounded Rectangles
  • Polygon Tool & Triangles
  • Star Tool
  • Scaling Corners & Strokes

Line Tools, Variable Width Strokes, & Rotate Tool

  • Line, Arc, & Spiral tools
  • Width tool & Variable Width Strokes
  • Rotate tool
  • Flipping Horizontally

Building Complex Shapes with Basic Shapes

  • Using the Direct Selection Tool to Move Individual Points
  • Using the Pen tool to Remove Anchor Points
  • Deleting Anchor Points
  • Joining
  • Aligning
  • Working with Groups

Section 2

Pathfinder

  • Comparing Pathfinders
  • Pathfinders vs Shape Modes
  • Live Compound Shapes

Image Trace

  • Image Trace
  • Converting Hand-Drawn Sketches into Vectors
  • Adding Color with Live Paint

Social Media Graphics with Type, Photos, & Vectors

  • Importing Photos
  • Sample Colors with the Eyedropper Tool
  • Adding Type
  • Adding Vector Shapes
  • Using the Curvature Tool to Curve Lines
  • Working with Multiple Artboards
  • Saving Illustrator Files That Contain Linked Photos

Exporting as JPEG, PNG, & SVG

  • Exporting SVG Files
  • Exporting Multiple Artboards with “Export for Screens”
  • Exporting Parts of a File Using “Assets Export”

Taught by

Dan Rodney, Eugenio Solis de Ovando, and David Sellers

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