illustrator logo Adobe Illustrator CS3 CS4 CS5
 
Course Information
Description
This course is designed to provide delegates with a thorough understanding of how to create artwork and graphics with what has become the most popular tool in the UK. This will also cover an understanding of some of the more unusual tools and effects that can be produced with Adobe Illustrator.
 
Basic knowledge
None, other than experience of the Macintosh or Windows operating system and familiarity with word processing or other simple software.
 
Target audience
People that are new or casual users of Illustrator and want to understand how to use the potential of the product.
 
Duration
1 day or 2 days, depending on the time available, which will change the level of depth and quantity of exercises to be completed.
 
 
 
 
 Illustrator Outline
Basic Concepts
Vector and Bitmap images, Preview, Artwork and custom views, the Navigator palette and the artboard. The Illustrator toolbox: paths and points selection; drawing simple shapes and selecting objects. Transformation tools and the Free Transform tool.
Drawing
The pen tool; controlling curves, creating and amending paths; splitting paths, manipulating anchor points. Using Templates, Livetrace, Pencil, Erase, Smooth and Brush.
Colours and Fills
Fills and strokes on objects and paths; Process, Pantone and Registration colour; Gradients, patterns, the paintbucket and eyedropper tools;
Typography
Basic typography. The type tool; type on and in a path. Type as outlines. PostScript fonts. Linking text boxes and using using circular text; text wrap around objects. Typographic control including kerning, indents and baseline shift.
Arranging your work
Controlling levels; Group/Ungroup and group selections. Cut/copy/paste & paste infront/behind. Working with Rulers, Guides and Smart Guides. Transparency and Layers.
Creating Actions
Using existing actions; Using Custom actions for automation and Batching.
Modifications and special effects
Transformations including blending shapes and the Gradient Mesh tool; Pathfinder palette & compound paths; Using transparency, effects and graphic styles; Working with masks.
Working with the Web
Exporting and optimising for the web; Flexible web vector export; Converting to Flash format.