Adobe Illustrator CC – an Introduction

• Introduction to Adobe Illustrator interface and workspace
• Understanding vector graphics and how they differ from raster images
• Creating and editing shapes, paths and anchor points
• Using the Pen Tool with confidence
• Working with colour, swatches and gradients
• Typography in Illustrator
• Logo and icon design principles
• Layers, artboards and file organisation
• Using brushes, patterns and effects
• Preparing artwork for print and digital export
• Industry workflow tips and best practice

• Week 1: Introduction. We discuss Adobe Illustrator, what it's used for commercially, understanding vector vs. raster. Workspace overview and introduction to the basics of the user experiences. Creating a simple icon using basic tools.
• Week 2: Build on the basics, learning more about combining and editing shapes to create more complex icons and illustration. Introduction to Path Finder, Shape Builder, Pen and Pencil tools. Discussion about existing designs and how they could have been created, starting to see shapes from other objects. Design a more complex set of icons using more complex tools and techniques.
• Week 3: Working with colour. Introduction to applying colour, creating basic colour palettes and gradients. Explore fill vs. strokes, expanding artwork, gradients, CMYK vs. RGB, etc.; how colour changes tone of voice, saving swatches and print rules.
• Week 4: Learn about logo creation. Longer walkthrough using a combination of all skills covered so far, while introducing new tools, the roughen effect and why we use it. Image trace vs. building in Adobe Illustrator, and see the benefits/drawbacks of both.
• Week 5: Working with type. Introduction to how to work with type in Adobe Illustrator. Work together to create a poster that heavily features text. Discussion of terms like kerning, leading, tracking, line breaks and other typography terms; explore how these translate to Adobe Illustrator. Create your own composition with the new skills covered.
• Week 6: Illustration with reference and pattern design. Explore using images as reference to create illustrations with the Pen tool. Create fruit illustration and use repeat pattern tool.
• Week 7: Explore pre-loaded and downloadable brushes. Brush tools overview – how to open and apply brushes to strokes. Where to download new brush effects, illustrators who use them in their work. Create your own illustration using skills covered so far, applying a chosen brush.
• Weeks 8–9: Design project, set brief
• Week 10: Wrap-up including best practices for saving, exporting and transferring files. Place work in mock-ups. You'll share what you've been working on.

At the end of the course:

• Confidently navigate and use Adobe Illustrator
• Create clean, scalable vector graphics
• Apply colour, typography and layout principles effectively
• Prepare professional artwork suitable for print and digital format.
• Understand logo, branding and graphic design principles
• Be able to prepare files correctly for print and digital output
• Possess improved artistic skills
• Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
• Have boosted creativity and imagination
• Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

This is an introductory course - no previous experience with Adobe Illustrator is required.

Experience or qualifications required

Basic computer literacy is recommended. This course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those wishing to refresh and strengthen existing skills.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs

Access to Adobe Illustrator outside of class is beneficial but not essential. Your tutor will provide guidance during the first session regarding software access if needed.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

• USB flash drive (16 GB recommended)
• Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes