Adobe Illustrator: stage 1

What is the course about?

This practical course stage offers a rounded introduction to Adobe be it for design or illustration. Best known as the vector application for creating logos and icons Illustrator is widely used in the graphic design, illustration, fashion, packaging, marketing and branding industries for print and web.
You will need to have access to the latest version of Adobe® Creative Cloud for Illustrator, which is what will be used to teach this course. If you do not have the software City Lit can provide a temporary license that will last for the duration of this course. If you require a license please contact us at least a week before your course starts at computing@citylit.ac.uk to arrange this. You cannot do the course if you do not have the software installed on your computer.

You must check the software and hardware requirements for downloading the Adobe software before enrolling, please follow this link to do so: https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html

Please note that versions older than CS6 are not suitable for this course, as there are too many differences and as a result students will not be able to perform some of the same functions on their own computers. You can request a temporary license from us, however, installing new versions of applications may require you to update the operating system of your computer to support it. These changes can be irreversible, and students must take personal responsibility should they chose to do so.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

• Introduction to the Illustrator environment:
• Terminology, workspace and artboards
• Grids and guides
• Paths, strokes and fill
• Working with colour for print and screen
• Creating, manipulating and transforming basic shapes.
• Working with features for design and illustration:
• Creating tracing templates
• Plotting and amending paths with Bezier pen tools
• Using pencil, cutting and join tools
• Merging and subtracting shapes with the Shape Builder tool.
• Differences between the Blob brush and Paintbrush tools
• Creating brushes
• Creating a basic pattern
• Working with features for logos and icons
• Introduction to the Type tools
• Using layer to organise your artwork
• Saving work.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Navigate the Adobe Illustrator interface
• Use drawing tools to create basic designs
• Use the Pen tool to plot paths and and manipulate curves
• Set up and manage tracing templates
• Create brushes to use with the Paintbrush tool
• Format and manipulate type
• Create a simple graphic or illustration
• Use transformation tools to transform artwork.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introduction to Adobe Illustrator. However, students should be confident and competent computer users on a Mac or Windows PC and be proficient with a mouse and keyboard in either a creative software, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or equivalent and should be able to download, upload, save, open and retrieve files. Some awareness of design for print or any other art/design practice would be useful.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions,demonstrations,hand-outs and health and safety information,and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance. Student preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need to have access to the latest version of Adobe® Creative Cloud for Illustrator, which is what will be used to teach this course. If you do not have the software City Lit can provide a temporary license that will last for the duration of this course. If you require a license please contact us at least a week before your course starts at computing@citylit.ac.uk to arrange this. You cannot do the course if you do not have the software installed on your computer.

You must check the software and hardware requirements for downloading the Adobe software before enrolling, please follow this link to do so: https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html

Please note that versions older than CS6 are not suitable for this course, as there are too many differences and as a result students will not be able to perform some of the same functions on their own computers. You can request a temporary license from us, however, installing new versions of applications may require you to update the operating system of your computer to support it. These changes can be irreversible, and students must take personal responsibility should they chose to do so.

A pen and paper to take notes. You may also find that having a couple of sheets of A4 paper and a ruler to hand would also be useful. Handouts for this course are best viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader (or, if you have full Creative Cloud, Acrobat DC) so may want to have Acrobat on your computer.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can develop your skills further in either Adobe Illustrator: stage 2 or through a range of courses in graphics, illustration, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, web design and animation.