Create Professional Vector Graphics and Illustrations

Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard software for creating vector graphics such as logos, illustrations, icons and digital artwork.

In this hands-on three-day course, participants learn how to create and edit vector graphics, work with shapes and paths, use colour and gradients, organise artwork with layers and prepare designs for print and digital media.

The course also introduces modern Illustrator features such as Shape Builder workflows, Live Paint and AI-powered tools like Generative Recolor, helping users work faster and more creatively.

Through practical exercises, participants build a solid foundation for creating professional designs and illustrations.

Duration

3 days.

Course Outline

Day 1 – Illustrator Fundamentals & Basic Drawing

Getting Started with Illustrator

• Understanding vector graphics vs bitmap images
• Exploring the Illustrator workspace
• Tools, panels and properties
• Working with artboards
• Navigating documents efficiently

Creating Basic Shapes

• Drawing rectangles, ellipses, polygons and stars
• Editing shapes
• Rounding corners
• Working with stroke and fill
• Understanding appearance attributes

Transforming Objects

• Scaling, rotating and reflecting objects
• Using the Free Transform tool
• Aligning and distributing objects
• Working with guides and rulers

Working with Selections

• Selection and Direct Selection tools
• Selecting similar objects
• Grouping and organising artwork
• Isolation mode

Practical Exercises

• Creating simple icons
• Building artwork with shapes

Day 2 – Paths, Colours and Illustration Techniques

Working with Paths

• Drawing with the Pen tool
• Creating curves and straight lines
• Editing anchor points
• Using the Curvature tool
• Combining shapes with Shape Builder

Advanced Shape Editing

• Pathfinder operations
• Creating compound paths
• Reshaping paths
• Using the Width tool for dynamic strokes

Working with Colour

• Understanding colour modes (RGB / CMYK)
• Using swatches and colour libraries
• Creating custom colours
• Global colours
• Recolor Artwork panel

Gradients and Blends

• Creating linear and radial gradients
• Using freeform gradients
• Blending shapes and colours
• Transparency and opacity

Practical Exercises

• Creating a logo-style illustration
• Colour styling an illustration

Day 3 – Design Workflows, Patterns and Export

Working with Layers

• Organising artwork with layers
• Creating sublayers
• Locking and hiding objects
• Managing complex illustrations

Creating Patterns

• Pattern creation workflow
• Editing pattern tiles
• Applying patterns to objects
• Pattern design techniques

Live Paint and Illustration Techniques

• Using Live Paint to colour illustrations
• Expanding Live Paint objects
• Creating vector illustrations efficiently

Modern Illustrator Features

• Generative Recolor (AI)
• Text to Vector Graphic (intro)
• Global editing
• Efficient vector workflows

Preparing Artwork for Output

• Export for Screens
• Exporting assets for web and mobile
• Saving artwork for print
• SVG and PDF export
• File management best practices

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand vector graphics and Illustrator workflows
• Create and edit vector illustrations
• Work with shapes, paths and colours
• Apply gradients, patterns and effects
• Organise complex artwork with layers
• Export graphics for print, web and social media

Audience

This course is designed for:

• Graphic design beginners
• Marketing and communication professionals
• Social media content creators
• Illustrators starting with vector graphics
• Anyone interested in creating vector artwork

Prerequisites

Participants should have:

• Basic knowledge of Windows or macOS
• General computer skills

No prior Illustrator experience is required.