Background

Designed for those already familiar with Adobe Illustrator who need to get the most from this industry-standard graphics software, this is a two day 'power user' course.

This Adobe authorised course covers advanced use of Illustrator's features including text effects, layering and masking techniques, scripting to automate repetitive tasks, creative text effects, essential Illustrator shortcuts and explores the most efficient way of producing professional artwork for both print and the web. This course has been designed to enable you to realise your creative and productive potential.

Course Outline

CREATING ACCURATE ARTWORK
Using the Transform palette
Creating guide objects
Aligning objects confidently
Using Illustrator's view modes
Using the Group Selection tool
Uses of Smart Guides

CREATING COMPLEX LOGOS
Creating complex shapes easily
Combining shapes to create logos
Using measurements
Transforming objects intuitively
Copying an object while Transforming it
Using objects to cut out other objects

CREATING IMAGES FOR THE WEB
Creating web buttons
Slicing artwork easily
Saving in different web formats

USING SYMBOLS
When to use Symbols
Creating your own Symbols
Modifying Symbol instances

BEZIER CURVES
Understanding bezier curve theory
Modifying handles while drawing
Using bezier curves with guides

ARTISTIC FEATURES
Uses and limitations of gradients
Creating realism with gradient mesh
Modifying mesh objects
Uses and limitations of effects
Creating perspective effects

ADVANCED SHAPE CREATION
Using alternative points of origin in transformations
Repeating transformations
Creating text on a path
Transformations with measurements
Transforming selected parts of an object
Advanced logo creation
Creating simple Shockwave animations

USEFUL ARTWORKING FEATURES
Using layers and guides for accuracy
Working with trim marks
Creating cutter guides
Using different views
Artworking shortcuts

WORKING WITH BRUSHES
Creating art, scatter and pattern brushes
Drawing organic shapes with art brushes

BLENDS AND DISTORTIONS
Working with Live Blends
Creating text blends
Uses and limitations of Envelope Distort
Creating complex distortions
Releasing and expanding blends and distortions

OTHER ADVANCED FEATURES
Working with masks
When to use filters
When to use effects
Using the Photo Cross hatch filter
Creating objects with multiple strokes
Using the Appearance palette
Creating and applying custom styles
Sharing styles across documents
Creating semi-transparent objects

PRODUCTIVITY GAINS
Scripting to automate repetitive tasks
Illustrator shortcuts
Tips and tricks