Adobe Illustrator (CS2/CS3)

Course Content

Getting Started With The Basics

• Vector and Bitmap Programs
• Navigating Around the Screen Efficiently
• Customising Illustrator to Your Working Style
• Guides, Grids and Objects For Perfect Placement of Artwork
• The Three Selection Tools
• Working with Layers for Efficiency

The Blend Tool

• Using the Blend Tool for

- Cloning
- Morphing
- Changing Colour
- Airbrush Style Effects

• Techniques For Creating Intricate Geometric Patterns
• Applying a Blend To a Path
• Avoiding Printing Problems with Blends

Creating Artwork

• Creating Precision Artwork with Bezier Curves
• Production Techniques for Fast, Accurate Rendering
• Creating Basic Objects Using Ellipse, Rectangle,Polygon and Star Tools

The Gradient Mesh Tool

• Using The Gradient Mesh Tool to Quickly Create Photo-Realistic Artwork
• Techniques for Light Reflection, Shadows and 3D Effects
• Exporting Artwork for Non-Postscript Level 3 Printers

Editing Artwork

• Editing Objects to Create Difficult Or Complex Shapes
• Splitting and Joining Paths
• Creating and Editing Open and Closed Paths
• Using the Average Command for Speed and Accuracy
• Using the Reshape Tool Creatively
• Setting Different Stroke Weights and Styles
• Transforming Objects Using Rotate, Scale, Shear, Perspective, Reflect and Twirl
• Creating Perfect Symmetrical Objects Quickly
• Free Flowing Drawing with the Pencil Tool

Compound Paths, Masks And Pathfinders

• Using Pathfinders to Create Complex Shapes and Produce Professional Finished Artwork Without Print Errors
• Using the Mask Tool for Photographic Cut Outs and Simplifying Complex Artwork
• Compound Paths, Their Function and Benefits
• Creative and Functional Use of The Outline Path and Offset Path Tool
• Creating and Controlling Perfect Repeat Patterns
• Using the Actions Palette for Repetitive Tasks

Colour

• Using the RGB and CMYK Colour Palette
• Efficient Application of Stroke and Fill Colour Using Keyboard Shortcuts
• Creating a Custom Colour Palette for Each Document or Project
• Using Pantone Colours
• Creating Tints for Creative Effects
• Selecting Objects by Colour or Style
• Techniques for Editing Document Colours Globally
• Creating and Editing Gradients

Text

• Exploring the Range of Text Tools
• Formatting, Including Correct Use of:

- Kerning
- Tracking
- Leading
- Baseline Shift

• Converting Objects to Text Containers
• Creating Newspaper Style Rows and Columns For Free Flowing Text
• Creating Text Wraparound Effects
• Customising Characters
• Using The Text On a Path Tool for Special Effects and Logo Creation

Vector Filters

• Using the Vector Filters to Create Complex Shapes with Ease

Bitmap Filters

• Rasterising Vector Artwork for Bitmap Filters
• Exploring The Range of Bitmap Filters From Photoshop for Texture and Other Special Effects

Paintbrush Tool

• Exploring the Power of The Paintbrush Tool For Precision and Hand Drawn Style Artwork
• Creating Calligraphic Line Work
• Editing Settings for The Scatter Brush for Random Repeat Effects
• Creating Artbrushes From Existing Objects or Text
• Creating Pattern Brushes For Fast Accurate Borders
• Techniques For Scaling Brushstrokes Without Distortion or Print and Screen Errors

Integrating Illustrator With Photoshop
Questions and Answers
Troubleshooting Tips