Adobe Illustrator CS4/CS5:
Mastering the Essentials
We provide you with the right solution to help you understand and use Adobe Illustrator to create your own spectacular logos, line art, and comps. Check our schedule for class dates and prices for Adobe Illustrator training in Dallas, Texas or call us for private training at your site.
Whether you enroll in our public classes, or have us create private training for your entire staff, we will help you learn to create art in a productive and efficient manner.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of using Illustrator's diverse tools. In this class you will spend the three days creating many different and complex objects.
Topics covered in this three-day class are:
Workspace
- Exploring Panels
- Navigating the Document
- Understanding the Artboard
- Creating Multiple Artboards
- Arranging Document Windows
Documents
- Printing Documents
- Saving Documents
- Using Bleeds and Slugs
- Investigating Outline View
- Organizing Layouts With Ruler Guides
- Managing Complex Documents With Layers
Vector vs Raster
- Understanding the Proper Use of Each
- Knowing the Differences in File Formats
- Exploring Advantages and Disadvantages of Each
Selections
- Differentiating Between the Selection Tools
- Selecting Multiple Objects
- Grouping and Un-grouping Objects
- Sizing and Rotating Objects
- Using the Isolation Group Mode
- Duplicating vs Coping and Pasting
Shapes
- Utilizing the Various Shape Tool
- Drawing Symmetrically and from the Center
- Filling and Stroking Objects
- Aligning Objects
- Manipulating Objects With the Transform Tools
- Combining and Separating Objects with the Shape Modes and Pathfinder
- Cutting Up Shapes and Lines
- Creating Complex Shapes From Simple Ones
Lines
- Adding and Deleting a points
- Discovering the Pen Tool
- Eliminating Stray Points
- Drawing With the Pencil Tool
- Using the Various Line Tools
Color
- Exploring the Color Panel
- Working With the Swatches
- Setting Stacking Order of Objects
- Locking Objects
- Importing Pantone Colors
- Creating Gradients
Appearances
- Understanding the Impact of Selections Methods
- Exploring the Appearance Panel
- Using the Effects Menu
- Seeing the Close Relationship Between the Layers and Appearance Panels
Text
- Understanding When to Use Point Text or Area Text
- Linking Text Blocks
- Wrapping Text Around Objects
- Fitting Type to Paths
- Linking Text Blocks
- Dealing With Legacy Text
prerequisites:
- Basic Computer and mouse skills
related classes:
what students say:
- Virginia knows so much about all the programs that are connected to the one I learned (Illustrator) that this helped her explain things in a "big picture" which I appreciated. Virginia was very patient and we had a split class of distinctly 4 levels of experience (4 people-4 distinct levels) She handled all of us well with her constraints. Jan C.,
- Virigina knew all the ins and outs of Illustrator. I tried to stump her a few times, but she knew all the answers! I even timed her drawing ability with the pen tool. She amazed us with her speed and accuracy. she was very patient with the people who were not picking the information up as quick, but also had exercises ready for the the speed demons. I really enjoyed her class.
Kristin S., Austin, Texas - I took the beginner Quark class about a year ago. My company was impressed by the amount of material that I absorbed and was able to produce that when I realized I needed training in Illustrator and Photoshop, they didn't hesitate to send me here again, even though we are based in Houston. The small class sizes allowed for plenty of attention, questions and time to discover things on our own during the exercises. Virginia was great, very knowledgeable and always willing to help. I also appreciate the books and after-class technical support the facility offers. Jeanette G., Houston, Texas
- Virginia was a great instructor and made me feel very comfortable. Never once wanted to fall asleep! This was a great class and very well taught! Thanks! Jamie C., Dallas, Texas
- I really enjoyed this class and our instructor. Virginia was very patient and answered all of our questions. I liked how interactive this class was, and how it was tailored to our needs.
- I learned a LOT!!!!! Virginia had a lot of practical knowledge that I really appreciated. I had always avoided Illustrator thinking it was too hard, but now I love it!!
