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How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator

In this project, you will learn how to upload artwork to Adobe Illustrator, change view modes, manipulate objects within an artboard with selection tools, transform artwork, and save and export artwork. Specifically, we will use the basic transform options offered by Adobe Illustrator including the scale, skew, rotate, and shear features to create a cast shadow of a sailboat on an ocean. Mastering these transformation features provides a foundation for more advanced transformations and effects. In addition to transformation features, you will learn about native file extensions, how to use the layers panel and properties panel, and how to save and export files for use on other platforms and across a variety of mediums. Upon completion of this project, you will gain an overview of Adobe Illustrator and have acquired essential skills to begin experimenting on their own with creating original artwork or transforming existing artwork for business or personal use.

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Introduces essential skills for beginning Adobe Illustrator users

Provides a strong foundation for self-guided exploration of Adobe Illustrator

Covers basic transformation features, including scale, skew, rotate, and shear

Applicable for both business and personal use

Examines file extensions, layer panel, and properties panel

Presents a basic overview of Adobe Illustrator

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator with these activities:

Review foundational design concepts

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Refreshes the core concepts in design and prepares you for this course in digital designing.

Browse courses on Design Principles

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Revisit the elements of design: line, shape, color, texture, space, and form.
Review the principles of design such as balance, contrast, emphasis, repetition, and unity.
Research and explore real world design examples that showcase these concepts and principles.

Join an Adobe Illustrator community or forum

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Offers opportunities to connect with other learners and designers for support and knowledge exchange.

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Identify and join an online community or forum focused on Adobe Illustrator.
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your own experiences.
Learn from other members and contribute to the community's knowledge.

Sketch a mobile app design

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Lets you practice the design process and apply the skills you'll learn in this course.

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Brainstorm and ideate different mobile app design concepts.
Create wireframes and sketches to visualize the user interface and flow of your app.
Consider user experience and accessibility factors in your design.

Five other activities

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Create a mood board

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Helps you explore and refine your design aesthetic.

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Collect images and elements that inspire your design vision.
Organize and arrange these elements to create a cohesive mood board.
Reflect on the emotions, themes, and overall style conveyed by your mood board.

Follow tutorials on Adobe Illustrator features

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Provides a structured learning experience to enhance your proficiency with Adobe Illustrator.

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Identify specific Adobe Illustrator features you want to improve in.
Search for reputable online tutorials that cover these features.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice using the features.

Complete Adobe Illustrator exercises

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Provides hands-on practice to solidify your understanding and develop proficiency.

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Find online or textbook-based exercises that cover Illustrator techniques.
Complete the exercises thoroughly, experimenting with different approaches.
Review your results and identify areas for improvement.

Attend an Adobe Illustrator workshop

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Offers focused learning opportunities and expert guidance to enhance your Illustrator skills.

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Research and identify relevant Adobe Illustrator workshops.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Actively participate in the workshop and engage with the instructor.
Follow up with the instructor or other attendees for continued learning.

Design a personal or commercial project using Adobe Illustrator

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Lets you apply your skills and create a tangible outcome, contributing to your portfolio.

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Define the purpose and target audience for your design project.
Develop a creative concept and design elements that align with the project goals.
Use Adobe Illustrator to execute your design and ensure technical proficiency.
Seek feedback on your project to enhance its impact and quality.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Art Director

An Art Director is responsible for the visual style and overall design of a wide range of marketing materials, including print ads, websites, and social media campaigns. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use design software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an Art Director by providing you with a foundation in Adobe Illustrator and teaching you how to use its basic transformation features to create visually appealing designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Graphic designer

A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use design software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Graphic Designer by providing you with a foundation in Adobe Illustrator and teaching you how to use its basic transformation features to create visually appealing designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Product Designer

A Product Designer is responsible for designing the physical or digital products that people use every day. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use design software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Product Designer by providing you with a foundation in Adobe Illustrator and teaching you how to use its basic transformation features to create visually appealing and functional products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Web Designer

A Web Designer is responsible for creating the visual layout and functionality of a website. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use web design software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Web Designer by providing you with a foundation in Adobe Illustrator and teaching you how to use its basic transformation features to create visually appealing designs for the web.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer (UX Designer) is responsible for designing the user interface and overall experience of a product or service. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use UX design software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a UX Designer by providing you with a foundation in Adobe Illustrator and teaching you how to use its basic transformation features to create visually appealing and user-friendly designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Motion Graphics Designer

A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated graphics and videos for a variety of purposes, including marketing, advertising, and entertainment. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, as well as the ability to use motion graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Motion Graphics Designer by providing you with a foundation in Adobe Illustrator and teaching you how to use its basic transformation features to create visually appealing and engaging animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Photographer

A Photographer captures images using a camera. This role requires a strong understanding of photography principles, as well as the ability to use photography software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in photography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Video Editor

A Video Editor is responsible for editing and assembling video footage to create a finished product. This role requires a strong understanding of video editing principles, as well as the ability to use video editing software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in videos.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Illustrator

An Illustrator creates visual images to communicate ideas and stories. This role requires a strong understanding of illustration principles, as well as the ability to use illustration software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an Illustrator by providing you with a foundation in Adobe Illustrator and teaching you how to use its basic transformation features to create visually appealing illustrations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Photographer's Assistant

A Photographer's Assistant helps photographers with a variety of tasks, such as setting up equipment, lighting, and editing photos. This role requires a strong understanding of photography principles, as well as the ability to use photography software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in photography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer's Assistant

Art historian

An Art Historian studies and writes about the history of art. This role requires a strong understanding of art history, as well as the ability to use research software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in art history research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian

Art teacher

An Art Teacher teaches art to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. This role requires a strong understanding of art principles, as well as the ability to use art software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in teaching.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Museum curator

A Museum Curator is responsible for managing and preserving a museum's collection of art and artifacts. This role requires a strong understanding of art history, as well as the ability to use art software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in museum exhibits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Art Critic

An Art Critic writes reviews and articles about art for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This role requires a strong understanding of art history, as well as the ability to use writing software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in art criticism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Critic

Art gallery director

An Art Gallery Director is responsible for managing and operating an art gallery. This role requires a strong understanding of art history, as well as the ability to use art software such as Adobe Illustrator. The How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator course may be useful for those who want to learn how to transform artwork for use in art gallery exhibitions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art gallery director

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator.

Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book (2020 release)

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Is an official courseware from Adobe and one of the leading resources on Adobe Illustrator on the market today. It very hands-on book with plenty of step-by-step instructions and guided projects from beginner to intermediate levels. The book covers not only the transformation features provided by this course, but also a vast array of other features in Adobe Illustrator.

How to Transform Artwork in Adobe Illustrator

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