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Illustrator CC Fundamentals

Matthew Pizzi

Learn the elements that make up vector graphics such as paths, strokes, fills, and other key concepts and techniques for drawing in Adobe Illustrator CC. This course is the first in a series designed to help you master one of the world's most popular page layout applications. Software required: Adobe Illustrator CC.

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Learn the elements that make up vector graphics such as paths, strokes, fills, and other key concepts and techniques for drawing in Adobe Illustrator CC. This course is the first in a series designed to help you master one of the world's most popular page layout applications. Software required: Adobe Illustrator CC.

Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard vector drawing tool. It's used by print professionals as well as illustrators and web designers. Illustrator CC Fundamentals explains the key concepts and techniques for producing vector-based artwork. We review the elements that make up vector graphics such as paths, strokes, and fills. Additionally, we show you how to use the key drawing tools, including the Pen Tool. This course is designed to be the first in series by Train Simple that teaches all that you need to know about Adobe Illustrator. Software required: Adobe Illustrator CC.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Adobe Illustrator CC Vector Graphics Paths Strokes Fills Drawing Tools Pen Tool

What's inside

Syllabus

What Is Adobe Illustrator?
Understanding Illustrator CC
Working in Illustrator
Core Drawing Principles
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Adobe Illustrator CC, a cornerstone of the design world
Introduces core graphic design techniques emphasizing paths, strokes, and fills
Develops expertise in using the Pen Tool, a key skill for vector drawing
Appropriate for those new to vector graphics and Adobe Illustrator CC
May be useful for designers looking to strengthen their Adobe Illustrator CC skills

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Reviews summary

Solid fundamentals in illustrator cc

According to students, this course provides a largely positive and comprehensive introduction to Adobe Illustrator CC. Learners consistently praise its clear explanations and step-by-step approach, making it ideal for absolute beginners in vector graphics. The course effectively covers core drawing principles, including paths, strokes, and fills, and proficiently teaches the use of essential tools like the Pen Tool. While most found it an excellent foundational course, some more experienced users noted it might be too basic for those seeking advanced techniques, as it focuses strictly on fundamentals. Overall, it's highly recommended for gaining a strong base in Illustrator.
Practical demos and exercises reinforce understanding.
"The helpful demonstrations made it easy to follow along and practice."
"I learned so much by doing the exercises rather than just watching."
"The hands-on activities really helped solidify my understanding of each tool."
Thoroughly covers all essential Illustrator fundamentals.
"I now have a much better understanding of paths, strokes, and fills."
"The course covers all the core drawing principles and fundamental tools like the Pen Tool comprehensively."
"It gave me a solid understanding of how Illustrator works from the ground up."
Instructions are easy to follow and well-structured.
"The instructor explains every concept with such clarity, it's easy to grasp."
"I really appreciated the step-by-step teaching; it never felt overwhelming."
"The lectures are logically organized, breaking down complex topics into digestible modules."
Perfect starting point for those new to Illustrator.
"This course is absolutely perfect for a complete beginner like myself."
"I had no prior experience with Illustrator, and now I feel confident with the basics."
"It simplifies complex ideas well, making it great for anyone just starting out."
Primarily for beginners; not suitable for advanced users.
"As an intermediate user, I found this course to be too basic for my needs."
"I was hoping for more advanced techniques, but it strictly sticks to fundamentals."
"If you already know the basics, this might not offer much new information."

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 Illustrator CC Fundamentals with these activities:
Review using the Pen Tool
Get reacquainted with the basics of the Pen Tool before taking the Illustrator CC Fundamentals course.
Browse courses on Pen Tool
Show steps
  • Run through a basic tutorial on the Pen Tool
  • Draw a few basic shapes using the Pen Tool
Practice using the Pen Tool and drawing paths
This activity will enhance your understanding of the Pen Tool and drawing paths by practicing on specific drills.
Browse courses on Pen Tool
Show steps
  • Find a series of online or offline practice exercises for the Pen Tool
  • Complete at least 10 practice exercises
Watch tutorials on advanced Illustrator techniques
Supplement your Illustrator CC Fundamentals course with tutorials that explore advanced techniques and expand your skills.
Browse courses on Vector Design
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific Illustrator techniques you're interested in
  • Watch at least 3 tutorials and take notes
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Start a side project or freelance work using Illustrator.
Put your Illustrator skills to practical use by starting a side project or freelance work.
Browse courses on Freelance Design
Show steps
  • Identify a side project or freelance opportunity that interests you
  • Create a plan and timeline for your project
Write a blog post or article about a specific Illustrator technique you've mastered
Share your Illustrator knowledge with others by writing a blog post or article that teaches a specific technique.
Browse courses on Creative Process
Show steps
  • Choose a specific Illustrator technique to write about
  • Write a step-by-step guide with clear instructions and screenshots

Career center

Learners who complete Illustrator CC Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Illustrator
Illustrators often work with art directors, editors, and publishers to create artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, and more. They may also work on their own projects. Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for creating vector-based artwork, making Illustrator CC Fundamentals an ideal choice to help build a foundation for success in this career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator
Technical Illustrator
Technical Illustrators create technical drawings and diagrams. They may use Illustrator to create technical illustrations for manuals, patents, and other documents. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Technical Illustrators create high-quality and visually appealing technical illustrations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Illustrator
Tattoo Artist
Tattoo Artists create permanent designs on the skin. They may use Illustrator to create tattoo designs. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Tattoo Artists create high-quality and visually appealing tattoo designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tattoo Artist
Production Artist
Production Artists prepare artwork for print or digital media. They may use Illustrator to create graphics, such as logos, illustrations, and advertisements. Illustrator CC Fundamentals is a helpful course for aspiring Production Artists, as it teaches the basics of working in Illustrator, including creating paths, strokes, and fills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Production Artist
Web Designer
Web Designers create and maintain websites. They may use Illustrator to create website graphics, such as logos, buttons, and icons. Illustrator CC Fundamentals can help teach the basics of working in Illustrator, including creating paths, strokes, and fills, which is a valuable skill for this career path.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
UX Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers research, design, and test digital products with a focus on the end-user's experience. They may use Illustrator to prototype and design user interfaces, making Illustrator CC Fundamentals a helpful course for aspiring UX Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Graphic Designer
Generating digital or physical visual content is what a Graphic Designer does. They use imagery, space, and typography to meet users' design needs and deliver a message. Adobe Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role because it teaches you to draft vector graphics in Illustrator. This may be useful to a Graphic Designer who works in digital or print mediums.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics for film, television, and video games. They may use Illustrator to create character designs and backgrounds. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Motion Graphics Designers create high-quality and visually appealing motion graphics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual style and concepts of various projects. They may work in advertising, publishing, or other creative fields. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can be helpful for Art Directors who need to communicate with designers and artists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Animator
Animators create animations for film, television, and video games. They may use Illustrator to create character designs and backgrounds. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Animators create high-quality and visually appealing animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
Game Designer
Game Designers create and design video games. They may use Illustrator to create game art and assets. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Game Designers create high-quality and visually appealing game art.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer
Product Designer
Product Designers research, design, and develop products. They may use Illustrator to create product mockups and prototypes. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Product Designers create high-quality and visually appealing product designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Content Creator
Content Creators create content for websites, blogs, and social media. They may use Illustrator to create graphics, such as images, infographics, and videos. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Content Creators create high-quality and visually appealing content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers create and manage social media content. They may use Illustrator to create graphics for social media posts, such as images and videos. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Social Media Managers create engaging and visually appealing social media content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. They may use Illustrator to create marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and social media graphics. Illustrator CC Fundamentals may be useful for this role, as it teaches the basics of vector graphics and how to use Illustrator. This knowledge can help Marketing Managers create high-quality marketing materials.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Illustrator CC Fundamentals.
Cover image
The Adobe Illustrator CC WOW! Book
Save
An in-depth reference guide for the whole of Adobe Illustrator CC. will help you succeed in your course and beyond, even if you are an experienced user.
Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC, The
Paperback
$$$
The Adobe Illustrator Wow! Book for CS6 and CC:...
Paperback
$$
Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC, The
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
CorelDRAW X8: The Official Guide
Save
Comprehensive guide to Adobe Illustrator that covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to follow along.
CorelDRAW X8: The Official Guide
Paperback
$$
CorelDRAW X8: The Official Guide
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Basics Interactive Design: User Experience Design
Save
Comprehensive guide to typography in Adobe Illustrator. It covers a wide range of topics, including creating and editing type, using OpenType features, and working with type on the web.
Basics Interactive Design: User Experience Design:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC
Save
Collection of tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of Adobe Illustrator. It covers a wide range of topics, including using the Pen Tool, creating and editing type, and working with layers and masks.
Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC, The
Paperback
$$$
The Adobe Illustrator Wow! Book for CS6 and CC:...
Paperback
$$
Adobe Illustrator WOW! Book for CS6 and CC, The
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Drug Policy and the Public Good
Save
Collection of tutorials that will help you learn how to use Adobe Illustrator for a variety of tasks, including creating logos, designing illustrations, and developing web graphics.
Drug Policy and the Public Good
Paperback
Check
Drug Policy and the Public Good
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Deconstructing Web Graphics
Save
Comprehensive guide to vector graphics and their use on the web. It covers the basics of vector drawing, including paths, shapes, fills, and strokes. It also provides instruction on using the Pen Tool, creating and editing type, and working with layers and masks.
Deconstructing Web Graphics
Paperback
$$
Cover image
DOM Scripting
Save
Comprehensive guide to SVG, a vector graphics format that is used on the web. It covers the basics of SVG, including paths, shapes, fills, and strokes. It also provides instruction on using the Pen Tool, creating and editing type, and working with layers and masks.
DOM Scripting: Web Design with JavaScript and the...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book
Save
Will provide you with the foundational knowledge of good design principles that can make you a more well-rounded user of Adobe Illustrator.
Non-Designer's Presentation Book, The: Principles...
Paperback
$$
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book
Paperback
$$
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book by Williams,...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Design with Adobe Creative Cloud Classroom in a Book
Save
This easy-to-use reference guide can help to answer many quick questions you may have while using Adobe Illustrator.
Design with Adobe Creative Cloud Classroom in a...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Time
264 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Matthew Pizzi
Language
English
Illustrator CC Fundamentals belongs to the following collections:
  1. Illustrator CC for Creative Professionals
  2. Creative Cloud for UX Design
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Adobe Illustrator CC, a cornerstone of the design world
Introduces core graphic design techniques emphasizing paths, strokes, and fills
Develops expertise in using the Pen Tool, a key skill for vector drawing
Appropriate for those new to vector graphics and Adobe Illustrator CC
May be useful for designers looking to strengthen their Adobe Illustrator CC skills
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