Best Illustrator Classes Houston, TX: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About Houston Illustrator Courses

What is Illustrator?

Illustrator, which is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications, is the industry-standard tool for vector graphics design. Initially released in 1987, this popular application has been regularly updated for nearly four decades with new features and capabilities. Those who work with Illustrator use it to make artwork and illustrations that consist of shapes, points, and lines, which create stunning designs. Illustrator users can resize or repurpose these illustrations for a range of purposes, including branded merchandise, logos, or product packaging. Illustrator is a popular tool for professionals like Web Designers, Graphic Designers, and Visual Artists, who rely on it to create professional-grade illustrations and engaging artwork. One of the main benefits of working with this app is that it can significantly reduce the time required to make illustrations.

What Can You Do with Illustrator Training?

Learning to work with Adobe Illustrator can prepare you to create a range of stunning illustrations and artwork, all of which are infinitely scalable and can be resized for various purposes. Illustrator is a go-to tool for those who want to create images that will ultimately be mass-produced and used in different contexts such as online on websites or in print on billboards, water bottles, or letterheads.

Those with Illustrator knowledge often put their training to use in industries like graphic design, fashion, or advertising. Professionals who use this tool are able to efficiently create drawings that convey meaning, spur interest, and help consumers recognize a product. The vast majority of product packaging was created via vector graphics, which means nearly all companies that sell products en masse require someone on board with Illustrator training.

Illustrator isn’t just a staple tool for creative professionals; this user-friendly application also can help general users perform a range of arts-related tasks. Aspiring Entrepreneurs can use Illustrator to help them create a consistent online identity. Additionally, crafty individuals interested in selling their products on Etsy may opt to use this illustration tool. Musicians can create band decals in Illustrator. Even Activists who work in nonprofits turn to Illustrator to design recognizable logos. Because clear and effective visual communication is a staple in so many industries, trades, and professions, Illustrator remains a core tool for many creative-minded professionals and non-professionals.

What Will I Learn in an Illustrator Class?

If you’re looking to study Adobe Illustrator, you may not be completely certain what to expect from coursework. Although each course differs in terms of its scope (some programs focus entirely on Illustrator, whereas others cover other Adobe CC apps as well), difficulty level, and duration, most beginner-friendly classes will provide instruction on several essential Illustrator techniques and skills. The following sections will briefly explore how to work with this app’s toolbars, how to use the Pen tool, how to create and edit basic shapes, and how to save or share work.

Using Toolbars

Illustrator has both basic and advanced toolbars. Users can customize them or create multiple toolbars as needed. Often, beginner-level programs provide instruction on how to use the basic toolbar, which is displayed by default when the app is launched. This toolbar provides a select range of commonly used tools such as the Pen, Text, Select, Zoom, Hand, and Rectangle tools. This basic toolbar can be edited to include other tools that the user wishes to have readily available.

Working with the Pen Tool

One of the most popular tools in Illustrator is the Pen tool. Coursework often teaches students how to create anchor points that can be connected to create straight lines. Training programs may also provide instruction on how to use the Pen tool to set the stoke weight and fill, make curves with controlled paths, add corner points, or remove direction lines.

Creating & Editing Shapes

Another common topic in Adobe Illustrator classes is how to create basic shapes and edit them. The Shapes tool is located in the Tools panel. Once a shape is selected and created, Illustrator users can use the Properties panel to adjust its properties. Because most shapes are live, they can be easily edited without having to switch tools. To resize, rotate, move, or round a shape’s corners, users can work with the Selection tool. Additionally, intersecting shapes can be combined, and a shape’s dimensions or attributes can be changed. Illustrator users can also activate the Global Editing feature if they want to make changes to shapes that are similar or identical.

Saving & Sharing Illustrations

Most Illustrator users will need to know how to save the illustrations they create, as well as how to share them with others. Training programs typically teach participants how to easily export their work into formats like PNGs, JPEGs, or SVGs. Illustrator documents can also be saved as PDFs, which ensures anyone can view them. Most introductory-level classes also teach students how to share their creations with others using the Package command.

Collaborating with Others

In addition to learning a range of technical skills during coursework, students who enroll in Illustrator classes also acquire soft skills. One of the most important soft skills training can instill is creative collaboration. Since live Illustrator programs often provide students with the opportunity to work on group projects, these programs provide a chance for students to learn how to clearly communicate their ideas, provide or receive constructive feedback, and articulate their artistic vision with others. Graduates of Illustrator classes benefit from the comments and feedback they receive from both instructors and peers and leave these programs better able to promote themselves and their skill set.

How Hard is It to Learn Illustrator?

Learning any new skill can pose challenges unique to each individual. Those who want to study this industry-standard vector graphics tool may wonder what the learning curve is for this program. Although Illustrator is considered to be accessible to most beginners, some may still find it intimidating to begin working with, in part because of the many functionalities and tools that come with this app.

The difficulty level you’ll encounter when learning Illustrator largely depends on what you hope to do with this training. For example, if you want to create basic, colorful designs, it will be much easier to learn this application than if you want to create professional-grade logos for your business to use on its letterhead. Additionally, learners who are already familiar with other Adobe CC products such as InDesign or Photoshop, may find it easier and more intuitive to work with Illustrator since they will already know the basic Adobe interface layout, which has similarities between apps. Individuals who come from a design background and have prior experience with vector graphics will also find it much easier to become familiar with Illustrator than those who must learn basic design concepts.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Illustrator?

Although all learners differ in terms of what they will find challenging when working with Illustrator, some individuals may struggle more during the early phases of learning Illustrator as they explore the program’s capabilities and how to use it. For some, it can feel overwhelming to try to learn all 87 of the tools that are included with Illustrator. While some tools like the Pen, Selection, and Type tools are fairly common and are important to learn early on, other Illustrator tools like the Slice or Symbol Sprayer tools aren’t as essential and can be learned later. Some individuals, though, may find it challenging to know which tools to learn and when.

Another challenge some Illustrator learners face, especially those who are new to using this app, is determining what sorts of products it’s most suited to assist with. It’s common for Adobe CC newbies to be unsure whether to opt for Illustrator or another app like Photoshop to complete creative projects. Some learners may mistakenly think these apps serve the same purpose and can be used interchangeably. However, for most projects, this is not the case. Illustrator is a vector graphics program in which images are crafted from points, lines, and shapes, Photoshop is a raster graphics program where images are created from pixels. All Adobe CC users must determine early on which app or apps are best suited for the project at hand.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Illustrator?

No two learners are the same, and each brings their own skills and background knowledge into the Illustrator learning process. For this reason, the amount of time needed to learn Illustrator is dependent on several subjective factors. The first is the level of proficiency they ultimately hope to acquire with this app. Learning to navigate this app’s interface only requires a few hours for most individuals. Those who want to become familiar with the basics of Illustrator such as how to create rudimentary illustrations with basic shapes, can generally do so in just a few days. However, individuals who want to master Illustrator’s advanced features or use it professionally will require additional training. Most training courses such as bootcamps, require several days or a full week of study to complete. On the other hand, professional training classes like certificate programs may require weeks or even months of time. Even then, some individuals may require on-the-job training to fully become proficient with this tool.

Should I Learn Illustrator in Person or Online?

Once you’ve decided you want to enroll in an Adobe Illustrator class in Houston, you may wonder whether to opt for in-person training or an online program. Each training format has its advantages and drawbacks to weigh.

Most learners will find that in-person Illustrator is the most engaging and interactive way to study this industry-standard tool. Many top providers have in-person Illustrator training options for those who live in or near Houston. In-person training takes place at a designated training facility, which provides learners with computers with the most up-to-date version of Illustrator ready to use. Participants benefit from studying with an expert instructor who has industry experience creating artwork in Illustrator. Students can ask questions at any point during their training and receive immediate guidance and support. Additionally, participants benefit from studying alongside others in their cohort, which can provide a sense of community and camaraderie. Because in-person classes take place at training facilities in or near the city, students who opt for this type of training must have reliable transportation to and from regularly scheduled classes. In-person training may, therefore, be difficult for those who live in remote areas or don’t have access to a car.

A popular alternative to in-person Illustrator training is live online coursework. This training format provides learners with the same benefits and learning outcomes as in-person study such as access to a live instructor in real-time, support from other students, and hands-on training with real-world applications. Instead of requiring students to commute to and from a training facility for each class meeting, participants who opt for live online courses can complete all their lessons remotely from the comfort of their own space. Since class is taught live, participants still have the chance to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. They can even opt to share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for additional guidance. One important consideration when selecting this type of training is that classes still occur on a regular schedule. This means that learners must be able to commit to attending sessions that occur once or more a week. Live training, therefore, may be prohibitive for students who work full-time or have other commitments outside of work.

Learners who value the flexibility of studying Illustrator on their own time and at their own speed may prefer to enroll in self-paced courses. Unlike live online or in-person programs, which take place in real-time, these classes were recorded at an earlier time and placed online. Students can decide when and where they want to complete lessons, how long they wish to spend on their studies, and what learning pace is best for them. Asynchronous programs afford learners the power to pause lessons, rewind them, or rewatch them in their entirety to facilitate note-taking and maximum retention. Some learners may prefer to spread their training out over several weeks, whereas others may wish to devote an entire weekend to learning Illustrator basics. Cost is another incentive for opting for in-demand Illustrator training. Since this type of training doesn’t include access to a live instructor, it’s often a much more cost-effective way to learn Illustrator than an in-person or live online class.

One important factor to consider when opting for on-demand Illustrator coursework is that no teacher is there to lead discussions or provide guidance and support. This means that it’s up to the individual to find answers on their own to any questions that arise. For those who will need to use Illustrator for professional purposes, it can be difficult to fully master this application through on-demand coursework. Some individuals may begin their training with self-paced classes, then transition into more structured, live coursework to gain a full understanding of this app’s many advanced features and functions.

Can I Learn Illustrator Free Online?

Professional Adobe Illustrator training can be expensive. Some learners may wish to learn this app through free online resources. The good news is that many types of content are available for no cost and can help learners at all proficiency levels with Illustrator tools and features. The following are several free resources that can aid in Illustrator study:

The official Adobe website is a useful resource for anyone looking to find tutorials on Illustrator that are geared toward learners at all levels, even those with no prior design experience. Tutorials are available on a range of useful topics, including how to navigate the workspace or create vector artwork. These tutorials are structured as step-by-step guides that break the information down into easy-to-understand and applied segments. Additionally, Adobe provides a free Illustrator trial, which allows interested users to begin exploring this software’s many features without having to spend a penny. This trial period can be used to experiment with this app’s range of tools in a risk-free setting. Adobe also has a supportive online community with forums where people can pose questions and receive answers from Adobe’s support staff. This is another excellent resource for beginners.
Free courses and tutorials are available from some top providers around the country such as Udemy. These can provide learners with basic instruction in a structured learning environment. Udemy currently has training options that take 90 minutes less to watch such as Useful Tips & Tricks in Adobe Illustrator, Illustrating with Adobe Illustrator CS3, and Adobe Illustrator for UX/UI Design.
Noble Desktop, an educator based in New York City, offers free seminars and tutorials on Illustrator directly on its website. The content includes introductory-level material on Illustrator’s basic capabilities and specialized information that delves into advanced techniques. These tutorials and seminars provide pragmatic insights and actionable tips for real-world design applications.
YouTube is another useful resource for free educational content in Illustrator. Many high-quality tutorials are placed on YouTube, including free videos on advanced or basic Illustrator techniques. Some content requires just a few minutes to watch and provides specific, hands-on advice. Noble Desktop’s Free Seminars page has pre-recorded video content on Adobe CC as well as Illustrator. Noble also has a graphic design playlist, which is a collection of videos that provide guidance on how to use Illustrator or other programs to create fashion designs or color images.

While free resources can be a great starting point when learning Illustrator or can provide answers to basic questions, learners should keep in mind that live training options are often more effective for truly learning this app’s advanced features and capabilities for professional purposes.

What Should I Learn Alongside Illustrator?

If you’re interested in learning Adobe Illustrator, you may be curious about what other skills or tools would be useful to study alongside this app. Because Illustrator is commonly used alongside other Adobe CC applications like InDesign and Photoshop, many learners choose to learn all three of these apps at the same time or around the same time. InDesign is a desktop publishing app that’s used for page layout and design for digital or print media, including posters, books, newspapers, stationary, or flyers. This industry-standard editing software is a great resource for those who want to create long-form documents with multiple pages, as well as shorter documents like business cards or annual reports.

Photoshop, on the other hand, is an application used to retouch photos and edit images. This software is a popular tool for those who want to create or enhance artwork, photos, or illustrations by changing backgrounds, cleaning up color, or eliminating red-eye. Individual images can also be manipulated in Photoshop, as can large batches of photos.

Some programs such as Noble Desktop’s Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp, provide comprehensive training in all three Adobe CC applications so users can use them together to create a range of stunning illustrations, images, book layouts, or designs. Learning to use these three apps together can help with many creative tasks. Users can create logos in Illustrator and edit them in Photoshop. Illustrator graphics can be imported directly into InDesign. InDesign can also be used to arrange text and incorporate images edited in Photoshop.

Industries That Use Illustrator

Illustrator remains one of the most widely used tools among creative professionals. It’s a staple across industries, particularly those in which marketing materials are needed to communicate a message quickly or drive sales. The following sections will examine some Houston industries in which Illustrator training is essential, including design, marketing, fashion, and nonprofits, and how this application is used in these sectors.

Design

Houston’s creative economy employs tens of thousands of people and is a key driver in the city’s economic well-being. The Houston Design District is a vibrant part of town where many design-focused businesses are located such as interior design services, architectural studios, luxury retailers, and design showrooms. Nearly a third of Houston’s creative professionals work in design-related fields. The University of Houston has a reputable industrial design program that offers students access to a digital fabrication facility and a design exploration lab. Graduates of this program are hired in many prominent local industries, including automotive design and healthcare. Many design professionals work with the Adobe CC suite for everyday tasks, including creating illustrations, fashion designs, or landscaping layouts for clients.

Advertising

Another prominent Houston sector is advertising. Currently, Houston ranks seventh in the US for its media market and tenth for its TV market. Many advertising agencies are located in or near the city and focus on digital advertising, brand awareness, content marketing, and SEO. Some of the key players in the city’s advertising industry are Geico, Comcast, the Texas State Lottery, and TD Ameritrade. Digital marketing is one of the most popular forms of advertisements in Houston, although traditional marketing methods like print ads, TV commercials, and billboards are still prevalent in the city. Those who live in Houston and work in advertising can put their Illustrator training to use creating custom logos for clients, graphic titles for videos, layouts for flyers, social media graphics, or website mockups. Illustrations created with this app can quickly communicate concepts to target audiences and gain their attention.

Fashion

Some of the most talented Fashion Designers in the country live and work in Houston. The city is home to many prominent fashion companies, including Kikstylist, ILA, and Kendra Scott. Brands like Savaged Hearted are Houston-based and fuse the city’s street culture with sports logos. Because the city has a relatively low cost of living and a strong economy, Houston residents typically spend a significant amount of money on clothing. It’s estimated that the average Houston resident spends about $2,600 a year on clothes, uniforms, accessories, and shoes, which is $500 more than the average in other cities.

Those employed in the city’s fashion industry work with Illustrator and other tools in positions like fashion design, costume design, footwear design, or accessory design. Fashion Designers use Illustrator to create detailed sketches of various design concepts. They also use its pattern-making tool to create custom textures or patterns. Some Fashion Designers also rely on this app to make presentation boards for industry presentations since they can incorporate graphics, different typefaces, and fabric options.

Nonprofits

In Texas, the nonprofit sector has experienced rapid growth for many years; over the past three decades, it has doubled in size every ten years. In addition to its range of uses in design, fashion, and advertising, Illustrator training is also useful for those who work in Houston’s nonprofit sector. Currently, there are nearly 16,000 nonprofits in Hoston. The city is home to over 2,000 foundations that have assets worth more than $83 billion. Within the city’s nonprofit sector, Illustrator can help with a variety of tasks, including creating graphics for blogs, financial reports, marketing publications, social media content, or promotional posters and flyers. Adobe also provides eligible nonprofits with product and program discounts.

Illustrator Job Titles and Salaries

Those who have experience working with Adobe Illustrator can pursue a range of creative career paths in Hoston, including those in graphic design, digital design, creative direction, and digital marketing. Read on to find out more about each of these exciting career paths and the salary ranges for each job.

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers are hired to bring visual concepts to life using hand-drawn images or computer software like Adobe Illustrator. These professionals visually communicate ideas that are intended to provide information to customers, as well as inspire them or gain their attention. These individuals perform tasks like production design and layout for brochures, reports, advertisements, or magazines. Because graphic design is so prevalent across industries, there are few limits to what kinds of images Graphic Designers can create, including product packaging or promotional material. In Houston, the average yearly salary for a Graphic Designer is $61,000-$71,000.

Digital Designer

Digital Designers in Houston create digital assets for use in a range of outlets, including mobile apps, websites, animations, emails, video games, social media, and advertising. Those who work in digital design rely on knowledge of several computer programs and applications, including Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, After Effects, and Muse. They must also be well-versed in basic design principles, including typography and color. Some Digital Designers opt to focus on a specific design use or format like internet advertising, whereas others apply their skill set more broadly. Digital Designers in Houston earn an average of $64,000-$74,000 a year.

Creative Director

Creative Directors are hired to mentor teams of creative individuals as they carry a product design project out from conception to completion. These professionals rely on their training with Adobe CC apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Bridge. On a daily basis, Creative Directors perform tasks like creating schedules, offering support and feedback to team members, and making presentations on how the project is progressing. Houston-based Creative Directors earn a competitive salary. These professionals make an average of $155,000-$165,000 a year.

Digital Marketer

Digital Marketers are hired to work with various digital channels to promote a brand, product, or service. Most of these professionals must have a working knowledge of different types of digital media, including email, online advertising, social media, and search engines. The content they create is essential for tasks like campaign planning, lead generation, brand awareness, and search engine optimization. Digital Marketers in the Houston area make around $75,000-$85,000 annually.

Illustrator Classes Near Me

If you’re interested in learning to work with the industry-standard vector graphic software, you can search for Illustrator classes in Houston to find the match that’s best for you. Classes are offered that focus more broadly on graphic design, as well as those that only teach Illustrator.

Noble Desktop offers several comprehensive courses that are open to learners at all levels. In Noble’s Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, students learn how to use Illustrator to draw and edit vector graphics. This program takes learners from beginner to advanced features of this program. Coursework includes training on how to work with masks, layers, compound paths, and colors. By the end of this bootcamp, participants will be able to work with drawing templates to fully master the Pen tool and will know how to transform basic, easy-to-draw shapes into complex shapes. This class includes a 1-on-1 mentoring session outside of class.

Those who are interested in more in-depth training in a range of design tools and skills can enroll in Noble’s Graphic Design Certificate. This intensive program is intended to prepare participants to pursue a career path in graphic design by helping them develop a foundational understanding of design concepts and skills. Participants work with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop in this program. Coursework covers how to retouch images, make scalable vector graphics, and make a range of cohesive document layouts. Learners also explore essential design concepts like composition and typography. All learners leave this class with a professional portfolio of design projects they’ve created and refined that meet professional design standards. They also learn how to add branding and marketing material to these portfolios, including packaging and logos. Students also receive six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. All Noble classes are available live online. They also include the option of a free course retake for one full year.

Ledet Training’s Illustrator 101 provides introductory-level instruction on Illustrator’s basic functions. Students learn how to work with Artboards, Workspaces, and the Tool Palette. They also become familiar with the Pen tool, live Paint, and various color palettes and patterns in Photoshop. By course completion, students will be able to create logos, multi-layered designs, and professional effects. This class is available in-person in Houston.

Ledet Training also offers Illustrator Advanced for those who want to extend their existing knowledge. This intermediate-level short program offers hands-on exercises intended to help students create advanced clipping masks, work with the appearance panel, use patterns, insert graphs, and customize their workspace. By the end of this program, graduates will be familiar with the gradient mesh tool, basic symbolism, and logo digitization. This class is taught in-person in Houston.

Certstaffix Training’s Adobe Illustrator CC (2020) provides students with an introduction to this popular application. Learners complete 15 project-based lessons, each of which focuses on a fundamental Illustrator skill or concept. Participants receive instruction on how to create graphics for websites and t-shirts, combine and edit shapes, and develop web content. This program is available live online; students can complete work remotely or use the computer lab that’s provided in Houston.

Illustrator Corporate Training

Would your employees find it helpful to know more about Adobe Illustrator? If so, Noble Desktop can help. Noble can provide corporate and onside Illustrator training for some or all of your employees. Training sessions can be provided directly at your workplace or conducted remotely via a teleconferencing platform. Instruction is available that focuses entirely on Illustrator, as well as training that covers graphic design.

Employers interested in training multiple employees can purchase bulk vouchers for Noble’s regular classes, which are available at a discount. Coursework can also be customized to ensure that those at your workplace get the most out of their studies. Employees can schedule training as their schedules permit, which may be on weekends or weeknights.

If you want to find out more about the various Illustrator training options available for those at your workplace, feel free to contact Noble today to learn more.

Corey Ginsberg

Corey Ginsberg is a professional writer with two decades of experience creating and editing content. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, graduating with honors. Corey also holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Florida International University and served as the editor of Gulf Stream Magazine. She has worked with clients such as the Dick’s Foundation, colleges, invention companies, Nike Swim Camp, The Pentagon, The Pittsburgh Robotics Institute, and major design firms. Drawing from a broad creative, technical, and professional writing background, Corey currently writes about a range of technical topics, including computer programming, data analytics, and computer-aided design.

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Key Insights

Learn More About Houston Illustrator Courses

What is Illustrator?

What Can You Do with Illustrator Training?

What Will I Learn in an Illustrator Class?

Using Toolbars

Working with the Pen Tool

Creating & Editing Shapes

Saving & Sharing Illustrations

Collaborating with Others

How Hard is It to Learn Illustrator?

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Illustrator?

How Long Does It Take to Learn Illustrator?

Should I Learn Illustrator in Person or Online?

Can I Learn Illustrator Free Online?

What Should I Learn Alongside Illustrator?

Industries That Use Illustrator

Design

Advertising

Fashion

Nonprofits

Illustrator Job Titles and Salaries

Graphic Designer

Digital Designer

Creative Director

Digital Marketer

Illustrator Classes Near Me

Illustrator Corporate Training

Houston Illustrator Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Illustrator Training Locations in or Near Houston

Houston Careers & Salaries Related to Illustrator

Related Classes

Houston Illustrator
Corporate & Onsite Training