What You’ll Learn

Create different types of graphics: logos, icons, patterns, packaging, typography, and much more.

Use the Pen tool to create digital (vector) drawings. Our tracing templates will make it easier for you to master this drawing tool.

Learn about shapes, brushes, and paint tools.

Create colorful vector graphics with gradients & blends.

Create patterns to use in graphics & fashion design.

Make graphics for packaging.

Save files for web or print.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Section 1

Straight Lines

Using the Pen Tool
Adjusting the Workspace
Arranging Objects
Color Fills

Curves

Drawing Curves (Pen Tool)
Anchor Points and Direction Points
Default Fill and Stroke

Corners and Curves

Drawing Corners and Curves (Pen Tool)
Adjusting Anchor Points

Section 2

No Smoking Sign

Fill and Stroke
Basic Shape Tools
Grouping Objects
Layers Panel
Working with Templates
Saving Illustrator Files: Options

Super Hero

Live Trace and Live Paint
Tracing Hand-Drawn Images
Coloring Live Paint Objects
Brushes
Flare Tool

Section 3

What’s Behind the Green Door?

Compound Paths
Group Selection Tool

Mask Till You Drop

Clipping Masks (Shapes)
Blob Brush Tool
Eraser Tool
Reflect Tool

Masking with Type

Type Tool
Clipping Masks (Editable Type)
Filling Text with a Photo
Placing Linked Images

3D Shape: Milk Duds Box

3D Extrude & Bevel
Creating Symbols from Artwork
Mapping Symbols onto 3D Objects
Lighting and Shadows for 3D Objects

Section 4

Will It Blend?

Blend Tool
Blending Options

Wavy Line Blend

Blending Lines
Reflect Tool
Rotate Tool

Juggling Colors and Gradients

Dashed Lines and Stroke Options
Saving Colors as Swatches
Blending Modes
Gradient Tool
Saving Gradient Swatches

Combining Shapes with the Pathfinder

Merging Paths (Pathfinder)
Transparency Options
Grouping Objects

Section 5

Patterns

Creating and Applying Pattern Swatches
Scaling and Rotating Patterns
Working with Layers
Align Panel

One-Page Advertisement

Working with Type
Text and Character Options
Adding a Drop Cap
Type on a Path
Text Wrap
Fill Text with a Pattern

Stylin’ Effects

Using the Appearance Panel
Transparency
Blending Modes
Drop Shadows
Arrowheads

Appearance and Graphic Styles

Graphic Styles
Appearance Panel
Multiple Fills
Auto-sizing Text Boxes

Section 6

Illustrating a Shirt Design

Using Photoshop and Illustrator Together
Creating/Editing Clipping Masks
Compound Paths

Layers, Artboards & Recoloring Artwork

Adding and Removing Layers
Creating and Using Multiple Artboards
Recoloring Artwork
Converting CMYK Art to Spot Colors

Schedule & Enrollment

$975

18 Hours

NYC or Live Online

Full setup assistance provided

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This Course is Available Live Online

You can attend this training live online at the scheduled time the course is offered (New York, Eastern Time) through screen-sharing software Zoom (free for you).
Our live online training is interactive and hands-on, just like our in-person classes. There are no extra fees and we’ll work with you to ensure your setup is perfect

Classes are activity-based and taught by a live instructor.

You can hear the instruction, ask questions, and share your screen—all in real-time.

Retake the course for free (in-person or live online) within one year.

See What Students Are Saying About Live Online

“Overall experience on Zoom was maybe even better than in IRL classroom because the instruction takes place right on your own screen, with less distraction. Great overall experience.”
“Given the fact that we had to do this entire class remotely due to Covid-19, I didn’t have very high expectations it would run so smoothly. However, I don’t think it could’ve gone any better. Not only do I feel very comfortable with the program now, but I’m actually excited to use it!”
“This was the first online class I’ve taken with ND and it was a great experience. Looking forward to the other classes I’ve signed up for!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring anything to the class?

No. We provide computers (Mac or PC) with Illustrator installed. Choose your operating system at checkout.

Does this course require any prior knowledge or experience?

Students must be comfortable using a computer. No other prior knowledge is required.

Do you offer discounts or a payment plan for this course?

Discounts

10% Alumni Discount: Get 10% off this course if you’ve previously taken any 12+ hour course.
$100 Individuals Discount: Take $100 off this course if you’re an individual paying for yourself (you’re not being reimbursed by a company).

Discounts are applied at checkout (no promo code required) and will be verified after you place your order. Discounts are subject to change. Read our discount policies for more details.

Payment Plan

This course is not eligible for a payment plan, which is only available for programs priced at $2,495 and above. Read our Payment Plan FAQ for more details.

Take this course as part of a certificate program and save:

Can I take this course online (remote learning)?

You may attend this training virtually (online) at the scheduled time the course is offered (New York, Eastern Time).

How does attending “live online” work?

Students can attend this training remotely through screen sharing software (we use Zoom).
Participants can hear the instruction, ask questions, and even share their screen with the instructor.
For audio you can use your computer’s microphone/speakers or call a phone number that we’ll provide.
Classes are activity-based and taught by a live instructor, so we strongly encourage students who are local to the area to attend in person!

What if I don’t have the software on my computer?

Upon registration, please email hello@nobledesktop.com and we will help you get set up with the software or anything else needed for an optimal training experience.

Learn Adobe Illustrator in Hands-on Courses

This Illustrator course will have you using professional techniques to create scalable typography, logos, and graphics for print and web. Importantly, you’ll learn how to master the Pen tool and learn how to create complex shapes out of easy to draw basic components. Learn these skills with hands-on exercises in small classes led by a leading Adobe Illustrator instructor.

Class material covers Illustrator's Pen tool

Learn to Master Illustrator’s Pen Tool

“Mastering the pen tool has always eluded me, and Michele showed me the basics in a way that I can practice and build on this vital Illustrator skill.”
Carmen Yazejian, Network9

Learn, then Practice Teaching Method

Learn Illustrator by creating numerous graphics including logos, patterns, and packaging. First by watching a short instructor demo, then by practicing through step-by-step exercises included in our custom workbook.

Professional Illustrator Instructors

“Learning from professionals who have practical and personal knowledge of the applications proved to be extremely helpful. The instructor used real-life scenarios to illustrate the lessons and demonstrated more than one way to complete a task. I feel better equipped to navigate the program on my own, not just qualified to repeat the exercises which were covered in class.”
Amy D. Harkins

Highly Reviewed by Our Alumni

From our hands-on training style to world-class instructors and proprietary curriculum, we deliver a learning experience our alumni can be proud of.

15 Students Rated Our Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp 5 Stars

A plentiful dive into Adobe Illustrator as a powerful tool for any professional!

Anderson

I have taken Noble Desktop classes in person as well as online and both types were excellent! Great teachers, and I love that ND allows one to retake a class within 6 months. I took the Graphic Design certificate class with Eugenio during fall of 2019, and ND allowed me to retake the 3 Adobe bootcamps online via Zoom with Dan Rodney in June 2020. Retaking it online allowed me to gain additional insight and acquire a much more solid foundation in Illustrator, PS, and InDesign. Thank you ND! Highly recommended.

Amy Baker

If Illustrator leaves you in the dark, let Noble Desktop be your torch. The classes are very well taught, easy to follow along, and the instructor very helpful, and friendly. You can count on me coming back for more classes. THANK YOU

Luis Pimentel

I was always intimidated by Adobe Illustrator and never properly learned the program. After taking the Noble Desktop class I started using it immediately in my concepts and designs. It is a valuable program to know and Michele taught the class in a simplified and easy to use manner. I highly recommend it.

Victoria Greiss

Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional just wanting to beef up your skills, Noble Desktop is the premier choice for computer training in NYC. I’ll definitely be coming back for more courses.

Steven Gant

This class was very comprehensive for three days—I learned so much about Illustrator! The instructor was perfect: knowledgeable, attentive, and dynamic, delivering rather dry material with a sense of humor and fun. I’d recommend Noble Desktop courses to anyone.

Jennifer Clark, bark Frameworks

Eugenio is very thorough in explaining the step-by-step process on everything. Whether it’s creating your own brush or gradient, he explains a few times and is eager for feedback and if anyone needs help.

Ashley Lateef

Adobe Illustrator is overwhelming with a lot of information and tools to master, but the instructor made sure everyone can follow and understand the concept before he moves on to the next topic. This is a great introduction to Illustrator and is open to all levels, from someone who has never used the software before to even professional designers.

Abigail Butalid, Group X

The Illustrator class was great. We covered a ton of material over the course of three quick days, and the material really filled in my knowledge gaps. I'm more confident now in my Illustrator skills...and what I can bring to my business and clients! Thanks Noble Desktop. :)

Danielle Mehta

After using Illustrator for over 15 years I now understand how to use the pen tool more efficiently and will be able to do my job faster! Fabulous class.

Dorinda Balanecki, Horsman, Ltd.

I absolutely loved this class! I had no Illustrator experience going in and now I feel like an Illustrator ninja. Ethan, the instructor, moved quickly enough for those of us already experienced with other Adobe products, but explained everything so clearly that I think even a straight-up beginner would be able to follow along with no problems.

Michelle Failing, Columbia University, Office of Communications & Public Affairs

The class was great! I needed an Illustrator refresher course since I hadn't used it since college and needed it for my current job! I learned so much in 3 days. Michele was patient, thorough and fun. Great job! Looking forward to taking the Photoshop course!

Dalia Ghanem, Hanes Brands, Inc.

Noble Desktop has taught me the technical skills I needed to harness my creativity. Before starting the Graphic Design Program with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator boot camps I opened the programs maybe a few times before ever in my life. After 3 weeks of class with instructor Dan Rodney, I felt inspired, motivated and have begun creating my first graphic design portfolio!

Maggie Weidner

A rapid, thorough program with good instruction, good instructors, and good online facilities for anyone (currently everyone) unable to attend the classes in Manhattan..

Anita Peltonen, Putnam County News/Buffalo Group

Amazing instructor!!! Extremely knowledgeable, knows so much about what he is teaching and super passionate about the course. I've taken Noble Desktop classes before and I will keep coming back because you guys have the BEST instructors.

Lana Tanich

Learn the Skills Guarantee™

Hands-on training in small groups

Time-tested curriculum and supporting materials

Learn from industry experts with teaching experience

Retake the course for free within one year

What You’ll Learn

Learn with Hands-on Projects

Course Syllabus

Section 1

Straight Lines

Curves

Corners and Curves

Section 2

No Smoking Sign

Super Hero

Section 3

What’s Behind the Green Door?

Mask Till You Drop

Masking with Type

3D Shape: Milk Duds Box

Section 4

Will It Blend?

Wavy Line Blend

Juggling Colors and Gradients

Combining Shapes with the Pathfinder

Section 5

Patterns

One-Page Advertisement

Stylin’ Effects

Appearance and Graphic Styles

Section 6

Illustrating a Shirt Design

Layers, Artboards & Recoloring Artwork

Schedule & Enrollment

Discounts

Payment Plans

August 31–September 2

Monday to Wednesday, 10–5pm

October 27–November 12

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm

November 8–22

Sundays, 10–5pm

November 9–11

Monday to Wednesday, 10–5pm

August 31–September 2

Monday to Wednesday, 10–5pm

November 9–11

Monday to Wednesday, 10–5pm

October 27–November 12

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9pm

November 8–22

Sundays, 10–5pm

This Course is Available Live Online

See What Students Are Saying About Live Online

Online Training Demo

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring anything to the class?

Does this course require any prior knowledge or experience?

Do you offer discounts or a payment plan for this course?

Discounts

Payment Plan

Take this course as part of a certificate program and save:

Can I take this course online (remote learning)?

How does attending “live online” work?

What if I don’t have the software on my computer?

Corporate & Onsite Illustrator Training

Private Training

Group Class Vouchers

Learn Adobe Illustrator in Hands-on Courses

Learn to Master Illustrator’s Pen Tool

Learn, then Practice Teaching Method

Professional Illustrator Instructors

Highly Reviewed by Our Alumni

15 Students Rated Our Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp 5 Stars

Related Classes & Certificates

Illustrator in a Day

Graphic Design Certificate

Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp