Build Illustrator mastery by exploring the balance between creativity and precision, designing vector graphics that scale beautifully across any platform.
Learn how to draw and edit vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator. This course covers the basics and advanced features, including the Pen tool, effects, layers, masks, and more. Perfect for creating logos, icons, and packaging.
Begin your journey as a professional graphic designer by learning the essential skills and tools used by industry experts. Gain hands-on experience in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and create a stunning portfolio to showcase your talent to potential employers or clients.
Build professional-level Illustrator skills and earn your Adobe Certified Professional credential through hands-on classes, private tutoring, and real-world projects. This certification program covers everything from vector drawing to logo design, giving you the tools to succeed on the exam.
Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics design application that is part of Adobe Creative Cloud suite. All kinds of professionals use Illustrator for different design purposes. Professionals ranging from Graphic Designers and User Interface Designers to Engineers and Architects use Illustrator to create well-developed and thorough projects. Many choose Illustrator specifically because it works well with other types of applications such as InDesign and Photoshop, and can be used to create logos, icons, posters, webpages, fashion designs, and various forms of Graphic Design. Additionally, many design professionals agree that Illustrator’s vector graphics approach allows for clearer, more defined images than that of raster graphics.
The fact that Illustrator has been around for quite some time is proof that it has become a standard in the design field. Illustrator came to fruition in the late 1980s and has gone through various updates in years past. Since its introduction to the design field, it has been used to create a wide variety of projects and compositions. Plus, design professionals often choose to use Illustrator because it is relatively user-friendly and accessible, but also because there are many unique qualities embedded in Illustrator. With a wide range of tools and brushes, users can add precise shapes, intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and other design elements. Because there are so many design roles that use Illustrator, an expert in the application can likely find employment across different industries.
People most often learn Adobe Illustrator for professional reasons such as career advancement or to enter a new field. Experience using Illustrator can lead to a variety of design jobs, including those in architecture, interior design, engineering, and marketing. While these are not the only roles that use Illustrator, they are the most commonly associated. Because there are so many jobs that require their employees to have sufficient Illustrator knowledge, there is a wider pool of opportunities for learners. Plus, these jobs are widespread and needed across almost any industry, which makes it a safe and financially sound choice to make. Many career paths that require Illustrator expertise are well paying, flexible, and rewarding professionally and personally.
Illustrator skills can also come in handy for non-design professionals and the average, everyday person. Adobe Illustrator training can also be useful for those who have a side hustle, run an influential social media page, or have upcoming home projects to plan. Anyone who has a small ecommerce shop or a side hustle can use Illustrator to create logos, infographics, and flyers to help spread the word. In addition, highly motivated homeowners can create layouts for their home design intentions. Social media influencers can also utilize Illustrator to help solidify their brand and spread the word about their blogs, posts, and other content they create. Because Illustrator is ideal for digital and print media, this is an easy way to establish the brand and yourself as a credible person.
Plus, learning Adobe Illustrator can help individuals learn other software products and relevant design applications to diversify their abilities. Adding to your skillsets and learning how to use more than one application allows you to broaden your abilities and opportunities, which can be advantageous in more ways than one. Proper Illustrator training can lead to exploring other training options in relevant Adobe applications, like Photoshop and InDesign. Students may even choose to learn programming languages or other technologies like HTML and CSS or AutoCAD. It is incredibly worthwhile to explore as many learning opportunities as possible to develop a well-rounded design skill set.
There are so many skills afforded to students in a professional Adobe Illustrator class. Among the few include web design and marketing, which are two fields that frequently use Illustrator for their daily work tasks. However, this may vary depending on the purpose of the class and the skill level. In general, all Illustrator classes will discuss vector art and the various tools that can be used to make well-thought-out designs. Ultimately, many instructors will show students the importance of following design principles throughout the creation process as it will allow them to create designs that are well-developed and intentional in their purpose.
Many Illustrator classes discuss web design concepts. Adobe Illustrator offers ample benefits for web design, including user interface and user experience design. Illustrator has a vector-based approach to creating graphics and designs, which allows for more precise shapes, patterns, colors, and text. In addition, Illustrator has a vast library equipped with patterns, brushes, effects, and other tools to help design professionals add as many creative elements as they wish. Particularly, Illustrator helps with the beginning stages of web design such as prototyping. Web Designers can use Illustrator to plan their websites ahead of time so they can see how it will operate and how the average user will experience the interface before it becomes a reality.
All Adobe Illustrator classes will go over the tools in varying levels of depth. Beginner classes will provide more insight and support whereas higher-level courses will provide reviews and move on to more advanced tools and functions. For example, students will often learn the Shape tool, Blend tool, Pen tool, and Gradient Mesh tool as these are among some of the most useful and necessary tools to use in Illustrator. In addition, students will often work with the Pathfinder panel in Illustrator classes. There are also selection tools, where users can choose entire objects to edit, resize, move, or delete. They can also add text with the Text tool. Ultimately, any number of tools can be reviewed in an Adobe Illustrator class, so it mainly depends on the level of advancement and the purpose behind the course.
Illustrator is built for creating vector graphics, so this style of art will be discussed extensively in any Adobe Illustrator course. Vector art is created through points, curves, lines, and shapes based on mathematical formulas. This results in a much clearer image as opposed to raster art which is commonly found in GIFs, JPEGs, and PNGs and can appear fuzzier and more pixelated. Illustrator instructors will teach students how to trace and vectorize an image with a few easy steps or show students how to free-hand their designs. Because this is the main purpose of Illustrator, it is without question that vector graphics and how to create them will be discussed in an Illustrator course.
Many marketing professionals use Illustrator to create digital and print media that can be used to help a brand share information, promote products, and spread awareness. Users can create unique and on-brand compositions that help meet an intended audience, share important product and pricing information, and entice viewers to engage more with the company through social media, website, and in-person visits. Students in an Adobe Illustrator class will likely discuss marketing techniques, particularly if the class is marketing-based. They will learn how to make clear, customized logos, flyers, brochures, posters, webpages, and more to help bridge the gap between company and consumer.
While some may consider design principles a soft skill, it is a necessity for those who work with design every week. In order to effectively convey an intended message to an identified audience, Illustrator users must understand essential design principles such as contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity, to ensure an organized, well-developed product. In addition, designers must consider how well-balanced the design is and determine how much negative space is required to help the project become one step closer to completion. Whether the user creates a webpage or a flier, these design principles help relay information to the consumer, share information about the brand, and engage with their fanbase to help the company or brand continue to grow.
Generally speaking, difficulty is the subject. Some students may find Adobe Illustrator incredibly easy to learn whereas others might have a steeper learning curve. Ultimately, it depends on a few factors such as prior experience with the application, previously acquired technological abilities, distinct creative aspirations, and other related skills. However, it is important to remember that there is a distinct difference between being familiar with a skill and becoming an expert in a skill. Illustrator may be easy to use at a base level, but it would most likely require additional time, energy, and attention to master the application.
Because difficulty is subjective, some may find certain concepts more challenging than others as well. For instance, some find the Appearance Panel incredibly challenging despite it being an incredibly powerful resource. In addition, the Pen tool, although incredibly necessary to properly use Illustrator, can be difficult to master. It allows the user to draw up precise and complex graphics, but it requires a lot of time and patience to create the most smooth and accurate path possible. Some may find the 3D functions more difficult as the process requires the user to create a 3D object in a 2D interface. With all the useful and diverse tools at the user's disposal, just learning what they are and what they do can be overwhelming. However, once students have adequate practice, they will feel more comfortable using the tools and creating different designs with Illustrator.
Although there is a distinct difference between knowing the basics and having a professional-level understanding, the basic functions of Illustrator can be rather quick to learn. Some people may be able to understand and navigate Adobe Illustrator within a few short days. Others may need a week or so to fully grasp the more foundational concepts. With professional training, learning the more complex and advanced tools in Illustrator can take much less time than those who choose to learn on their own. It may take a few weeks to feel completely confident navigating the interface and using the tools, but ultimately it is a highly accessible and useful design application.
Anyone who wants to learn Adobe Illustrator can do so in several ways. There are asynchronous, live online, and in-person learning options that teach students how to use Illustrator. These classes all offer many advantages but come with their unique disadvantages. As a result, these differences should be considered before an individual chooses to enroll. For example, asynchronous classes may seem ideal to those who work tight schedules and need more flexibility in their learning journey. Asynchronous classes refer to self-paced methods of learning. While it allows the student to fit in time to learn on their preferred schedule, there is a lack of interaction and hands-on activity. In addition, the student will have to answer questions on their own and troubleshoot errors without a guide, which can cut into their learning time. Although this is a relaxed way to learn, it may not be the most effective for those who are beginners or need the most thorough, updated information.
Live online classes, however, provide a blend of flexibility and interaction. These classes are offered in real-time with an experienced instructor, but allow the students to learn in the comfort of their homes. The lack of commute allows students to spend more time studying or practicing their skills. Additionally, those who live in more remote areas can still learn their preferred skill if there are few training centers in their area. Plus, students can interact with their virtual peers and ask the instructor any questions if they encounter errors with the application or if they want feedback on their hands-on projects and activities. Although many live online classes require students to obtain course materials on their own, this is an adequate learning method for anyone who wants to gain experience using Illustrator.
All in all, traditional classes are the most effective way for most students to learn a new skill. In-person classes provide hands-on activities, personalized feedback, and more interaction amongst peers and the instructor. Students have to carve out time to make the commute to and from class but are ultimately rewarded with the level of experience they acquire. In addition, students in an in-person class are able to support one another through challenging tasks and build connections as they are all there for similar reasons. Students can also get more hands-on and personalized assistance from their instructor, who can directly fix any issues with the interface or design. Plus, some in-person classes provide students with course materials and equipment that can help with the learning process. While there are pros and cons to each learning method, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide how they prefer to learn and what will work best for them.
There are many ways to learn more about Adobe Illustrator. In particular, free online resources can be found all over the web such as blogs, chatrooms, social media accounts, and video suites. If you are searching for free resources, consider checking out Noble Desktop’s free seminars. They offer pre-recorded lectures on numerous topics, including Illustrator, graphic design, and other related topics. For instance, they have an Intro to Adobe Illustrator seminar that is ideal for beginners and an Adobe Illustrator for Fashion seminar that serves as a useful learning resource for anyone working as a Designer in the fashion industry. However, it is necessary to remember that professional skill development can’t be learned for free. If you want to gain the most in-depth and updated education in Adobe Illustrator, you will have to find a live online or in-person course that suits your learning needs.
Once students learn Adobe Illustrator, they may begin to wonder what other applications can help them in their design careers. Many who learn Illustrator choose to learn related Adobe applications such as Photoshop or InDesign. These applications can be used together to help create a fully polished and visually engaging design project. In fact, any application under Adobe Creative Cloud can be worthwhile as it helps students build a well-developed design skill set that can be transferable across different job positions and industries.
Students may also learn applications for web design, marketing, document creation, and data visualization. These may include Microsoft Office products such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. In addition, Figma, Sketch, and WordPress are worthwhile learning endeavors. For professionals who wish to enter the engineering, architecture, or interior design fields, they may want to learn AutoCAD, a computer-aided design software that allows users to make floor plans and blueprints. These are just a few of the many skills and technologies that design professionals can use in tandem with Illustrator.
Many industries hire experts in Adobe Illustrator. For instance, Illustrator is frequently used in the architectural industry where Architects and Interior Designers alike use this design software for layouts and floor plans. Similarly, Engineers use Illustrator for blueprints and other design projects. Marketing agencies also hire professionals who know how to use Illustrator as it allows for a wider range of campaigns and marketing tactics to be employed. Lastly, Fashion Designers use Adobe Illustrator to draw sketches, outlines, and drafted ideas for new products and outfits. Illustrator is an incredibly useful application for anyone who works with realistic design.
Adobe Illustrator is used in the architecture industry in numerous ways. Most notably, Architects use Illustrator to plan the next stages in their designs, whether that consists of an entire building or simply one level of the building. They often map out floor plans and layouts to provide other individuals in the department with a realistic rendering of how the finished product could likely appear. Architects also use Illustrator for diagrams and 3D renderings that can provide a more real-life idea for their clients and work alongside Interior Designers who assist with the aesthetic and sustainable aspects of a design project. In addition, those in this field often use AutoCAD along with Illustrator to help formulate a finished product.
The architecture industry in Philadelphia has seen sustained growth in the past few years. Many people enjoy the blend of historicism and modernity such as Philadelphia City Hall or the Margaret Esherick House. Some of the top-rated architecture firms in the area include Always by Design, Alvin Holm AIA Architects, PZS Architects, Kieran Timberlake, Ian Smith Design Group LLC, k Yoder design, Tantillo Architecture, CANNO Architecture + Design, Coscia Moos Architecture LLC, Metcalfe Architecture and Design LLC, BWA Architecture and Planning, JKRP Architects, Peter Zimmerman Architects, and Bower Lewis Thrower Architects Ltd. While they likely utilize a variety of design tools and software, Illustrator is likely used across the companies to help create stunning new designs and buildings.
Engineers also use Illustrator to map out electrical wiring, floorplans, mechanical parts, and other complex designs. In particular, Engineers such as Mechanical Engineers and Electrical Engineers use Illustrator most frequently, alongside other software such as AutoCAD. For instance, a Mechanical Engineer may use Illustrator to sketch different designs for building materials and building layouts that will inevitably be polished and finalized through the use of computer-aided design software. Electrical Engineers can use both Illustrator and AutoCAD to map out the most eco-friendly and sustainable method for equipping buildings and rooms with electricity. This useful drawing software helps in the beginning stages, which is where some of the most important work takes place.
Philadelphia has many top-name engineering firms, including Delve, Quick Lot, MESH Consulting LLC, Adapt Technology, Zealogics Inc., Spiezle Architectural Group Inc., Ozell Services Inc., Partner Engineering and Science, Engineering and Land Planning Associates, Van Note-Harvey Associates Inc., and Stonefield Engineering and Design. Illustrator is used most frequently in the beginning stages of the design process, so many of these companies and firms will hire employees with some level of experience using the application. Although more commonly found in architecture and interior design, Illustrator can prove very useful in the engineering world due to its precision and scalability.
Plus, Illustrator can also help with marketing certain products and services. Illustrator allows marketing professionals to design custom graphics with a unique flair that makes the brand more identifiable. For instance, Digital Marketers can use Illustrator to make logos, graphics, webpages, brochures, flyers, and other digital and print designs that can help showcase the company’s services and products. Users can get creative by making outlines, creating shapes, using different patterns, and cutting out letters. There are ample tools at the user's disposal to create an organized, clear, and cohesive advertisement that is multimodal, communicative, and effective.
Philadelphia and the surrounding areas have many highly successful digital marketing firms, including Jives Media, Brolik, Verbsz Marketing, WebFX, 321 Web Marketing, i76 Solutions, NuStream, WTM Digital, 4CDesign Works, Neff, DMi Partners, SEO Brand, ExpandX, BCC Interactive, and 7 Wonders Cinema. These companies specialize in providing their clients with the most on-brand designs possible, which can be easily achieved through the use of design applications like Adobe Illustrator.
Even Fashion Designers find Illustrator’s design capabilities useful for their daily tasks. Many fashion industry professionals use Illustrator to mock up clothing items with unique patterns, shapes, and textures that will eventually be created and sold across different retail and ecommerce stores. In addition, the wide range of tools and brushes in Illustrator allows designers to create unique styles that play with different features. This can help create a signature style that helps make the brand and Designer easily identifiable.
Many fashion brands and companies consider Philadelphia their home such as Brilliant Earth, Printfly Corporation, Commonwealth Proper, TrendBent, Lilly Pulitzer, Kleinert’s, Kendra Scott, LAGOS Jewelry, Tyndale, Creative Arts, Hitched, AnaOno, Dear Laney, URBN, and Addison Bay. In each company, there are design professionals at every level. Those tasked with sketching designs and mocking up particular items may use Illustrator to help with this process.
Adobe Illustrator can be used in a wide variety of settings and job roles, particularly those that require keen design skills and detailed renderings of real-life products and spaces. For instance, Graphic Designers and Digital Marketers use Illustrator to create logos, graphics, icons, and other brand-appropriate designs. In addition, many 2D Animators prefer to use Illustrator for similar reasons, as it is capable of aiding in the creation process. Plus, User Interface Designers utilize Illustrator for their weekly tasks as it helps build webpages that are visually stunning and organized. While many other job titles require Adobe Illustrator expertise, these are some of the more notable roles where Illustrator can be very useful if not necessary.
Graphic Designers create digital and print media with different graphics, animations, designs, and graphics. They frequently work alongside Design Directors, Creative Directors, Digital Marketers, and Brand Identity Developers. Most Graphic Designers know a variety of software and applications, including anything within the Adobe Creative Cloud such as Adobe Illustrator. In addition, many may learn basic coding languages such as HTML and CSS. Notably, they will also need strong communication skills to accurately convey the intended message to their audience. They are needed in virtually any industry that requires marketing design expertise. They are often freelance professionals, but can also work in an office at various agencies and companies. In many cases, Graphic Designers can earn a decent salary. Across the United States, most Graphic Designers earn $50,000 annually. A realistic range could be $40,000 to $60,000, but some positions can earn six-digit salaries depending on the company, amount of experience, and education level.
Additionally, a 2D Animator will likely need experience with Adobe Illustrator. These designers use Illustrator frequently, as well as other Adobe applications like Photoshop and After Effects. They will also use 2D animation software to create storyboards, backgrounds, and characters for numerous purposes such as video game design, software, marketing campaigns, and tech companies. 2D Animators are frequently found drawing, modeling, and creating different animations. They also develop timelines, meet with others in their department, and review deadlines. The average 2D Animator in the United States earns a salary of $60,000, but factors such as company, industry, location, and education level may impact this. A generally expected range is anywhere from $55,000 to $80,000. Plus, with time and experience, your skills will grow and you will be more likely to advance in your field.
Digital Marketers also use a variety of technologies and tools to create intricate and effective marketing campaigns across different digital spaces. Many digital marketing experts create campaigns across email and social media, as well as utilize search engine optimization techniques and paid advertisements. They often create content on applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. In addition, they schedule posts, discuss client expectations, and create targeted ads on newsfeeds. Some may learn how to analyze data from their campaigns or code, but this is generally considered an additional skill. Digital Marketers can earn a salary of anywhere between $55,000 and 90,000. This can differ from company to company, and depending on the employee's level of experience and education. They can work at various companies, startups, stores, and nonprofits as well, making this a career path with lots of variety.
User Interface (UI) Designers ensure that a webpage or application looks as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. They ensure it’s well organized and ensure a pleasant experience for the user. They will use different design applications, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Sketch, Axure, and Invision. They often work alongside User Experience Designers Web Developers, Project Managers, and their client base throughout the design process. Additionally, UI Designers learn different programming languages such as HTML and CSS. They will also collaborate on projects with others and have keen communication skills. They earn a salary of roughly $83,000 but can range anywhere from $68,000 to even $100,000 in certain companies and with the right amount of experience.
There are many Illustrator courses to choose from in Philadelphia or live online settings. For instance, the Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp provided by Noble Desktop shows students how to draw and edit different vector graphic designs. The instructor will cover the basics and move on to more advanced features. Students will specifically create hands-on projects with the Pen tool and learn to add different effects, paths, layers, masks, patterns, colors, and blends. They will also practice creating shapes that range from simplistic to rather complex. In addition, students at Noble Desktop can benefit from additional resources such as the proprietary workbook, a free retake of the course within one year, and setup assistance. Plus, students can take advantage of an additional one-on-one training session with the instructor. Upon completion of the course, students will receive their verified digital certificate of completion that will provide proof of their newly acquired skills.
Noble Desktop also offers a Graphic Design Certificate course for those who want to specialize in this field. Students will gain experience using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop to build projects for their professional portfolios. Specifically, students will learn how to retouch photos in Photoshop, develop layouts in InDesign, and create detailed vector graphics in Illustrator. They will create logos, social media graphics, cover art, and other digital designs. Students can upload their work to Adobe Portfolio to create a portfolio website as well. Students in this class can also benefit from the ample offerings by Noble Desktop, from the additional mentoring sessions and flexible payment plans. Students can also request setup assistance and have the opportunity to retake the course at no added cost within one year of the original enrollment date. There are full-time and part-time options for this course as well so students can choose which method works best for them. Once the course has ended, students will receive their verified digital certificate of completion and be one step closer to fulfilling their goals of becoming graphic design professionals.
NetCom Learning Adobe Illustrator Fundamentals: An Introduction to Illustrator (CC) shows students how to use Illustrator to create logos, objects, graphics, and other digital artwork. Students will complete hands-on projects and learn the most useful tips and tricks. Specifically, students will learn how to create, select, and align their objects in the design. Students will transform objects, use different drawing tools, add text to designs, organize different projects, and blend colors. In addition, they will explore creating effects and work within different graphic styles. This course is ideal for any Graphic Designer or social media professional such as a Digital Marketer. Students should know how to use Photoshop before this course and have a working knowledge of their computer.
Certstaffix Training provides a three-day course titled Adobe Illustrator (2024). The instructor will teach students how to navigate the interface before showing them ways to create logos, graphics, and illustrations. They will practice different functions such as scaling, rotating, and manipulating their artwork to create precise and aesthetically pleasing designs. Additionally, they will learn how to use the Bristle, Pattern, Calligraphic, and Art brushes for different design purposes. They will also learn how to share their work with others. This course can help the students prepare for the Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator Exam and the Adobe Illustrator Certification Exam if they so choose. Students at Certstaffix Training will have access to a software lab during their enrollment. They will have the option to retake the course online at no additional cost within six months and will obtain a digital badge and verified certificate of completion once the course has ended.
The Illustrator Level 2 Advanced Course by American Media Training is a two-day experience learning more high-level skills in Illustrator. Students will study various concepts and tools such as the Gradient Mesh tool, perspective grids, and more advanced graphic techniques. For example, students will learn how to apply 3D effects, liquify their shapes, trace raster images, and use the live paint option. This course is ideal for those practicing for the Adobe Certified Expert exam.
ONLC Training Centers shares their expertise through the numerous courses they offer. In particular, their Adobe Illustrator Core Skills: Level 1 course is an in-depth introduction to Adobe Illustrator tools and features. This beginner-friendly course helps students learn the interface including the different workspaces and panels. The instructor will help students create different documents and projects. In addition, students will work with artboards, objects, and the color swatch library. Overall, students will feel comfortable using the application and will be able to share their designs with others.
Sonic Training offers a two-day Illustrator Introduction/Intermediate Adobe course that allows students to create vector graphics through hands-on workshops and activities. The instructor will review the basic Illustrator tools before moving on to more advanced concepts, as well as troubleshooting techniques. Students will specifically create logos, freeform shapes, and custom paths, and learn how to organize their creative tools with Adobe Bridge. They will also learn useful functions such as how to duplicate objects and modify existing shapes. More advanced concepts include 3D effects, different blending styles, and color management. In addition, students will learn about the Adobe Certified Expert Exam objectives to plan for it if they so choose.
The Adobe Illustrator I course from NextFab lasts two hours and provides students with the foundational skills needed to use Illustrator effectively. They will gain practice learning about the basic tools and practicing different graphic design techniques. Students must complete the orientation before joining the course, but no previous experience is required. In addition, students can reserve a PC workstation on-site at Next Fab if preferred.
Whether your department uses Adobe Illustrator regularly or is in the process of incorporating it into your regular work tasks, there may be a strong need for corporate training. Suppose your team is interested in learning alongside one another to boost worker morale, increase consistency among different projects, and enhance the productivity of your given workspace. In that case, corporate training may be the best solution. There are various training options, both in-person and online, that afford learners the necessary updated skills to succeed in their given field. Illustrator training will teach your group how to navigate the interface and use the necessary tools and functions. Your organization will benefit greatly from the ability to complete hands-on projects with one another that can easily translate to the workplace as effective practices.
Noble Desktop offers different corporate training sessions, ranging from all sorts of technologies, concepts, and fields. In addition, Noble Desktop has the option to buy bulk vouchers for attendance in regular classes at a discounted rate. This can encourage your team to learn more skills at varying levels so they can bring their expertise back with them during work hours. If you and your team have discussed new ways to build rapport with one another and increase your chances of reaching your corporate goals, consider emailing corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more about the corporate training offerings and prices that are available.