10 Best Illustrator Courses for 2023

Our Illustrator experts have assembled a list of the ten best Adobe Illustrator courses for 2023. This includes both online Illustrator courses and in-person Illustrator classes with live instructors, as well as free Illustrator tutorials. The comprehensive list of course options includes introduction, intermediate, and advanced classes to cover the needs of beginner through advanced learners. This listing was assembled by our expert instructors who are the authors of multiple books on Illustrator and the Creative Cloud and details the best ways for you to learn Illustrator. It includes information about each Illustrator course, class, and tutorial, and has been updated for 2023.

We evaluated many courses and have included introduction, intermediate, and advanced classes to cover the needs of beginner through advanced learners. This list includes classes that we know and have tried. This list was assembled by expert instructors, who are the authors of multiple Adobe Illustrator books, providing you with expert insight into the best ways for you to learn Illustrator. The list of best Illustrator courses provides information about each course, class, and tutorial.

If you want to learn how to create high-quality Illustrations, logo designs, or other custom artwork, an Adobe Illustrator course is the place for you to start learning. Illustrator is utilized by many designers, artists, and other creative professionals to create and manipulate digital artwork. Because Illustrator is part of the Creative Cloud and runs on both Mac and Windows computers, it is accessible widely and used by professionals in graphic design, web and user interface, fashion, and other creative roles.

This guide contains the ten best Illustrator courses and tutorials we have selected. Details about each course are listed within this guide, and a summary is available here:

10 Best Adobe Illustrator Courses: Summary

Who should attend Adobe Illustrator Courses?

Adobe Illustrator courses are useful for those working in graphic design, web design, user interface design, fashion, architecture, and interior design. Those working in animation and motion graphics will also find Illustrator skills useful. Why is Illustrator important for these professions? Because graphic designers use Illustrator to create logos, marketing materials, graphics, and other visual designs. Web designers and user interface designers use Illustrator to create website layouts, icons, buttons, and other elements that are part of web and mobile interfaces. Illustrator is also useful for fashion designers who use it to create technical drawings and textile patterns through the software’s features. Similarly, Illustrator helps architects and interior designers as a tool for creating floor plans, and elevations. Animators and motion graphics artists also use Illustrator for creating vector-based assets and design motion graphics. An Illustrator course is useful for anyone working in, or wanting to work in, these professions.

Why you should trust us: our experience with Illustrator 

The authors and editors of this article have more than 15 years of experience teaching and using Illustrator. We have written, edited, and published six books on Illustrator. Additionally, our team of writers and evaluators use Illustrator daily as part of our work. We have overseen the delivery of  Illustrator training to major media organizations globally. The authors have developed official training materials for Adobe, the makers of Illustrator, and also have written Illustrator course materials, as well as attended Illustrator courses. This experience of working with Illustrator professionally provides the writers of this piece with a good understanding of what skills are needed for an Illustrator class to be useful.

How we picked the best Illustrator courses

Every Illustrator course listed here has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of professionals who work in the field of graphic design and web and user interface. We research the courses, evaluate user reviews, speak with instructors and students, and use our own experience learning, reviewing curriculum, evaluating projects, and sitting through courses to determine the best options. Any course that we have not been able to personally test has been carefully chosen based on a careful review of user feedback, discussion with instructors, the value, quality of content, and our experience with similar courses to make certain it meets the needs of a participant.

How we tested the Illustrator Courses: our ranking methodology

The ranking process for determining the best courses involves four steps:

1. Research Courses: The courses included in this list have been researched as we investigated available Illustrator courses. The research process included identifying courses that are available today and are open for enrollment to the general public.
2. Evaluate: Each of the Illustrator courses and tutorials has been reviewed and evaluated to identify the type of learner to which the course applies and the suitability of the course for its intended audience. Courses were grouped based on suitability for introductory, intermediate, and advanced learners.
3. Testing: The courses were attended by our expert evaluators who completed projects, and reviewed the curriculum, coursework, and instructors. Each course was attended by a reviewer, who completed the courses of study, including any projects, exercises, and reading.
4. Select and Rank: Following the first three steps, the courses were ranked and selected, identifying which classes should be included in the best Illustrator courses list. The ranking was based on the quality of the curriculum, the clarity of the instructor, the accessibility of helpful resources, and the alignment of learning objectives for the course with skills needed by professionals.

The process of researching, evaluating, testing, and ranking for Illustrator courses involved more than 100 hours. While ten courses are listed here, the evaluation included many courses that were reviewed and evaluated and did not make this list. The resulting list of the best courses is listed below.

10 Best Illustrator Courses

The 10 best Illustrator courses are presented below with details about each course.

Introduction to Illustrator Training Class

This introductory level of our Illustrator courses provides foundation skills for drawing, coloring, and organizing artwork. You will learn to use Illustrator to craft artwork, including illustrations, logos, business graphics, charts, and graphs. This course starts at the beginning and provides foundation skills for drawing, coloring, and organizing artwork. You will learn to utilize the powerful Pen tool, allowing the creation of precise and customizable shapes and lines. You will learn techniques to transform existing shapes and master the art of adding color to your drawn objects. Additionally, you will delve into the usage of layers for organizing your artwork effectively and gain insights into various options for exporting Illustrator files. 

Benefits of the Introduction to Illustrator Training Class:

• Interact directly with an Illustrator instructor in this live remote, or in-person class
• Learn essential skills, including working with color and drawing tools
• Create a variety of artwork, graphics, and logos with in-class projects
• Learn to share images for use online, in print, and digitally in various formats
• Understand how to integrate Illustrator artwork with other Creative Cloud apps
• Master the Illustrator interface to find the tools and options you need.
• Course offered as a two-day intensive or four-night
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Illustrator workspace and interface
•  Learn to efficiently navigate and utilize the various tools and panels available in Illustrator.
• Learn to effectively use artboards for design projects
• Master essential techniques for selecting, resizing, and transforming shapes with precision
• Explore the extensive color options, including changing colors, adding effects, and creating color groups
• Learn to use powerful drawing tools like the Pen tool for creating and editing paths
• Learn to trace images, create templates, and utilize Image Trace for more advanced artwork.
• Learn to enhance and customize designs with gradients and patterns
• Acquire skills for working with text, including formatting, styling, and placing text on paths or shapes
• Learn to work with templates, create outlines, and utilize the Layers panel for making selections and arrangements

Format: Live class meets at scheduled times 

Delivery options: Online or in-person

Student Review: “The instructor’s teaching methodology was clear and concise. I truly appreciate her taking the time to make sure everything was clear to me and being available to answer questions I may have going forward. I enjoyed the Illustrator class so much that I’m now signed up for an InDesign class in a few weeks.” -Christine B.

Course details and dates

Illustrator Bootcamp

By combining the introductory and advanced Illustrator courses coursework, this comprehensive bootcamp teaches foundational skills and sophisticated design techniques. Participants learn to transform existing shapes, adjust layers, and troubleshoot production. This course equips learners with a solid foundation that will allow them to create artwork for print, web, and interactive artwork.

Benefits of the Illustrator Bootcamp:

• Interact directly with an Illustrator instructor in this live remote, or in-person class
• Optimize your Illustrator workspace and save shortcuts
• Explore the Appearance panel to apply and save multiple effects
• Learn to use the Pen tool like a pro to create new and trace over existing artwork
• Discover how to use layers to organize your artwork
• Find out how to save and use symbols
• Learn how to import and export artwork into and out of Illustrator

Format: Live class meets at scheduled times either online or in person

Delivery options: Online or in-person

Student Review: "Greg was fun, knowledgeable about Illustrator, and professional. I learned a lot of new things along with several tips and tricks. He made learning fun and interesting! Hoping to be able to do more classes in the future. All was great!" -JENNIFER O

Course details and dates

Advanced Illustrator training class

In this two-day (or four-evening) advanced Illustrator course you will discover the power and versatility of vector artwork. As the most advanced of our regularly scheduled Illustrator classes, this course takes you beyond the basics to learn the many capabilities available to you in Illustrator. This course also covers troubleshooting for production personnel as well as advanced techniques for interesting design effects.

Benefits of the Advanced Illustrator course:

• Learn to efficiently set up artboards and create background shapes 
• Master the art of combining shapes and utilizing the sampling of colors
• Gain expertise in applying fills, strokes, colors, and effects to create visually appealing designs
• Explore advanced alignment and distribution techniques to achieve precise composition
• Develop skills in distorting shapes and effectively importing and manipulating images 
• Learn to work with symbols, understanding their functionality and making efficient use of symbol libraries
• Learn to utilize the Appearance panel for applying and editing effects and working with object transparency
• Explore advanced blending techniques with the use of the Blend Tool and Gradient Mesh options
• Stay up-to-date with the latest features of Adobe Illustrator, such as Image Trace, Pattern Options, and enhanced panels
• Learn techniques for exporting and saving files from Illustrator, including layered PDFs, integration with other Adobe software, and optimized formats for web design.

Student Review: "Excellent instructor - shared real-world knowledge of Illustrator, explained clearly, and was patient."  -Michelle G

Course details and dates

Graphic Design Certificate Program

The Graphic Design Certificate program offers a comprehensive introduction to graphic design skills utilizing contemporary digital tools. It equips you with the necessary expertise to create illustrations, retouch images, and design layouts for digital and print distribution. This includes detailed courses for learning Illustrator. You have the flexibility to attend the Graphic Design Certificate program either online or in person. Both formats provide live instructor-led classes and workshops, ensuring interactive learning experiences. The program offers rolling admission, allowing you to start at any time, with new classes commencing monthly. All certificate courses, regardless of format, are conducted by experienced instructors who offer personalized attention and guidance Participants learn Illustrator as part of the graphic design process and apply newly learned techniques and skills through significant hands-on work in small group classes.

Benefits of the Graphic Design Certificate Program:

• Learn Illustrator along with strategic design principles and practical Creative Cloud skills.
• Participants engage in significant hands-on work using Illustrator in small group classes, allowing them to apply newly learned techniques and skills directly in real-world design projects
• Receive direct guidance and support from experienced instructors throughout the learning process
• Gain a solid foundation in graphic design skills
• Acquire practical experience
•  Receive individualized attention as you work on Illustrator projects and build a portfolio.

Course details and dates

Adobe Creative Cloud Class for Print Design with Illustrator

This Adobe Creative Cloud course is for anyone who wants to learn Adobe Illustrator along with other tools used in the Adobe Creative Cloud for creating print and digital designs. Learn Illustrator skills for creating brochures, proposals, flyers, newsletters, artwork, logos, charts, and graphs. This course provides Adobe Illustrator training along with skills in related Creative Cloud apps.

Benefits of Adobe Creative Cloud Class for Print Design with Illustrator:

• Learn essential Adobe Illustrator skills
• Find out how to effectively navigate the Illustrator Workspace
• Understand how to create artwork and logos using Illustrator
• Learn to apply color and gradients
• Find out how to share Illustrator artwork in many formats for online or print use
• Learn other related Creative Cloud applications including Photoshop and InDesign

Format: Live class meets at scheduled times, either online or in-person

Delivery options: Online or in-person

Student Review: “I had Greg for this Illustrator class and have had him as an instructor for various classes over the years--always a pleasure. He is always very knowledgeable and helpful. If he doesn’t have the answers to questions right off the bat, he will make it a point to look into it later and have an answer.” - Kelley C

Course details and dates

Illustrator for Fashion Design Course

This Adobe Illustrator training class is for fashion, apparel, and accessories design professionals. Whether starting from scratch, moving designs from traditional sketchbooks to computer design, or from a CAD system, this class saves you hours of time. Expand productivity by discovering how to work with Illustrator’s design tools and features that allow you to create reusable assets that you can store and reuse - from colors to patterns and elements such as zippers and stitches. This class works well as a private class for individuals or groups and can be tailored to your specific needs and types of fashion, apparel, accessories, or footwear.

Benefits of the Adobe Illustrator for Fashion Design course:

• Discover time-saving methods for working in Illustrator
• Find out how to create reusable items and save them in shared libraries
• Get comfortable with the appearance, effects, and graphic styles
• Find out how to create patterns that can be transformed to fit apparel
• Discover how to take advantage of symbols, specifically for use in the fashion industry
• Find out how to create complex items like zippers and custom stitching
• Offered as a private class allowing you to focus on design types that meet your needs

Format: Live class meets at scheduled times, either online or in-person

Delivery options: Online or in-person

Student Review: "The Illustrator class was well worth my time and money because I'll be more confident navigating through files at work. Very nice building and classroom, new equipment, etc.” -Pamela D

Course details and dates

Illustrator tutorial: Illustrator Essential Skills

Illustrator is used to create many types of artwork from simple icons to complicated illustrations and technical documentation. In this free tutorial, you’ll learn the shape tools, work with basic selection techniques, and complete artwork. Learn helpful tips for creating artwork on your own using Illustrator.

Benefits of this Illustrator tutorial:

• Learn to use the shape tools in Illustrator
• Find out how to reposition and resize artwork 
• Discover how to use Illustrator’s Transform panel

Format: Self-paced tutorial

Tutorial Details

Illustrator tutorial: Trace images using Illustrator

In this Illustrator tutorial, discover how to trace artwork to convert it into vector form. You will  learn how to convert scanned or rendered artwork into crisp vector line art that can be used in many formats online, in video, or in print. Benefits of this Illustrator tutorial:

• Learn to place images as a template
• Find out how to use the Image Trace options

Format: Self-paced tutorial

Tutorial Details

Illustrator tutorial: Using Live Paint

This free Illustrator tutorial provides a foundation for using Adobe Illustrator’s Live Paint functionality. Learn how Illustrator offers two methods of painting: selecting fills, strokes, or both for an object or converting objects to a Live Paint group while assigning fills and strokes to the separate edges and faces of paths within the group. Find out how Live Paint is a brilliant solution to painting illustrations with multiple faces that are not necessarily independent shapes that can be easily filled.

Benefits of this Illustrator tutorial:

• Learn various ways to paint in Illustrator
• Find out how to apply colors to complex groups using Live Paint

Format: Self-paced tutorial

Tutorial Details

Illustrator CC Digital Classroom Book

Learn Adobe Illustrator with self-paced lessons that guide you step-by-step while you work at your own pace. This Illustrator book includes 14 self-paced lessons that cover introductory through advanced skills, teaching essential Illustrator skills in the early lessons and then building to more advanced capabilities.

Benefits of this Illustrator training book:

• Full-color lessons with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions
• Video tutorials highlight key topics in each lesson 
• All essential Illustrator skills are covered
• Gets you up and running quickly with included Illustrator lesson files
• Written by expert instructors who regularly teach Illustrator classes
• Learn Illustrator at your own pace 

Format: Self-paced tutorial

Book details

Private Illustrator training

If you can’t find exactly the topics or course you are looking for in an existing Illustrator course, you can arrange a custom Illustrator training ranging from three hours to several days. Custom Illustrator training is beneficial for individuals, organizations, and groups who want to work on specific projects or have a dedicated instructor. Learn from experienced instructors who can adapt the curriculum to your specific needs.

Benefits of private customized Illustrator training:

• Classes can be tailored to your specific needs
• Work with the instructor to tailor an Illustrator course to your specific objectives
• Course materials are provided
• Adapt the class to include your own projects if desired 
• Customized curriculum and teaching approach to match your skill level, learning style, and specific areas of interest
• Concentrate on the topics that are most relevant to your needs to achieve your goals more efficiently
• Bypass topics you're already proficient in and focus more on areas where you need improvement, maximizing the use of your time and resources

Format: Available on-site, at your location, at a local training center, or remotely

Student Review: "Michael was very knowledgeable about the different versions of Illustrator and was very personable. He was able to answer specific questions and easily made sure everyone was able to follow along. The time seemed to fly! Every exercise was engaging and interesting. My co-workers and I found this class to be worthwhile." -Ashley G

Private Illustrator Training Details

About the Best Illustrator Courses and Classes

The assembled list shows the wide variety of course options for learning Illustrator. These include shorter one-day courses to gain a general understanding of this popular design tool, as well as longer courses which provide a more in-depth understanding of Illustrator. Many of these courses are appropriate for beginners to learn Illustrator, although we have included options for advanced users to improve their skills as well.

All the Illustrator classes are delivered by an expert instructor and are delivered as live classes, while the tutorials offer self-paced ways to learn Illustrator for free.

The decision regarding which class to attend depends upon how quickly you need to learn Illustrator, the time available for your learning, and the available budget. The in-depth courses have a higher cost, yet provide immediate skills in semi-private or small-group sessions, while the free training tutorials allow you to learn Illustrator on your own at no cost. You can learn more about Illustrator.