Illustrator Bootcamp

Module 1: Getting to know the Adobe Illustrator workspace

• Exploring the Illustrator interface
• Choosing a workspace
• Opening a file
• Using artboards
• Changing your view
• Zooming and scrolling
• Using tools and panels
• Exploring the Control panel
• Working with panels and the dock
• Saving workspaces and shortcuts

Module 2: Adobe Illustrator essentials

• Using Illustrator's shape tools
• Repositioning and visually resizing the shapes
• Putting the Transform panel to work
• Constraining a shape
• Entering exact dimensions
• Selecting and editing artwork
• Using the shape and transform tools
• Using layers to lock and organize objects
• Repeating transformations

Module 3: Adding color

• Exploring the Appearance panel
• Changing colors in Illustrator
• Adding effects
• Using Live Paint to colorize artwork quickly
• Saving reusable artwork as a symbol
• Saving and editing swatches
• Creating a color group
• Using the Color panel for alternate color models
• Working with Pantone colors

Module 4: Working with the Adobe Illustrator drawing tools

• Understanding the Pen tool
• Drawing straight, curved, and hinged lines
• Creating a tracing artwork from sketches and other applications
• Using the Line, Pencil, and Eraser tools
• Editing existing paths
• Adding and removing points
• Cutting and joining paths
• Combining shapes with the Shape Builder

Module 5: Exploring advanced Adobe Illustrator color options

• Adding tonal values with gradients
• Customizing an existing gradient
• Using the Gradient panel
• Creating and using patterns
• Defining patterns and other artwork with bounding boxes
• Using the Color Guide to locate color harmonies

Module 6: Creating and formatting text using Illustrator

• Formatting text
• Paragraph formatting
• Using paragraph and character styles
• Editing styles
• Putting text on a path
• Warping text
• Putting text in a shape
• Converting text to outlines
• Checking spelling and using find and replace

Module 7: Using layers in Adobe Illustrator

• Getting to know the Layers panel
• Using layers to organize your illustrations
• Using the Layers panel to make selections
• Creating new layers
• Showing and hiding layers
• Locking and unlocking layers
• Rearranging layers
• Moving items between layers
• Remembering layers when pasting
• Creating a template layer

Module 8: Working with symbols in Illustrator

• Understanding symbols and instances
• Creating and editing symbols
• Importing a symbol library
• Modifying symbol instances
• Using the symbolism tools
• Editing nested symbols
• Replacing symbols
• Saving symbol libraries

Module 9: Using Adobe Illustrator effects and transparency

• Working with the Appearance panel
• Applying and editing effects
• Creating and saving graphic styles
• Working with object transparency
• Experimenting with multiple opacities
• Understanding blending modes
• Saving and importing graphic styles
• Applying graphic styles to layers and symbols

Module 10: Exporting and saving files from Illustrator

• Saving using the AI format
• Saving an illustration with layers
• Saving a layered PDF
• Exporting for Photoshop
• Integrating with InDesign
• Exporting for Figma and other prototyping tools
• Integrating with Premiere and After Effects
• Saving for Web

Module 11: Advanced Illustrator blending techniques

• Using the Blend tool in Adobe Illustrator 
• Applying a gradient
• Understanding linear vs. radial gradients
• Using gradient mesh options
• Adjusting a mesh
• Advanced blending options for creating realistic shading
• Selecting multiple mesh points to define shape
• Adding highlights to blends

Module 12: Advanced Adobe Illustrator features

• Using the adjustable user interface
• Image trace
• Pattern options panel
• Gradients on strokes
• Creating and releasing masks
• Expandable color spectrum
• Character panel enhancements
• Generative color artificial intelligence (beta feature, not fully functional)

The course topics serve as an outline for the course. Instructors may adjust content based on the specific needs of each class, such as to answer your  Adobe Illustrator questions.