Adobe Illustrator CC – Basic («ILLUM1»)

• Understanding the Adobe Illustrator CC workspace
• Navigating the interface with confidence
• Mastering the basic concepts of vector graphics: Paths, Pen, Pathfinder, Objects/Layers/Properties, Surfaces/Contours, Text
• Creating and navigating Illustrator files
• Creating and outputting simple graphics in Adobe Illustrator CC
• Making simple changes

1 The organisation of work

• Vector vs. Pixel
• Manage files
• Illustrator versions and compatibility

2 The user interface

• The menu structure
• Manage workspaces
• Using the control panels
• The most important basic tools
• Symbols of the interface
• The properties control panel
• Setting up documents and the interface for print and screen

3 The first steps – Creating shapes

• Forming tools
• The different views
• Grouping objects
• Arrange objects

4 Select and work accurately

• Selection techniques
• Working with the bounding box
• Positioning aids
• Use numerical inputs
• Align objects
• Assign colors: Surfaces and contours
• Create guide lines
• Overview of important default settings

5 Get to know the document structure

• Working with layers
• Creating layers
• Show and hide layers
• Locking and unlocking layers
• Laying objects on new layers
• Layer arrangement
• Object selection with layers
• Properties of the template layer

6 Place images

• The image import
• Linking and embedding
• Crop images

7 Draw vectors

• Properties of the path tools
• Draw simple shapes
• Draw curved segments
• Get to know point types
• Select, move, convert anchor points
• Working with grip lines
• Move segments
• Properties of contours
• Draw simple illustrations

8 Construct vector graphics

• Methods of form building in Illustrator
• Combining forms, punching, intersections
• Joining paths
• Shape creation tool and interactive painting
• Clipping masks
• Working in isolation mode

9 Deform vector graphics

• The form grid tool
• Use predefined distortions

10 Working with colours

• Create your own colours
• The different colour models
• Composing colour harmonies
• Create and edit gradients

11 Text

• Dealing with text
• Basic settings of typography
• Touch type text tool
• Convert and edit text to paths
• Create simple form text

12 Edition

• Print drawing areas
• Save PDF
• Checking documents
• Sharing documents openly
• Avoid problems with missing content

• Frontal teaching
• Informative, exemplary and practice-oriented teaching sequence
• Hands-on and follow-up exercises

This basic course is aimed at anyone who wants to build their illustrator skills with the help of publishing experts. Both career changers, administrators and marketing managers as well as future graphic designers, illustrators, final artwork artists and image editors/layout designer who need illustrator skills are in the right place here.

You have good PC user skills (PC or Mac). Previous knowledge of Illustrator is not necessary.

Information about Classroom Equipment
Our courses are usually held on Windows devices. However, we are happy to provide you with an Apple computer in Zurich, Bern, and Basel upon request. Please let us know in advance by emailing info@digicomp.ch.
Of course, you are also welcome to bring your own laptop.
For virtual participation, we recommend using an additional monitor (not just a laptop) so that you can follow the lessons and participate fully.

Adobe CC Software
Adobe Creative Cloud software will be made available to you without restriction in the course rooms during the course.
If you are participating virtually, you can work on your own device. Please let us know if you do not have your own «Adobe Creative Cloud» license. In this case, we will be happy to provide you with the software via remote access for the duration of the course. 
The remote environment will be set up on a Windows device; Apple devices are not an option here. Unfortunately, it is not possible to use this environment beyond the course period.