Adobe Illustrator For Beginners - Vector Design From Scratch

Master Illustrator step by step - learn how to create icons, illustrations, and design assets like a pro

What you'll learn

Understand the core concepts of vector graphics and how they differ from raster graphics.

Create professional-quality illustrations using tools like the Pen Tool, Shape Builder, and Gradients.

Organize design projects using layers, grids, alignment tools, and color styles.

Export artwork for print and web using the correct settings, formats, and artboard configurations.

Requirements

No prior knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is required – this course is designed for absolute beginners. You’ll be guided step by step through all the tools, concepts, and techniques you need to start creating your own vector graphics from scratch. The only thing you’ll need is access to Adobe Illustrator (any recent version will work). Whether you’re using the trial version or a full license, having the software installed is essential to follow along with the lessons and practice as you go.

Description

Master Adobe Illustrator from Scratch – Online Course for BeginnersAdobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating vector graphics and is widely used across the creative industry. Whether you're just getting started with graphic design or aiming to enhance your existing skills as an illustrator or designer, this course is tailored for you. From print and web to branding and digital products – learning Illustrator is a smart investment that will quickly pay off.Vector Graphics Explained – Build the Right FoundationThe course begins with essential theory to ensure you're on solid ground. You’ll explore what vector graphics are, how they differ from raster images, and why that matters. We'll also break down key concepts like dpi vs ppi and the RGB and CMYK color models, helping you avoid common beginner mistakes and enabling you to work with intention from the start.You’ll learn how to create your first document in Illustrator, configure artboard size, orientation, and the origin point – all foundational skills that give you control over your digital workspace and set you up for efficient design work.Getting Started in Illustrator – Tools and Interface EssentialsNext, you'll be introduced to the core tools and features within Illustrator. You'll work with the Selection Tool, Direct Selection Tool, Pen Tool, Shape Tools, as well as key panels like Layers, Properties, and Appearance.You’ll start building simple shapes, combining and editing them, and applying color, outlines, and gradients. You'll also learn how to duplicate, align, and organize objects effectively – fundamental techniques for any designer.By this stage, you’ll complete your first basic flat design illustration, giving you the opportunity to apply your new skills in a hands-on project. This becomes the launching pad for more advanced creative work.Layers, Styles, and Workflow – Designing Like a ProIn the third module, the focus shifts to professional workflow and project organization. You’ll learn how to structure your files using layers, object and text styles, and how to keep your documents clean and navigable – especially when dealing with more complex designs.We’ll cover the use of grids, guides, rulers, and layout systems, which are essential for maintaining consistency and precision across your projects – whether for web, mobile, or print.You’ll also discover how to craft a cohesive visual identity using consistent line weights, labeling, and color schemes – all with real-world application, not dry theory.Working with Text, Icons, and Visual EffectsAs the course progresses, you’ll tackle challenges that graphic designers face daily – like designing icons and small-scale illustrations, where every pixel counts. You’ll also dive into working with text in various forms – from paragraphs to curved paths.You’ll get hands-on experience with Illustrator’s advanced typography tools like the Character and Paragraph panels, Touch Type Tool, and learn how to convert text into vector outlines for maximum flexibility.We also explore patterns, graphic effects, and pixel preview modes, including the Make Pixel Perfect option – crucial for creating crisp visuals in UI/UX and screen-based design.Importing, Exporting, and Finalizing Your WorkFinally, you'll learn how to import raster graphics, embed them into your projects, and prepare files for export in the right formats. We'll walk through how to manage artboards, understand the difference between layout and canvas, and ensure your files are ready for print or digital use without quality loss or scaling issues.By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand how Illustrator works – you’ll be ready to use it with confidence in real-world creative projects.Who is this course for?This course is designed for complete beginners who want to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator from the ground up and start creating professional vector graphics on their own. It’s a perfect fit for aspiring graphic designers, illustrators, and visual identity specialists looking to craft their own creative assets – from icons and diagrams to posters and promotional materials.It’s also a great option for art students, marketers, and content creators who want to strengthen their visual communication skills. No prior experience is required – just your willingness to learn and a copy of Adobe Illustrator. Step by step, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge to create compelling graphic designs.

Overview

Section 1: Basics

Lecture 1 What is vector graphics

Lecture 2 Why Illustrator

Lecture 3 DPI vs PPI resolution

Lecture 4 CMYK or RGB

Section 2: Getting Started

Lecture 5 Creating a new document

Lecture 6 Navigating the document

Lecture 7 Selection tool

Lecture 8 Pen tool

Lecture 9 Basic shapes

Lecture 10 Path editing

Lecture 11 Layers panel

Section 3: Simple illustration

Lecture 12 Creating and saving a new document

Lecture 13 Creating your own workspace

Lecture 14 Creating first shapes

Lecture 15 Fill, stroke and Color panel

Lecture 16 Moving and copying objects

Lecture 17 Another way of copying

Lecture 18 Align tool and aligning illustrations

Lecture 19 Creating multiple objects in a row

Lecture 20 Direct selection tool and path editing

Lecture 21 Editing multiple objects at once

Lecture 22 Coloring illustrations

Lecture 23 Stroke on speakers

Lecture 24 Isolation mode

Lecture 25 Basics, layers and organizing illustrations

Lecture 26 Outline view

Lecture 27 Rulers, guidelines and grid

Section 4: Complex shapes

Lecture 28 Inspiration and creating base shape

Lecture 29 Creation of fur

Lecture 30 Pathfinder

Lecture 31 Merging fur with the body

Lecture 32 Strokes – variable width

Lecture 33 Appearance panel

Lecture 34 Gradients

Lecture 35 Graphic styles

Lecture 36 Hand-drawn illustration

Lecture 37 Brush panel and libraries

Lecture 38 Eraser tool

Lecture 39 Coloring and Swatches panel

Lecture 40 Global swatches

Lecture 41 Patterns

Lecture 42 Effects

Lecture 43 Adding fur effect

Lecture 44 Final touches to illustration

Lecture 45 Splitting into layers and export

Section 5: Pixel Perfection

Lecture 46 Creating icons and anti-aliasing

Lecture 47 Pixel preview

Lecture 48 Make pixel perfect command

Lecture 49 Pixel grid

Section 6: Working with Text

Lecture 50 Type tool and text editing

Lecture 51 Character panel

Lecture 52 Paragraph panel

Lecture 53 Text on a path

Lecture 54 Touch type tool

Lecture 55 Typekit library

Lecture 56 Converting text to outlines

Section 7: Working with Files and Artboards

Lecture 0 Importing raster files

Lecture 0 Links panel

Lecture 0 Embedding files

Lecture 0 Clipping mask

Lecture 0 Tracing

Lecture 0 More than one artboard

Lecture 57 Artboard tool and panel

Lecture 0 Artboards in practice

Section 8: Summary

Lecture 58 Summary

This course is designed for complete beginners who want to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator from the ground up and start creating professional vector graphics on their own. It’s a perfect fit for aspiring graphic designers, illustrators, and visual identity specialists looking to craft their own creative assets – from icons and diagrams to posters and promotional materials. It’s also a great option for art students, marketers, and content creators who want to strengthen their visual communication skills. No prior experience is required – just your willingness to learn and a copy of Adobe Illustrator. Step by step, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge to create compelling graphic designs.