Adobe Illustrator Core Skills: Level 2 Course Outline

*** Platform Note: This class for Mac or PC Users ***
Adobe software is virtually the same on the Mac and PC platforms. When taking this class from one of our locations, it will be taught using PC hardware with Windows software. Minor Mac keyboard and interface differences will be highlighted by the instructor. When taking this course from home or office, students can use either PC or Mac hardware to attach to the hosted Windows-based Adobe software.

Overview
Once you gain a foundation and some experience using Core Skills, you are ready for Level 2 training. IMPORTANT: To ensure you have the necessary skills for successful participation in the Level 2 training for Illustrator, please carefully review the topics included in the Level 1 course for Illustrator.

In Level 2 classes, content is covered at a faster pace and additional focus is placed on use of shortcuts and real world 'tips and tricks' to improve your workflow.

Each lesson includes unique and challenging project files. The Level 2 class also goes more thoroughly into advanced topics with some of the project files from our Level 1 courses.

*** Version Note ***
Our Adobe classes are for users of the CC and CS6 versions. These classes are run on the CC version of the software but are relevant for CS6 users as well. In addition, we upgrade our software shortly after new training materials are released from Adobe. Typically new content is available within 2 to 4 months of a software release.

Interested in More Training?
For individuals seeking comprehensive training, we offer bundles so that you can attend multiple Adobe Illustrator classes at a discount. For more information on savings, go to:
Adobe Illustrator Bundle

Having Trouble Taking Off Work for Training?
Many people are not able to take off for a 2 or 3-day class. We have another option. Our Adobe On-Demand self-study classes let you learn at your own pace on your own time. Our classes blend Adobe Official training materials with video tutorials, quizzes, and real world project-based labs to offer a cost-effective alternative to our live instructor-led classes. To learn more, click on the link below:
Adobe On-Demand: Adobe Illustrator CC

Prerequisites
Students should have experience with Illustrator and working knowledge of the skills covered in Core Skills: Level 1. Specifically, you should be familiar with the work area, be able to make selections, have some experience creating and editing shapes, as well as making transformations, using the drawing tools, and working with color, type, and layers. For more information on the Level 1 course, go to:
Illustrator CC Core Skills: Level 1

Course Outline

Using Shapes to Create Artwork for a Postcard
Working with the Shaper tool
Drawing shapes with the Shaper tool
Punching and combining shapes with the Shaper tool
Using Image Trace

Editing and Combining Shapes and Paths
Creating a compound path
Combining shapes
Working with the Shape Builder tool
Combining objects using Pathfinder effects
Creating the trailer
Reshaping a path
Using the Width tool
Finishing up the illustration

Transforming Artwork
Using Puppet Warp

Creating an Illustration with the Drawing Tools
Combining curves and straight lines
Creating artwork with the Pen tool
Drawing a coffee cup
Drawing with the Curvature tool
Editing curves
Reflecting the spoon shape

Using Color to Enhance Signage
Creating and saving a tint of a color
Converting colors
Copying appearance attributes
Creating a color group
Creative inspiration with the Color Guide panel
Editing a color group in the Edit Colors dialog box
Editing colors in artwork
Assigning colors to your artwork
Working with Live Paint
Creating a Live Paint group
Painting with the Live Paint Bucket tool
Modifying a Live Paint group

Adding Type to a Poster
Creating columns of text
Reshaping type objects
Creating and applying text styles
Creating and applying a paragraph style
Editing a paragraph style
Creating and applying a character style
Editing a character style
Warping text
Reshaping text with a preset envelope warp
Editing the envelope warp

Organizing Your Artwork with Layers
Collecting into a new layer
Duplicating layer content
Pasting layers
Applying appearance attributes to layers
Creating a clipping mask

Gradients, Blends and Patterns
Starting the lesson
Working with gradients
Applying a linear gradient to a fill
Editing a gradient
Saving a gradient
Adjusting a linear gradient fill
Applying a linear gradient to a stroke
Editing a gradient on a stroke
Applying a radial gradient to artwork
Editing the colors in the radial gradient
Adjusting the radial gradient
Applying gradients to multiple objects
Adding transparency to gradients
Working with blended objects
Creating a blend with specified steps
Modifying a blend
Creating and editing a smooth color blend
Painting with patterns
Applying an existing pattern
Creating your own pattern
Applying your pattern
Editing your pattern

Using Brushes to Create a Poster
Starting the lesson
Working with brushes
Using Calligraphic brushes
Applying a Calligraphic brush to artwork
Drawing with the Paintbrush tool
Editing paths with the Paintbrush tool
Editing a brush
Removing a brush stroke
Using Art brushes
Applying an existing Art brush
Creating an Art brush using a raster image
Editing an Art brush
Using Bristle brushes
Changing Bristle brush options
Painting with a Bristle brush
Using Pattern brushes
Creating a Pattern brush
Applying a Pattern brush
Editing the Pattern brush
Working with the Blob Brush tool
Drawing with the Blob Brush tool
Merging paths with the Blob Brush tool
Editing with the Eraser tool

Exploring Creative Uses of Effects and Graphic Styles
Starting the lesson
Using the Appearance panel
Editing appearance attributes
Adding another stroke and fill to artwork
Adding another stroke and fill to text
Reordering appearance attributes
Using live effects
Applying an effect
Editing an effect
Styling text with a Warp effect
Editing text with a Warp effect
Applying the Offset Path effect
Applying a Photoshop effect
Working with 3D effects
Using graphic styles
Applying an existing graphic style
Creating and applying a graphic style
Updating a graphic style
Applying a graphic style to a layer
Scaling strokes and effects

Creating Artwork for a T-Shirt
Starting the lesson
Working with symbols
Using existing Illustrator symbol libraries
Editing a symbol
Working with dynamic symbols
Creating a symbol
Duplicating symbols
Replacing symbols
Breaking a link to a symbol
Working with Creative Cloud libraries
Adding assets to CC libraries
Using library assets
Updating a library asset

Using Illustrator CC with Other Adobe Applications
Starting the lesson
Combining artwork
Placing image files
Placing an image
Transforming a placed image
Cropping an image
Placing a Photoshop image with Show Import Options
Placing multiple images
Masking images
Applying a simple mask to an image
Editing a clipping path (mask)
Masking an object with text
Creating an opacity mask
Editing an opacity mask
Working with image links
Finding link information
Embedding and unembedding images
Replacing a linked image
Packaging a file
Creating a PDF

Exporting Assets
Starting the lesson
Creating Pixel-Perfect Drawings
Aligning new artwork to the pixel grid
Aligning existing artwork to the pixel grid
Exporting artboards and assets
Exporting artboards
Exporting assets
Creating CSS from your design
Setting up your design for generating CSS
Working with character styles and CSS code
Working with graphic styles and CSS code
Copying CSS
Exporting CSS

View outline in Word

IIL220

Attend hands-on, instructor-led Adobe Illustrator Core Skills: Level 2 training classes at ONLC's more than 300 locations. Not near one of our locations? Attend these same live classes from your home/office PC via our Remote Classroom Instruction (RCI) technology.

For additional training options, check out our list of Illustrator Courses and select the one that's right for you.