Watch and Learn Illustrator!

Introduction

1 - Welcome (Time: 8:52)

In this video, Jon Measures will introduce the entire program. Jon will also show some useful resources such as examples from the Adobe Illustrator samples folder and the help menu.

2 - Vector Vs. Bitmap (Time: 4:02)

This video explains the division in computer graphics between Bitmap and Vector. Understanding the difference between vector and bitmap graphics is fundamental to working with computer graphics effectively.

3 - New Document (Time: 6:27)

This video covers the process of making a new document, changing the color mode and changing document setup. We also look at saving the files.

4 - User Interface (Time: 20:24)

In this video, we will take a look at the various sections that make up the Illustrator CS2 interface such as the menu, the tools, the palettes, and the document. We will also learn to navigate and reconfigure the palettes.

Getting Started

5 - Making Selections (Time: 11:58)

A crucial aspect to working with Illustrator is being able to make selections of objects. We will take a look at the selection tools as well as areas in the menu such as select same fill color.

6 - Working With Basic Shapes (Time: 10:09)

This video will get you acquainted with the tools and techniques for creating basic shapes. This is an important video because as you will see as we move through the series you will often begin even very complex illustrations using basic shapes such as ellipses and rectangles.

7 - Transforming Objects - Part 1 (Time: 14:31)

This is the first of two videos that explore various ways that you can transform objects in Illustrator. So, now not only will you be able to make basic objects you can scale them, reflect them, rotate them and so on.

8 - Transforming Objects - Part 2 (Time: 8:41)

Carrying on from the video “Transforming objects Part 1” we continue to explore the creative potential and the practical applications that are tied to transforming vector graphics including using the transform tools and changing the point of origin.

9 - Stacking Order (Time: 8:50)

This video introduces the concept of the stacking order and arranging objects in front or behind other objects. We also look at how this works in practice. This is a fundamental concept that needs to be grasped to be able to work in Illustrator effectively. Works the same in almost any version of Illustrator.

Color

10 - Color (Time: 10:15)

In this video you will learn about color modes and we will take a close look at choosing color using the Color Picker Palette, the Color Palette and the Swatches Palette. Jon Measures will also explain the difference between the Fill color and the stroke color and how to adjust the weight of the stroke.

11 - Pattern Swatches (Time: 8:56)

Jon Measures will show how to make and edit pattern swatches and how to apply them to artwork to create very useful repeating patterns. This works the same in almost any version of Illustrator.

12 - Gradients (Time: 14:26)

In this video we will cover how gradients are constructed and how you can edit them to create new gradients. Jon Measures will also go over saving gradients in the swatches Palette, how to change the direction or angle and how to change between linear and radial gradients. This works the same for all the recent versions of the software.

13 - Intro. To Pathfinder (Time: 5:42)

Here we will begin by getting to grips with what pathfinder is used for. We will look at the basic Pathfinder effects such as Add to Shape Area, Subtract from Shape Area and Divide. Jon Measures will also explain what expanding does.

14 - Uses For Pathfinder (Time: 15:15)

Pathfinder” this video goes over a series of simples exercises that demonstrate some more specific uses for Pathfinder. This works the same in any of the newer versions of the software.

Guides and Grid

15 - Guides (Time: 6:23)

Here we will look at pretty much everything you need to know about utilizing
guides as part of your design process. Jon Measures will demonstrate how to make guides, hide guides showguides and much more. This video will be useful if you’re working with any version of Illustrator.

16 - Smart Guides (Time: 3:22)

When accuracy is important, Smart Guides is a great feature. We look at the basic concept and how to use Smart Guides to produce precisely positioned and tightly aligned elements on a page. Works the same in all the newer versions of Illustrator.

17 - Grid (Time: 7:22)

Here Jon Measures will demonstrate how the grid can be used to create accurate construction and layouts. Jon also explain how to change the grid in preferences. Lastly, Jon will go over snap to grid. This works the same in almost any version of Illustrator.

Drawing

18 - Using the Pen Tool (Time: 9:37)

In this introduction to the Pen Tool, Jon Measures will explain some important points to remember such as using fewer points and dragging in the direction that you are going. Jon will then do a series of simple exercises. A file is provided with guides for students to follow along with.

19 - Using the Pencil Tool (Time: 13:33)

The Pencil Tool is a relatively simple and intuitive tool
because it’s a freehand tool. However, there is a feature that allows you to redraw paths that can be extremely useful. We will also take a look at a couple of different approaches.

20 - Brushes (Time: 21:30)

In this video, you will learn the difference between the four types of brushes and you will learn to edit the settings and the color for these brushes. Brushes can be used to give the artwork a more natural feel. However, you can also use brushes as a way to distort graphics including type. This video will work the same with any of the newer versions of the software.

Layers

21 - The Concept of Layers (Time: 7:42)

This video covers the basic concept behind layers and the reasons for using layers. We also compare the layers in Illustrator to layers in Photoshop. This video is relevant to any of the newer versions of Illustrator.

22 - Working with Layers (Time: 15:54)

This video continues from the previous video, which explains the concept behind layers and gets into the nitty-gritty of the Layers Palette and actually working with layers. We will take a look at the various features in the Layers Palette. This video is relevant to any newer version of Illustrator.

23 - Tracing Exercise (Time: 23:32)

This video is a project-based video that covers the process involved in tracing a photographic image. The video helps to give a context to some of the techniques you will have learnt from the previous videos up to this point in the course including working with layers, drawing with the Pen Tool and the Pencil Tool.

Type

24 - Type Intro (Time: 6:57)

This video explains the different type tools and then discusses some of the areas of working with type that we will be looking at in the following few videos.

25 - Formatting Text (Time: 10:37)

Continuing in this sequence of videos that concentrate on type we will look at formatting text. We will look at selecting type and type objects, changing the size, font, tracking, kerning and so on. This video will be relevant to most versions of Illustrator.

26 - Type on a Path (Time: 7:11)

In this video, you will learn how to use the Type on a Path Tool to apply to a path and then also once you have applied it how to edit both the path and the type. Works almost the same in most versions of Illustrator.

27 - Envelope Distort (Time: 6:33)

Envelope distort is a great feature in Illustrator that allows you to manipulate not only type but any object. You will learn about some of the settings associated with this feature and some finer details of adjusting the envelopes as well as how to expand the envelope back to objects. Works with any of the newer versions of the program.

28 - Create Outlines (Time: 10:57)

In this video, we will look at Illustrator’s Create Outlines feature, which allows you to turn your fonts into drawn vector shapes so that you can manipulate the shapes of letterforms. This is extremely useful for creative typographic work and logo design. Works the same in almost versions of Illustrator.

29 - Making Text Boxes (Time: 5:18)

Learn to work with text boxes, get that body copy under control and learn to think outside of the square box to create layout design that is visually dynamic. Will work with most versions of Illustrator.

Appearances

30 - Intro to Appearances (Time: 6:54)

In this video, we take a look at appearances. Appearances show up throughout the program, and understanding how to work with them is an important aspect of using the program effectively. This works the same for any of the newer versions of Illustrator.

31 - Editing Appearances (Time: 9:39)

Continuing on from the last video, we look at how to edit appearances. Using the Appearance Palette, we look at duplicating strokes to create a multi line effect. We also learn about the new art has basic appearance setting and how to expand an appearance into actual vector graphics. This exercise works the same in any of the more recent versions of Illustrator.

32 - Graphic Styles (Time: 5:49)

Graphic Styles is a palette in Illustrator, and also a collection of effects or appearances saved together in the Graphic Styles Palette. We will cover how to make graphic styles and where to access graphic styles from the library. This is the same in any of the more recent versions of the software.

Bitmaps

33 - Placing Bitmaps (Time: 9:14)

In this video, we will go over how to place bitmap images such as Photoshop files into Illustrator. This demonstration would be the same in almost any version of Illustrator.

34 - Rasterize (Time: 11:27)

Here we will look at the rasterize feature in Illustrator. You may want to rasterize part, or all of your vector artwork so that you can apply Photoshop type filters among other things. This works the same for any of the more recent versions of Illustrator.

35 - Live Trace (Time: 6:33)

Live trace is a great new feature in CS2 that allows you to convert a
placed bitmap into a set of vector objects based on various settings. This video is designed to introduce you tothis process and give you idea of it’s potential. This video exercise can only be carried out in Illustrator CS2.

36 - Clipping Masks (Time: 9:00)

This video demonstrates how to create clipping masks. Clipping masks are paths that are used to hide part of your artwork. This is a very useful feature In Illustrator. This demonstration works the same in almost any version of Illustrator.

Poster Project

37 - Poster - Part 1 (Time: 6:29)

This is the first of three videos that deconstruct and reconstruct the
setup for a poster advertising a fictitious “artwalk” event in Chinatown, Los Angeles. This final sequence of videos tries to encapsulate many of the techniques discussed in the previous videos that make up this course and ties the techniques to a specific context. As well as introducing this poster project we also take a look at the finished design and deconstruct the designs setup.

38 - Poster - Part 2 (Time: 16:46)

This video continues from the “Poster - Part 1” video. Here we start recreating the poster design using a placed a template.

39 - Poster - Part 3 (Time: 16:43)

In the last of these three videos that are based around a poster design, we will finish up the rebuilding of the poster by adding and formatting the type. We will also add some other finishing touches. This is the very last video in the series. At this point, you should be able to go off and make use of your newly developed vector graphics skills and allow your creativity to blossom.

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