Free Adobe Illustrator Course 2023 ( Advanced level ) | By Skilza

 Welcome to the Advanced Level Adobe Illustrator Course! In this tutorial, we will cover advanced techniques and tools to take your design skills to the next level. Get ready to create complex shapes, master gradients, and become a pro in custom brushes, typography, layers, and artboards.

Module 1: Advanced Shape Creation:

Advanced Pen Tool Techniques:

The Pen tool is a powerful feature in Adobe Illustrator, allowing you to create complex vector shapes and paths. As an advanced user, you can use the Pen tool to create intricate designs with precision and control.

Here are some advanced Pen tool techniques you can use:

Creating complex shapes: With the Pen tool, you can create shapes with multiple anchor points and curves. By combining straight lines and curved segments, you can create shapes with intricate details.

Editing paths: Once you have created a path with the Pen tool, you can use the Direct Selection tool to manipulate the anchor points and handles to refine the shape further. You can also use the Anchor Point tool to add or remove anchor points.

Creating custom brushes: The Pen tool can be used to create custom brushes, such as calligraphic or scatter brushes. By creating a path with the Pen tool, you can define the shape of the brush and use it to create unique effects in your designs.

Combining paths: With the Pathfinder panel, you can combine or subtract paths to create complex shapes. This allows you to create intricate designs with ease.

Using the curvature tool: The curvature tool in Adobe Illustrator allows you to create smooth, curved lines with precision. You can use this tool to create shapes and paths with organic curves.

Creating Compound Paths:

Creating compound paths in Adobe Illustrator is a technique used to create complex shapes by combining multiple paths into a single shape. Compound paths are useful when you want to create a shape with holes in it or when you want to combine shapes that overlap or intersect.

To create a compound path, you first need to select the paths you want to combine. Then, go to the Object menu and select Compound Path, and then choose Make. This will combine the selected paths into a single compound path.

One important thing to note is that when creating compound paths, the order in which you select the paths will determine the final shape. The path that is selected first will be the outermost path, and the path that is selected last will be the innermost path.

Once you have created a compound path, you can edit it using the direct selection tool to adjust individual anchor points and path segments. You can also fill and stroke the compound path just like any other shape in Illustrator.

Using Pathfinder Panel for Advanced Shape Creation:

            The Pathfinder panel in Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool that allows advanced shape creation by combining, dividing, and trimming shapes. This panel contains several shape modes, such as Unite, Minus Front, Intersect, and Exclude, which can be used to create complex shapes and designs.

For example, let's say you have two shapes that overlap each other, and you want to create a new shape that includes only the overlapping portion. To achieve this, you can use the Intersect mode in the Pathfinder panel. First, select both shapes and click on the Intersect button in the panel. This will create a new shape that includes only the overlapping area of the two shapes.

Similarly, the Minus Front mode can be used to subtract one shape from another. Let's say you have a circle and a square, and you want to subtract the circle from the square to create a new shape. To achieve this, select both shapes and click on the Minus Front button in the Pathfinder panel. This will create a new shape that is the result of subtracting the circle from the square.

By using the various modes in the Pathfinder panel, you can create complex shapes and designs that would otherwise be difficult or time-consuming to create manually. It is an essential tool for advanced shape creation in Adobe Illustrator.

Module 2: Mastering Brushes and Effects:

Creating and Customizing Brushes

In Adobe Illustrator, brushes are a powerful tool that can help to add visual interest and unique touches to your designs. With brushes, you can create a wide range of effects, from calligraphic strokes to intricate patterns and textures.

To create a brush, you can use any object or shape as the basis for your design. Simply select the object and drag it into the Brushes panel, then choose the type of brush you want to create, such as Calligraphic, Scatter, or Art.

Once you have created your brush, you can customize it further by adjusting its settings in the Brushes panel. For example, you can change the brush's size, spacing, angle, and more to achieve the desired effect.

You can also create pattern brushes, which allow you to repeat a design along a path. This can be useful for creating borders, frames, or other repeating elements in your designs.

By experimenting with different brushes and settings, you can create unique and eye-catching designs that stand out from the crowd.

Using Gradient and Mesh Tools for Texture Creation

Using Gradient and Mesh Tools for Texture Creation in Adobe Illustrator involves creating realistic textures and effects using the Gradient and Mesh tools. Let's take a closer look at each of these tools and how they can be used:

Gradient Tool: The Gradient tool allows you to create gradients that can add depth and dimension to your designs. To create a gradient, select the object or shape you want to apply the gradient to and then choose the Gradient tool from the toolbar. You can then select the type of gradient you want to use, such as a linear, radial, or angular gradient, and adjust the colors and angle of the gradient to create the desired effect. Here's an example:

Select the object you want to apply a gradient to

Choose the Gradient tool from the toolbar

Select a linear gradient and adjust the colors and angle to create the desired effect

Mesh Tool: The Mesh tool allows you to create a grid of anchor points that you can use to manipulate the color and shading of an object. To create a mesh, select the object you want to apply the mesh to and then choose the Mesh tool from the toolbar. You can then add anchor points to the mesh and adjust the color and shading of each point to create the desired effect. Here's an example:

Select the object you want to apply a mesh to

Choose the Mesh tool from the toolbar

Add anchor points to the mesh and adjust the color and shading of each point to create the desired effect

Using these tools together can create even more complex and dynamic textures and effects. For example, you can create a mesh and then apply a gradient to it to create a more realistic texture, as shown in the image below:

Create a mesh using the Mesh tool

Select the mesh and choose the Gradient tool from the toolbar

Apply a gradient to the mesh to create a more realistic texture

Advanced Text Effects with the Appearance Panel

The Appearance panel in Adobe Illustrator allows you to add advanced text effects to your designs. Here are some techniques you can use:

Adding shadows and glows: Select the text and go to Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow or Effect > Stylize > Outer Glow. Adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.

Creating outlines and strokes: Select the text and go to Object > Path > Outline Stroke. This will convert the text stroke into a shape that can be edited.

Adding gradients and patterns: Use the Gradient or Pattern fill options in the Appearance panel to add gradients or patterns to your text. You can also create a custom gradient or pattern and apply it to your text.

Using 3D effects: Go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel to add a 3D effect to your text. Adjust the settings to create the desired effect.

Adding transparency and blending modes: Use the Opacity and Blending Mode options in the Appearance panel to add transparency and blending effects to your text.

For example, you can create a metallic effect by adding a gradient fill and adjusting the blending mode to Overlay. You can also add a drop shadow to give the text a 3D effect. These advanced text effects can be used to create unique and eye-catching designs.

Module 3: Advanced Typography Techniques:

Kerning, Tracking, and Leading

Kerning, tracking, and leading are advanced typography techniques used to adjust the spacing between letters and lines of text.

Kerning is the process of adjusting the space between individual letters in a word to create a more visually pleasing appearance. For example, in the word "AVAIL," the spacing between the "A" and "V" can be adjusted to make the letters appear more balanced.

Tracking, on the other hand, adjusts the overall spacing between letters in a word or block of text. This technique is useful for creating a consistent and professional appearance in longer sections of text.

Leading is the vertical spacing between lines of text. Adjusting the leading can affect the readability and flow of the text. Tighter leading can make the text appear more compact, while looser leading can give the text a more open and spacious feel.

For example, in Adobe Illustrator, you can adjust kerning, tracking, and leading by selecting the text and opening the Character panel. In the panel, you can adjust the settings to create the desired effect.

Typography Hierarchy and Layout

Typography hierarchy refers to the arrangement and organization of text elements in a design, based on their importance and visual impact. It involves selecting the appropriate fonts, sizes, colors, and spacing to create a clear visual hierarchy that guides the viewer's attention and enhances the message of the design.

A well-designed typography hierarchy can help communicate the main message of the design effectively and create a clear visual flow that guides the viewer's eye. Here are some examples of typography hierarchy in different design contexts:

Print media: In print media such as magazines and newspapers, headlines are typically set in large bold fonts to attract the reader's attention and communicate the main topic of the article. Subheadings and body text are usually set in smaller fonts, with different font sizes and styles used to differentiate between different levels of information.

Web design: In web design, typography hierarchy plays a crucial role in guiding the user's attention and improving readability. Headlines are often set in larger fonts with contrasting colors to grab the user's attention and communicate the main topic of the page. Subheadings and body text are typically set in smaller fonts with appropriate line spacing and font styles to improve legibility.

Advertising: In advertising design, typography hierarchy is often used to create a clear message hierarchy that guides the viewer's attention and communicates the main benefits of the product or service. Headlines and taglines are set in large bold fonts to grab attention, with subheadings and body text set in smaller fonts that provide more detailed information.

In addition to typography hierarchy, typography layout refers to the arrangement and organization of text elements on a page or screen. This involves selecting the appropriate alignment, spacing, and grouping of text elements to create a clear and visually appealing layout. For example, using a grid system to align text elements can create a cohesive and balanced layout that improves readability and visual appeal.

Type on a Path

Type on a Path is a technique in Adobe Illustrator where text is placed on a path or shape, following its curvature or shape. This allows for creative text layouts and designs.

To create Type on a Path in Illustrator, follow these steps:

Create a path or shape using the Pen tool or Shape tool.

Select the Type tool and click on the path or shape.

Start typing, and the text will follow the path or shape.

To adjust the placement of the text, use the Direct Selection tool to move the anchor points on the path or shape.

To further customize the Type on a Path, use the Type on a Path Options panel. This panel can be accessed by going to Type > Type on a Path > Type on a Path Options.

From here, you can adjust the orientation of the text, change the alignment, and apply different effects like stroke or drop shadow.

Type on a Path can be used in a variety of design projects, such as creating logos, posters, or even custom typography. For example, you can create a circular logo with the company name following the curvature of the circle or create a unique text layout for a poster design.

Module 4: Advanced Graphic Design Techniques

Advanced Clipping and Masking Techniques

Clipping and masking are two techniques used in Adobe Illustrator to hide and reveal portions of an image or object. Clipping involves using one object to hide or mask another object, while masking involves using an object to hide or reveal parts of another object.

To create a clipping mask, first, select the object you want to use as the mask, and then select the object you want to mask. Next, go to the "Object" menu and choose "Clipping Mask" and then "Make" or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+7" (Windows) or "Command+7" (Mac). The masked object will now only show within the boundaries of the mask object.

To create a masking object, select the object you want to mask and then create a shape or object on top of it that will act as the mask. Next, select both objects and go to the "Object" menu and choose "Clipping Mask" and then "Make" or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+7" (Windows) or "Command+7" (Mac). The masked object will now show through the shape of the masking object.

Advanced techniques for clipping and masking can involve using multiple masks or clipping objects to create complex designs. For example, a designer might use a series of masks to create a collage of images, or use a clipping mask to create a complex shape from multiple objects.

Another advanced technique involves using transparency masks, which allow for partial transparency in masked objects. To create a transparency mask, first, create a shape or object to use as the mask. Then, select the object you want to mask and apply a transparency mask to it by going to the "Transparency" panel and choosing "Make Mask." From there, you can adjust the opacity and transparency of the masked object.

Opacity Masking

Opacity masking is a technique in Adobe Illustrator that allows you to hide or reveal parts of an object or image using a mask. The mask is created using a grayscale image or vector shape, and the white areas of the mask will reveal the underlying object, while the black areas will hide it.

Here's an example of how to use opacity masking in Illustrator:

Open a new document and create a rectangle with a solid color fill.

Create a new layer and draw a shape on it with a different color.

Select the shape and go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make.

Now, the shape will only be visible within the bounds of the rectangle.

To use opacity masking, create a new layer and add a grayscale image or vector shape.

Select the object you want to mask and the grayscale image or shape, and go to Object > Mask > Make Opacity Mask.

Adjust the opacity of the mask as desired.

For example, you could use opacity masking to create a faded effect on an image by using a gradient mask. Or, you could use it to create a textured effect by using a vector shape with a pattern fill as the mask. The possibilities are endless, and opacity masking can be a powerful tool in creating complex and visually interesting designs in Adobe Illustrator.

Blending Modes and Transparency

Blending modes and transparency are advanced features in Adobe Illustrator that allow designers to create complex and visually appealing designs. Blending modes affect how colors interact with each other when two or more objects overlap. Transparency, on the other hand, controls the visibility of objects, giving them a faded or translucent appearance.

Blending modes can be accessed through the Transparency panel or the Appearance panel. There are a variety of blending modes, including Multiply, Screen, Overlay, and Hard Light. Each blending mode creates a unique visual effect, allowing designers to create interesting color combinations and textures.

Transparency can be adjusted using the Opacity slider in the Transparency panel or the Appearance panel. Designers can also create transparency masks, which limit the visibility of an object based on the transparency mask's shape and opacity. This technique is useful for creating complex designs that require selective visibility.

For example, a designer may use the Multiply blending mode to create a shadow effect on a colored object. They may also use an opacity mask to fade out the edges of an object to create a vignette effect.

Blending modes and transparency are powerful tools that can add depth and complexity to designs. However, they should be used judiciously to avoid creating cluttered or confusing designs.

Module 5: Working with 3D and Perspective

3D Extrusion and Revolve

3D Extrusion and Revolve are two advanced features in Adobe Illustrator that allow you to create 3D objects from 2D shapes.

To create a 3D object using Extrude, first, create a shape and select it. Then go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. In the dialog box, you can choose the angle, depth, and direction of the extrusion. You can also apply a shading effect to make the object appear more realistic.

To create a 3D object using Revolve, first, create a path and select it. Then go to Effect > 3D > Revolve. In the dialog box, you can choose the angle, axis, and position of the revolve. You can also choose to apply a shading effect to the object.

Both Extrude and Revolve can be used to create a variety of 3D objects, including spheres, cones, and cylinders. You can also combine multiple shapes and paths to create complex 3D objects.

For example, you can use Extrude to create a 3D text effect by converting the text to a shape and then applying the Extrude effect. You can also use Revolve to create a 3D vase by creating a path for the vase's profile and then applying the Revolve effect.

Creating and Mapping Artwork on 3D Objects:

Creating and Mapping Artwork on 3D Objects is a technique used in Adobe Illustrator to apply artwork onto 3D shapes, giving the illusion of depth and perspective. This is a useful technique for creating product mockups, package designs, and other visualizations.

To create and map artwork on 3D objects, follow these steps:

Create or import the 3D object into Illustrator.

Select the object and go to the Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel menu.

Adjust the extrusion and bevel options to achieve the desired 3D effect.

Expand the appearance of the 3D object.

Ungroup the expanded 3D object.

Apply the artwork to the individual faces or sides of the 3D object using the Direct Selection tool.

Adjust the artwork to fit the shape of the 3D object using the Warp and Distort tools.

Some examples of using this technique include creating a 3D product box mockup with custom artwork, mapping a label design onto a 3D bottle shape, or visualizing a logo on a 3D sphere. With practice, this technique can be used to create visually stunning and realistic 3D designs in Adobe Illustrator.

Creating Perspective Grids:

Creating perspective grids is an advanced technique in Adobe Illustrator that allows designers to create artwork with a sense of depth and perspective. The perspective grid is a 3D system that helps to align and distort shapes based on a set of vanishing points, creating the illusion of depth and distance.

To create a perspective grid in Illustrator, go to the "View" menu, select "Perspective Grid" and choose the "New Perspective Grid" option. This will open the Perspective Grid Tool where you can adjust the grid settings such as the number of grids, grid size, and vanishing points.

Once the grid is set up, you can begin to draw and manipulate shapes on the grid using the various tools available in Illustrator. For example, the "Perspective Selection" tool can be used to move and transform objects within the grid while maintaining the correct perspective.

Using perspective grids, designers can create artwork that appears to be part of a 3D environment. For instance, an artist could create an image of a city street with buildings that appear to recede into the distance. Alternatively, a product designer could create a 3D rendering of a product that appears to be sitting on a table.

Overall, perspective grids can be a powerful tool for creating visually engaging and dynamic artwork. However, they require a solid understanding of perspective and spatial relationships, as well as a good eye for design.

Module 6: Advanced Artboard and Layer Management

Creating Multiple Artboards:

In Adobe Illustrator, creating multiple artboards is an essential skill for designers who need to create various versions of their designs or multiple designs within one file. Multiple artboards help to keep your designs organized and allow you to work more efficiently.

To create multiple artboards, start by selecting the Artboard tool from the toolbar. With the Artboard tool selected, click and drag to create a new artboard. You can create as many artboards as you need, and you can also adjust their size and position.

Once you have created multiple artboards, you can switch between them by clicking on the Artboard tab at the bottom of the document window. You can also use the Artboard panel to manage your artboards, rename them, and reorder them.

Creating multiple artboards is especially useful when creating designs for different sizes or formats, such as creating a business card and a brochure within the same file. It also allows you to see multiple designs side by side for comparison and to share with clients or collaborators.

Layer Management Techniques:

Layer management is an essential skill for working efficiently in Adobe Illustrator. In this section, we will explore some advanced layer management techniques that will help you stay organized and work more productively.

Grouping and Sublayering: Grouping allows you to organize multiple objects into one layer. You can select several objects and then group them together by pressing Ctrl+G (Windows) or Command+G (Mac). You can also create sublayers within a layer by clicking on the New Sublayer button in the Layers panel.

Locking and Hiding Layers: You can lock or hide layers to prevent accidental editing or to reduce clutter. To lock a layer, click on the lock icon in the Layers panel. To hide a layer, click on the eye icon.

Layer Colors: You can assign colors to layers to make them easier to identify. Right-click on a layer in the Layers panel and select a color from the options.

Layer Options: You can access layer options by clicking on the Options button in the Layers panel. Here, you can choose to show or hide layer thumbnails, select layer content to be clipped to the artboard, and more.

Layer Masks: Layer masks allow you to selectively show or hide parts of a layer. To create a layer mask, select the layer you want to mask and click on the Add Layer Mask button in the Layers panel. You can then use the Brush tool to paint on the layer mask to hide or reveal parts of the layer.

By using these layer management techniques, you can work more efficiently and keep your projects organized.

Using the Align and Distribute Panel for Advanced Layouts:

The Align and Distribute panel in Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating precise and consistent layouts. Here are some advanced techniques you can use with the panel:

Distributing objects along a path: Select the path and the objects you want to distribute, then choose "Align to Path" in the panel. You can then choose the type of distribution you want, such as "Distribute Spacing" or "Distribute Objects."

Aligning to a key object: Select the objects you want to align and choose one object as the key object. Then click the "Horizontal Align Center" or "Vertical Align Center" button while holding down the Alt key.

Aligning to a specific point: Click on the object you want to align to and choose "Align to Selection" in the panel. Then choose the type of alignment you want, such as "Align Left" or "Align Top."

Aligning to a grid: If you have a grid set up, you can choose "Align to Grid" in the panel and select the type of alignment you want.

Using the "Align to Artboard" option: This option allows you to align objects to the edges or center of the artboard. Choose "Align to Artboard" in the panel and select the type of alignment you want.

These techniques can help you create complex layouts with ease and precision.

Congratulations on completing the advanced level course of Adobe Illustrator! You have learned a wide range of techniques and tools to take your design skills to the next level. With your new knowledge, you can create complex designs, add depth and texture, and manage your projects efficiently. Keep practicing and experimenting with these techniques to continue improving your skills. Best of luck in your future design projects!