Illustrator CS4 for Beginners

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Dave Cross introduces the essential tools and techniques in Illustrator CS4. Rather than attempting to cover every single aspect of Illustrator, this course focuses on the most important skills that a beginner needs to know.

Introduction (01:50) Dave introduces the course and talks about what he will be covering
AI vs PS: Similarities and Differences (05:36) See the key differences and similarities between Illustrator and Photoshop.
Key Concepts 1: Paths and Shapes (03:27) Learn about the building blocks of Illustrator: paths, anchor points and shapes.
Key Concepts 2: Selecting Objects and Paths (05:03) See the difference between the Selection tool and Direct Selection tool and how to use isolation mode.
Key Concepts 3: Fill and Stroke (03:12) Every object potentially has a fill and a stroke. Learn how to use both.
The Illustrator Process (04:53) Dave shares his thoughts on the typical process in Illustrator: create, edit, manipulate, color.
Setting Up a Document (02:36) Step one: set up a document
Creation Tools and Commands 1: Shapes (09:20) Start creating shapes using the built-on tools.
Illustrator Clip Art (04:12) Dave addressees the question of whether there is clip art in Illustrator.
Creation Tools and Commands 2: the Pen Tool (07:33) Learn the ins and outs of using the most unique tool in Illustrator, the Pen tool.
Creation tools and Commands 3: Brushes (03:03) A brief overview of the Brush tools in Illustrator
Pathfinder Commands (07:28) One of the most powerful ways of making shapes is to combine them using the Pathfinder commands
Working with Type (10:48) Learn about the incredible type options in Illustrator
Editing Tools and Commands (05:45) Once you have created shapes, we need to know how to edit them
Manipulating Tools and Commands (07:57) See how to rotate, scale, skew, reflect and shear objects
Coloring Tools and Commands (07:26) How to add color to objects, including fills, strokes ands gradients.
Live Effects (04:50) Add editable special effects thanks to the Effects menu.
Appearance Panel (06:40) Build interesting looks through the use of the Appearance panel and save graphic looks to apply to other objects using Graphic Styles
Saving (06:57) How to save your work both for Illustrator editing, and to use in other applications.
Sample Projects, Part 1 (02:25) Follow along with the first of two simple projects
Sample Projects, Part 2 (08:11) Follow along with the first of two simple projects
Conclusion (00:30) Thanks for following along. Hope you enjoyed it.

Course Time: 01 Hours 59 Minutes

R. Allen

Feb 5 2013

This guy is awesome! Completely understand his logic. Many thanks Kelby!!!
M. Zidel

Dec 11 2012

Dave is a great teacher.He shared a lot of info in a way that was easy to understand. I feel ready to begin my personal AI journey. Thank you!

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Your Instructor

Dave Cross

Photoshop Guru and Certified Technical Trainer

For close to 25 years, Dave Cross has been helping photographers and creative professionals get the most out of their software. Starting with Adobe Illustrator classes in 1987, Dave has taught...VIEW FULL BIO»

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