Chapter 3. Illustrator Essentials

Designers starting out know Adobe Illustrator as "that program for designing logos," but it's capable of so much more: ads, illustrations, page layouts, and Web graphics, to name just a few applications. It's the industry-standard application for vector graphics.

You don't even have to be a virtuoso at drawing to create good Illustrator art. It helps, of course. But many designers who are not skilled illustrators are able to harness the program's drawing, selection, color, and effects tools to create powerful and detailed artwork.

If you're new to Illustrator (or just rusty), this chapter will get you well on your way toward understanding the fundamentals of using Illustrator to create vector graphics. Test your skills at the end of the chapter on an advertising design project.

COURSE DEVELOPER: MICHAEL HAMM

This chapter is based on a lesson developed by Michael Hamm, a freelance designer in Houston, Texas, and an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Adobe Illustrator.

Figure 3.1. Ready to let your imagination fly? Vector art created in Illustrator by designer John Schwegel.

In this chapter you will:

• Learn about the role of vector graphics in design.

• Learn to use Illustrator's drawing tools to create vector shapes.

• Learn to select and arrange objects on the Illustrator Artboard.

• Learn to apply colored fills and strokes to objects.

• Learn to modify vector objects using transformations and distortions.

• Learn how to use basic and specialized typography tools.

• Learn to apply transparency, filters, and effects to add complexity to objects.

• Design an outdoor advertisement using only vector art.