print
Course Name
Adobe Illustrator CS4: Essentials

Contact Hours: 10
Course Description


Ranging from casual hobbyists to the most seasoned professionals, our users quickly learn new software applications and broaden their knowledge of programs currently used. Narrated in an entertaining format by industry experts and leading authors, our video-based software training titles are critical tools for anyone wanting to learn tips, techniques, and best practices from the most respected names in the business.

With Total Training for Adobe Illustrator CS4, you’ll discover a world of amazing tools and commands within the industry standard vector drawing application, Adobe Illustrator. You’ll learn tricks, techniques, and go-arounds to achieve brilliant results, artistic effects, and stunning visuals. Whether you’re preparing work for print, the web, or beyond, you’ll gain the skills necessary to stay competitive in today’s marketplace using Illustrator CS4.

The student will have access to this course for 1 year. This self-directed course can be completed within 90 days or sooner depending on time and learning capabilities of the student.
Outcome
By completing this course you will:
  1. Learn how to set up and manage multiple artboards.
  2. Discover how to use layers to lay out multiple versions of a document.
  3. See how to thread text and manage imported text in a layout.
  4. Learn how to effectively use the Pen tool, and how to manipulate anchor points.
  5. Find out how to move artwork out of Illustrator for use in print and on the web.
Assessment
Project files are included with this course to aid in your learning. There are no exams or tests.

Outline

Lesson 1: INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR CS4 
  • Setting Up a New Document
  • The Toolbox & Menus
  • The Application Bar & Panels
  • Customizing Workspaces & Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Setting Preferences
  • Navigating a Document
  • Using Rulers, Guides & Grids
  • Document Color Modes, Setup & the New Artboard Tool
Lesson 2: DRAWING & TRANSFORMING OBJECTS 
  • Drawing Rectangles & Squares
  • Drawing Ovals & Circles
  • Drawing Polygons & Stars
  • Drawing Lines, Arcs & Grids
  • Tracing a Placed Image
Lesson 3: MAKING & SAVING SELECTIONS 
  • Using the Selection Tool
  • Using the Direct Selection Tool
  • Using the Lasso Tool
  • Using the Magic Wand Tool
  • Using Advanced Selection Techniques
  • Saving & Reloading Selections
Lesson 4: MANAGING SHAPES
  • Moving & Copying Shapes
  • Aligning & Distributing
  • Grouping
  • Locking & Hiding
  • Transforming Shapes
Lesson 5: WORKING WITH COLOR
  • Applying Fill & Stroke
  • Loading Swatch Libraries
  • Copying Fill & Stroke Attributes with the Eyedropper
  • Mixing & Saving Custom Colors
  • Working with Pantone(R) & Web-Safe Swatches
  • Using Gradients
  • Working with Symbols
Lesson 6: CREATING & MANIPULATING PATHS 
  • Using the Pencil, Eraser & Smooth Tools
  • Creating Straight Paths with the Pen Tool
  • Creating Curved Paths with the Pen Tool
  • Creating Combo Paths
  • Inking a Pencil Drawing
  • Manipulating Paths & Anchor Points
  • Creating Artistic Brush Effects
Lesson 7 ORGANIZING YOUR ARTWORK WITH LAYERS 
  • Setting Up a Layer
  • Understanding Layers, Sublayers & Isolation Mode
  • Creating Multiple Versions of a Layout
  • Moving Content between Layers
  • Duplicating Layers
  • Applying Transparency & Blending Modes
Lesson 8: WORKING WITH TYPE 
  • Creating Artistic & Paragraph Type
  • Importing Text
  • Formatting Text
  • Creating & Editing Paragraph Styles
  • Creating a Bulleted List & Inserting Special Characters
  • Wrapping Text around Objects
  • Creating Type on a Path
  • Type Effects 12:01
Lesson 9: OUTPUTTING YOUR WORK
  • Saving Your Work
  • Exporting Your Work
  • Save for Web & DevicesPrinting & Saving to Adobe PDF
  • Credits