Graphic Design Illustrator Learning Online
Want to do what tens of thousands of other people have done over the last two years and master a new skill online? If so, then why not take up graphic design?
Graphic designers are in short supply at the moment, at least, they are at a professional level. Because of this, they’re in very high demand and the pay is very rewarding too. Since lockdown in early 2020, the number of people learning online has shot up noticeably, with graphic design at the forefront of many people’s minds.
If you wish to learn graphic design however, you need to master tools and software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Graphic design Illustrator learning online courses are proving very popular as they’re teaching people how to master Illustrator and other similar applications.
If you’re struggling to get to grips with Illustrator, or if you simply wish to learn more, here’s a look at several graphic design Illustrator online tips for beginners.
Use the pen tool
If you’re just getting to grips with Adobe Illustrator, make sure you get used to using the pen tool.
If you decide to take up an online graphic design learning course, your tutor will teach you all about Illustrator and all about the infamous pen tool.
A lot of new designers will avoid the pen tool in the early stages because they’re worried it looks too complex. In reality, though, using it is not as difficult as people may have initially thought, especially under the right guidance.
The truth of the matter is that you’re going to have to use the pen tool on Illustrator one day, so stop putting it off and start practicing. If you are struggling your tutor will of course help you, plus you can always watch tutorials as well.
Use the appearance panel
The appearance panel is another feature of Illustrator which beginner graphic designers are often intimidated by.
When you sign up for a graphic design Illustrator learning online course you’ll be taught the ins and outs of graphic design, including how to use the appearance panel.
The appearance panel is an ideal way for designers to get a quick overview of their strokes and their fills, as well as other effects they may have applied, at any one time, plus it’s useful for quickly adjusting the fill colour and type too.
Say for example, you applied an effect to your design, if you use the appearance panel to type in the name of the effect you used, it will take you straight to that particular element of your design, making it a very useful tool indeed.
Master symbolism tools
Adobe Illustrator contains symbolism tools which can be very useful for graphic designers looking to create complex and detailed designs in a speedy manner.
Say for example, you want to create a forest for one of your designs, you would go ahead and draw a tree of your choosing, select the tree, and, making use of the symbols panel arrow menu, turn this drawing of a tree into a symbol.
Now, you can select the Symbol Sprayer feature from the tool panel and then spray this tree symbol around the page to create multiple images and create your forest. You can also make use of other symbolism tools on Illustrator to resize your symbol, rotate, recolour, and adjust other elements of your symbols to help make them stand out and give them a touch of individuality.
Go for a more natural looking design with Bezier
If you want to give your designs natural curves and points, the Bezier tool is simply a must.
Once you get started with your graphic design Illustrator learning online course, you’ll quickly be taught all about the Bezier tool and shown how it’s so useful.
This tool enables designers to give designs unique and detailed points and curves to create all manner of different designs and shapes. Whether you’re creating human faces, animals, landmarks, natural wonders, or geometric shapes and patterns, to give your designs natural points and curves the Bezier tool is simply a must.
This tool can be difficult to get to grips with, so as a beginner it is best to get to grips with it early, as this will help make future designs look a lot more detailed and a lot more accurate.
Consider using a Pathfinder
Another handy tip for anybody new to graphic design and the world of Illustrator is to make use of the Pathfinder tool.
In basic terms, the Pathfinder tool enables users to create shapes from other shapes, letting you create a wide selection of unique and eye-catching designs and patterns.
If for example, you have a specific pattern in mind for a design using a specific type of shape which isn’t readily available to be selected, you could still create this shape using the Pathfinder tool. This tool is easy to master, and it can make all the difference.
Layer up with the Layers Panel
Layering is very important when it comes to graphic design software such as Illustrator, so be sure to make use of that all-important Layers panel.
If you want to be a pro designer, you’ll quickly find out with your graphic design Illustrator learning online course that the Layers panel is vitally important.
This panel is something you should really familiarise yourself with as it will help you to add depth to your designs and also to keep your layers nice and organised.
If you want to edit and make changes to your design for example, by simply labelling your layers and removing any that aren’t needed, this will speed up the editing process and make your life so much easier.
