About Adobe Illustrator
Would you like to create a logo for your newsletter, or a drawing of a DNA strand for a scientific article you are writing? Adobe lllustrator allows you to create vector-based illustrations, logos, and other artistic designs. We offer here both comprehensive learning tools and quick how-tos that you can easily follow.
When Should I Use Adobe Illustrator?
- Photoshop vs Illustrator for Design - What's the Difference?This video explains the difference in function between Illustrator and Photoshop. You'll learn the difference between vector graphics (used in Illustrator) and raster graphics (used in Photoshop).
How Do I Access Illustrator?
Students, faculty, and staff who need to use Adobe Illustrator may contact SMHS Technology Support Center at casshelp@gwu.edu about acquiring access.
Free Online Illustrator Courses and Tutorials
The following websites offer access to online courses and tutorials designed to get you started with Illustrator or, if you are already familiar with with the software, to master new skills. Many additional resources are available via online search.
- Adobe Illustrator Free Course for Beginners (45:58)Pixel and Bracket created this tutorial for those who have never touched Illustrator before.
- Adobe Illustrator for Beginners Video Tutorial (3:17:15)A free course by Envato tuts+. You can watch the entire course, or you can select a specific topic to learn about.
- Learn IllustratorAdobe offers a large library of video tutorials designed for every skill level, from beginner to expert.
- Linkedin Learning Illustrator tutorialsLinkedIn Learning is offered free to all students, faculty, and staff at GW.
TO ACCESS LINKEDIN LEARNING:
-Click on the LinkedIn Learning Illustrator tutorials link above to access the website.
-Sign in with your Colonial email and password.
-Choose Sign in with Single Sign-On.
-Once in the program, enter "Illustrator" in the search window up top to display available video courses and shorter tutorials.
-Each course or tutorial indicates whether it is targeted to beginner, intermediate, or advanced learners. - Adobe Illustrator tutorialsAdobe offers Illustrator video tutorials for beginners on individual topics, such as creating shapes and using the pen tool. As GW has a site license for the program, these tutorials are offered free to GW students, faculty, and staff.
- Illustrator Tutorials YouTube channelAccess free video tutorials to learn how to do specific tasks in Illustrator, such as logo creation and image tracing. Not affiliated with adobe.com.
- Illustrator Topic TutorialsPixel and Bracket offers a variety of video tutorials on a range of topics, such as how to export your Illustrator project to Adobe Acrobat, and how to draw smooth lines using the paint brush tool.
- Adobe Illustrator tutorials: 42 lessons to improve your skillsCreative Bloq offers tutorials (including video tutorials) to suit beginners as well as experts. There's even a beginner's tutorial for people using Illustrator on an iPad.
Tutorials on Individual Topics in Illustrator
- Vector vs. Raster Graphics ExplainedLearn the differences between vector graphics (used in Illustrator) and raster graphics (used in Photoshop).
- Pen Tool Beginner's Guide (6:47)A clear and relatively short introduction to the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator.
- Pen Tool Beginner's Guide (14:15)This video created by Made by Mighty provides an easy-to-follow introduction to the Pen Tool.
- Learn how to use the Pen ToolThis pen tool tutorial created by Veerle includes a downloadable pen tool exercise.
- How to Use the Pathfinder ToolLearn how to combine overlapping individual shapes to create more complex shapes.
- How to type on a path (4:14)Learn how to create text along a curved path, such as a circle or wavy line.
- Illustrator's Type Tool: A Comprehensive Introduction (13:22)This video from Envato tuts+ introduces you to all the ways you can create type (vertically, on a path, etc.) in Illustrator.
- Beginner Logo Tutorial (10:55)Learn how to create a simple logo in this tutorial designed for beginners.
- Adobe Color CC (formerly Kuler)Easily create harmonious color palettes, or explore a vast library of existing color palettes for use in your project.
Adobe Illustrator for Scientists
Check out the Illustrator YouTube channel that offers tutorials geared specifically toward scientists. Learn how to draw a synapse or a lipid bilayer. Or create a simple DNA strand.
