GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED. Welcome to our website if you are a visitor or a new subscriber. My name is Jason and I am an Illustrator and Teacher (BFA). (Nerd Alert) My Master's Degree is in Education, specifically in Curriculum and Instruction. We have (100+) Beginner Tutorials, Challenges, and Playlists for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
GETTING STARTED. If you are new to our Website or YouTube Channel, I recommend starting with our Getting Started Guide. Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. Start with our Beginner Guides or Adobe Illustrator Tutorials.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS. Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Brushes, Halftones, and Textures. Digital Downloads will come through our friends at Teachable. You can download Individual Folders or save on our Resource Bundles.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS. Tutorials are designed to build up time within the program by applying the Tools and Settings. Tutorials will focus on using Building Tools, Applying Brushes, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
DOWNLOAD BRUSHES. Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Brushes. Once you have downloaded and extracted the Folders, follow along with our Resource Guide and Tutorials to edit and apply Brush Libraries.
RESOURCE GUIDES. Digital Downloads will come as a Zipped Folder. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Resource Folders, they are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Follow along with our Resource Guides and Tutorials to learn how to Apply Brushes + Halftones + Textures.
GETTING STARTED: Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have organized tutorials by core areas of your Workflow: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Our Beginner Tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new, it is important to understand the Tools Options and Settings. LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Brushes and Resource Folders. Digital Downloads will come through our friends at Teachable. LEARNING TARGET: Download our Brush Libraries, T-Shirt Textures, or Resource Bundles.
RESOURCE GUIDES: In our Beginner Tutorials and YouTube Playlists, I will be using Resource Images, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches to create my Artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches.
BEGINNER GUIDES: Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, start with Beginner Guides or Primary Building Tools. LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
BEGINNER GUIDES: Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, start with Beginner Guides or Illustrator Tutorials. LEARNING TARGET: Understand how to apply the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
DOWNLOAD BRUSHES: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our (Updated) Adobe Illustrator Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Brush Libraries include our 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes.
DOWNLOAD RESOURCES: In our Beginner Guides, Tutorials, and YouTube Playlists, I use Stock Photos, Drawing Templates, Resource Guides, Color Swatches, and Fonts to create my artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Stock Photos, Templates, Color Swatches, and Font Families to use with your artwork.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: I have organized tutorials by core areas of your Workflow: Building, Editing, and Coloring. Pay attention to the Sequence of Events and Tool Options related to building a "Routine" or "Workflow." LEARNING TARGET: Understand how to apply Building, Variation, Editing, and Advanced Color Techniques.
RESOURCE GUIDES: Digital Downloads will come through our friends at Teachable. Once you have downloaded and extracted the Resource Folders, they are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET: Understand how to apply Brush Libraries, Comic Halftones, and BMP Textures.
RESOURCE GUIDES: As I create my artwork, pay attention to the resources being used throughout the Workflows, Tutorials, and YouTube Playlists. LEARNING TARGET: Understand how to apply Brush Libraries, Color Swatches, Comic Halftones, and BMP Textures in Adobe Illustrator.
BEGINNER GUIDES: Our Beginner Tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new, it is important to understand the Tools Options and Settings. LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options.
DOWNLOAD RESOURCES: Our Getting Started Guide will walk you through the process of downloading, saving, and gathering resources for your artwork and designs. LEARNING TARGET: Download and Save Photo References, Color Swatches, and Font Families.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: As I am creating my artwork, pay attention to the Sequence of Events and Tool Options as it relates to building a "Routine" or "Workflow." LEARNING TARGET: Apply Variation, Editing, and Advanced Color Techniques to your own Artwork.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Brushes and Resource Folders. Digital Downloads will come through our friends at Teachable. Download our Brush Libraries, T-Shirt Textures, or Resource Bundle.
RESOURCE GUIDES: Digital Downloads will come as Zipped Folders. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Resource Folders, they are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Follow along with our Resource Guides to learn how to Apply Brushes + Halftones + Textures.
WORKFLOW UNITS
WORKFLOW UNITS: I have organized tutorials by core areas of your Workflow: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand the Building Tools and Options. LEARNING TARGET (2): Understand Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Understand Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
(PENCIL TOOL): Many of you are looking to use your Tablet with Adobe Illustrator. I am going to recommend breaking down your current tablet workflow into multiple steps. I do see a lot of mistakes when people try to combine too many steps all at once with their new tablets.
(ELLIPSE TOOL): A good place to start if you are new to Adobe Illustrator is our Beginner Guide (Shapes). We will be going through Building with Shapes, Align Panel, Pathfinder, and Basic Color Fills. There are Beginner Guides for the Pen Tool and Tablet if you are new to the website or Adobe Illustrator.
(PEN TOOL): If you are frustrated with the Pen Tool, a simple tip is to break down the process into 2 Steps. The first step is to just apply Anchor Points to the start-curve-end of a line or path. The second step is to adjust the Curves with the Anchor Point Tool or Smooth Curve Button in the Control Panel.
BEGINNER GUIDES
BEGINNER GUIDES: Many of you will be using Shapes, Pencil, and Pen Tools as your Primary Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator. As I am creating my artwork, pay attention to the Tools, Options, and Settings. LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options.
BEGINNER GUIDE: If you are frustrated with the Pen Tool, a simple tip is to break down the process into 2 Steps for Anchor Points and Curves. The first step is to apply Anchor Points to the start-curve-end of a line. TUTORIAL 1 / TUTORIAL 2 / TUTORIAL 3
BEGINNER GUIDE: Many of you are looking to use your Tablet with Adobe Illustrator and are potentially on our Pug Challenge. I am going to highly recommend using the Pencil Tool as your Primary Building Tool using a Tablet. TUTORIAL 1 / TUTORIAL 2
BEGINNER GUIDE: A good place to start if you are new to Adobe Illustrator is our Beginner Guide (Shapes). We will be going through Building with Shapes, Align Panel, Pathfinder, and Basic Color Fills. TUTORIAL 1 / TUTORIAL 2 / TUTORIAL 3
FREE RESOURCES
FREE RESOURCES: Download and Save Free Stock Photos, Color Swatches, and Font Families to use with your own artwork and designs. LEARNING TARGET (1): Bookmark Resource Links or Webpages to a Folder in your Internet Browser for Quick Access. LEARNING TARGET (2): Download Free Stock Photos, Color Swatches, and Font Families to use with your artwork and designs.
BUILDING ARTBOARD: I recommend establishing an Artboard that you can use for all of your artwork. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Create a "Building Template" that includes Artboards and Template Layers.
RESOURCE IMAGE: If you are a Beginner, I am going to recommend starting from a Resource Image. Give yourself a "Traceable Path" by using a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Start with the Resource you intend on using for your artwork (Sketch, Drawing, or Traced Stock Photo).
TEMPLATE LAYER: Have your Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Photo Selected. In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create 50% Opacity and Lock the Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Create a Template Layer so you can see the Resource Image and new Paths.
BUILDING ARTBOARD: I recommend establishing an Artboard that you can use for all of your artwork. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Create a "Building Template" that includes Artboards and Template Layers.
STOCK PHOTOS: I recommend using Unsplash for your Sketch, Drawing, and Color References. If you are new, I recommend creating a "Traceable Path" by using a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Stock Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Download Stock Photos to use for your artwork and designs.
TEMPLATE LAYER: Have your Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Photo Selected. In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create 50% Opacity and Lock the Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Create a Template Layer so you can see the Resource and new Paths.
BRUSH LIBRARIES: Many of our Tutorials will go through a process of applying and editing our Brush Libraries. Brush Libraries will come as Zipped Folders, Extract All before using in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET: Download Brush Libraries to use with your own artwork or designs.
COLOR SWATCHES: I highly recommend using Adobe Color for your Themes to add to your Library or download ASE Files. In most tutorials, we will be applying Flat Colors using Live Paint. LEARNING TARGET: Download or Save Color Themes to use with your own artwork and designs.
FONT FAMILIES: I recommend using Adobe Fonts for Commercial Use. If you are New, look for Font Families to use for your Primary Business or Marketing (Headers + Sub Headers). LEARNING TARGET: Download or Save Fonts to use with your own artwork and designs.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS. Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Brushes and Resource Folders. Digital Downloads will come as Zipped Folders. Download and Extract before using in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET: Download our Adobe Illustrator Brush Libraries, Comic Halftones, T-Shirt Textures, or Resource Bundle.
CARTOON BRUSHES: Adobe Illustrator Cartoon Brushes are my go-to brushes for Professional Logos, Cartoons, Mascots, and Branding. Use Cartoon Illustrator Brushes with the Pen, Pencil or Paint Brush Tools to Apply different Line Variation to your Vector Artwork. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
COMIC STRIP BRUSHES: Hand Painted + Comic Strip Brushes to get a lived in feel back into your Vector Art. Comic Strips and Hand Painted are painted based on some of my favorite artists and cartoonists. These brushes are designed to look ready for the Sunday Paper. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
MASCOT BRUSHES: Jittery Hand, Caffeinated Cartoonist + Rough Ink Brushes to Mimic Paper Bleed and Caffeine. Designed to be a little less stiff with your vector art. Use these Brush Libraries to get more of a distressed look or ink bleed back in your own Vector Artwork. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES. Our Brushes are specifically designed for Illustrators and Cartoonists to speed up their workflow. Brushes Libraries allow for Pressure Sensitivity if you are using a Tablet for Inking your Line Variation. Apply with Pen, Pencil, Shapes, or Paintbrush Tools. Brush Libraries: 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR HALFTONES. Our Halftones and Patterns Fills are designed for easy application even if you are new to Adobe Illustrator. Halftone Fills behave the same as a Color Swatch so you can apply them quickly using the Blob Brush, Live Paint, or Basic Fills. Halftones: 70 Comic Strip Halftone Fills and Pattern Fills.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR TEXTURES. Our BMP Textures are extremely easy to use even if you are a beginner to Adobe Illustrator. Simply File-Place the Textures over your finished artwork to use with the Transparency Panel. Use with Opacity Masks for T-Shirt Distressing. BMP Textures: 145 Cracks, 120 Grunge Distressing, 75 Paper, and 77 Paint Splatter Textures.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES. Brushes are specifically designed for Illustrators and Cartoonists to speed up their workflow. Brushes Libraries allow for Pressure Sensitivity if you are using a Tablet for Inking your Line Variation. Apply with Pen, Pencil, Shapes, or Paintbrush Tools. Brush Libraries include 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR HALFTONES. Halftones and Patterns Fills are designed for easy application even if you are new to Adobe Illustrator. Halftone Fills behave the same as a Color Swatch so you can apply them quickly using the Blob Brush, Live Paint, or Basic Fills. Halftones include 70 Comic Strip Halftone Fills and Pattern Fills.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR TEXTURES. BMP Textures are extremely easy to use even if you are a beginner to Adobe Illustrator. Simply File-Place the Textures over your finished artwork to use with the Transparency Panel. Use with Opacity Masks for T-Shirt Distressing. BMP Textures include 145 Cracks, 120 Grunge Distressing, 75 Paper, and 77 Paint Splatter Textures.
200 ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES. Our Brushes are specifically designed for Illustrators and Cartoonists to speed up their workflow. Brushes Libraries allow for Pressure Sensitivity if you are using a Tablet for Inking your Line Variation. Apply with Pen, Pencil, Shapes, or Paintbrush Tools. Brush Libraries: 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes.
70 ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR HALFTONES. Our Halftones and Patterns Fills are designed for easy application even if you are new to Adobe Illustrator. Halftone Fills behave the same as a Color Swatch so you can apply them quickly using the Blob Brush, Live Paint, or Basic Fills. Halftones: 70 Comic Strip Halftone Fills and Pattern Fills.
400 ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR TEXTURES. Our BMP Textures are extremely easy to use even if you are a beginner to Adobe Illustrator. Simply File-Place the Textures over your finished artwork to use with the Transparency Panel. Use with Opacity Masks for T-Shirt Distressing. BMP Textures: 145 Cracks, 120 Grunge Distressing, 75 Paper, and 77 Paint Splatter Textures.
RESOURCE GUIDES
RESOURCE GUIDES. Digital Downloads will come as a Zipped Folder. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Resource Folders, they are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET: Follow along with our Resource Guides and Tutorials to learn how to Apply Brushes + Halftones + Textures.
BRUSHES GUIDE: Follow Along to our Brushes Resource Guide to assist you in Saving the Brush Libraries, Applying your Brushes, and Editing with Shape Builder in Adobe Illustrator.
HALFTONES GUIDE. Follow Along to our Halftones Resource Guide to assist you in Importing Halftones, Applying Halftones, Resizing Pattern Fills, and Coloring Halftones in Adobe Illustrator
TEXTURES GUIDE. Follow Along to our Textures Resource Guide to assist you in Placing Textures, Coloring BMP Textures, Using Clipping Masks, and Applying Textures using Opacity Masks in Adobe Illustrator.
BEGINNER GUIDES
BEGINNER GUIDES. Tutorials will focus on Building Tools, Applying Brushes, Editing Options, and Basic Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Building, Editing, and Advanced Color Techniques to your own Artwork.
BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Basic Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
BEGINNER: Understand Building, Variation, Editing, and Basic Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
ILLUSTRATOR
TUTORIALS + GUIDES
VIEW FULL LIST
25% OFF (SAVE $36)
TUTORIALS + GUIDES
VIEW FULL LIST
25% OFF (SAVE $36)
ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES
ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES. Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Brush Libraries. Digital Downloads will come through our friends at Teachable. Once you have downloaded and extracted the Brush Folders, follow along with our Tutorials and Resource Guides to Apply and Edit Brushes.
CARTOON BRUSHES: Adobe Illustrator Cartoon Brushes are my go-to brushes for Professional Logos, Cartoons, Mascots, and Branding. Use Cartoon Illustrator Brushes with the Pen, Pencil or Paint Brush Tools to Apply different Line Variation to your Vector Artwork. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
COMIC STRIP BRUSHES: Hand Painted + Comic Strip Brushes to get a lived in feel back into your Vector Art. Comic Strips and Hand Painted are painted based on some of my favorite artists and cartoonists. These brushes are designed to look ready for the Sunday Paper. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
MASCOT BRUSHES: Jittery Hand, Caffeinated Cartoonist + Rough Ink Brushes to Mimic Paper Bleed and Caffeine. Designed to be a little less stiff with your vector art. Use these Brush Libraries to get more of a distressed look or ink bleed back in your own Vector Artwork. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
DOWNLOAD BRUSHES: Our Adobe Illustrator Brushes will come to you as Zipped Folders. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Folders, the Brush Libraries are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. I recommend Saving Brush Libraries to your "User Defined" by clicking Save Brush Library in the Brushes Menu. Brush Libraries: 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes.
70 CARTOON BRUSHES: Cartoon Brushes are my go-to for Professional Logos, Cartoons, Mascots, and Branding. Use Cartoon Illustrator Brushes with the Pen, Pencil or Paint Brush Tools to Apply different Line Variation to your Vector Artwork. (includes Updated Cartoon, Cartoon 2, and Original Cartoon Brush Libraries).
100 COMIC STRIP BRUSHES: Hand Painted + Comic Strip Brushes to get a lived-in feel back into your Vector Art. Comic Strips and Hand Painted are painted based on some of my favorite artists and cartoonists. These brushes are designed to look ready for the Sunday Paper. (includes Updated Comic Strip, Hand-Painted, Paintbrush, and Fine Liner Brush Libraries).
50 MASCOT BRUSHES: Jittery Hand, Caffeinated Cartoonist + Rough Ink Brushes to Mimic Paper Bleed and Caffeine. Designed to be a little less stiff with your vector art. Use these Brush Libraries to get more of a distressed look or ink bleed back in your own Vector Artwork. (includes Updated Caffeinated Cartoonist, Rough Ink, and Jittery Hand Brush Libraries).
DOWNLOAD BRUSHES: Our 200 Adobe Illustrator Brushes will come to you as a Zipped Folder on Teachable. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Folders, the Brush Libraries are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. I do recommend Saving "Updated" Brush Libraries to your "User Defined" by clicking Save Brush Library in the Brushes Menu. Brush Libraries include our 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes.
70 CARTOON BRUSHES: Adobe Illustrator Cartoon Brushes are my go-to brushes for Professional Logos, Cartoons, Mascots, and Branding. Use Cartoon Illustrator Brushes with the Pen, Pencil or Paint Brush Tools to Apply different Line Variation to your Vector Artwork. (includes Updated Cartoon, Cartoon 2, and Original Cartoon Brush Libraries).
100 COMIC STRIP BRUSHES: Hand Painted + Comic Strip Brushes to get a lived-in feel back into your Vector Art. Comic Strips and Hand Painted are painted based on some of my favorite artists and cartoonists. These brushes are designed to look ready for the Sunday Paper. (includes Updated Comic Strip, Hand-Painted, Paintbrush, and Fine Liner Brush Libraries).
50 MASCOT BRUSHES: Jittery Hand, Caffeinated Cartoonist + Rough Ink Brushes to Mimic Paper Bleed and Caffeine. Designed to be a little less stiff with your vector art. Use these Brush Libraries to get more of a distressed look or ink bleed back in your own Vector Artwork. (includes Updated Caffeinated Cartoonist, Rough Ink, and Jittery Hand Brush Libraries).
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
BRUSH LIBRARIES
DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
20% OFF
BRUSH LIBRARIES
DOWNLOAD BRUSHES
20% OFF
RESOURCE GUIDES
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS: Digital Downloads will come as Zipped Folders through our friends at Teachable. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Folders, they are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. After downloading, start with our Beginner Guides, Resource Guides, Illustrator Tutorials, or YouTube Playlists.
ARTBOARDS: File-New. Use a size or ratio that you can use for all of your own artwork. I recommend a 1080px by 1080px artboard for websites and social postings. Many of you will be looking to export your own artwork to Instagram. You can modify the size of the artwork or artboard with the Artboard Tool or Properties Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2
SKETCH OR TRACED PHOTO: I recommend starting from a Clean Line Drawing or a simple Traced Stock Photo for your artwork and designs. Create a "Traceable Path" to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator. You can speed up your workflow by using a Quick Sketch when you become more advanced. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2
TEMPLATES: File -Place in your own Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Stock Photo. Select your Resource Layer. (It will usually be your only layer) In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start "Building". BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2
DRAWING TEMPLATE: File - New. Create a Adobe Photoshop Document 2160px by 1080px. You can adjust the size to match your Export Size (1080px by 1080px). Select the Frame Tool. Create a Frame half of the size of the Document. File - Place Embedded to insert Photo. BEGINNER GUIDE 4 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 10
ADJUSTMENT LAYERS: Once you have placed in your Photo Reference, you can add Adjustment Layers. This will assist you in looking at the Photo Reference. This is not required. I recommend adding Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves, and Black & White. BEGINNER GUIDE 4 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 10
EXPORTING FROM LAYERS: When you are all done with your Sketches, Drawings, or Traced Stock Photos, I recommend Exporting from the Layers Panel. Select All of your Drawing Layers. Click on Export As from the Layers Panel Menu. This will Export All of your Drawing Layers. BEGINNER GUIDE 4 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 10
SAVING LIBRARIES: After downloading and extracting the Brushes Folder, I will recommend saving Brush Libraries to your 'User Defined." This will be for Quick Access to the Brush Libraries in New Documents. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2
OPENING BRUSHES: Opening your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator will be through the Brushes Panel. Click on "Open Brush Library." Select "Other Library" or "User Defined." BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2
EDITING BRUSHES: There are some different options for editing your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator. I will recommend using the Shape Builder Tool for Quick Editing of Expanded Brushes and Objects. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2
SAVING SWATCHES: Color Swatches are free on the internet. Go to Adobe Color. Select the Color Theme you would like to save. If you have CC, you can Add to your Library. If you have an older version, download as an ASE File. BEGINNER GUIDE 4 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 10
OPENING LIBRARIES: Open your Library Panel. Select the Color Theme you would like to use. Right Click on the Color Theme to Add Theme to your Swatches Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 4 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 10
OPENING SWATCHES: Open your Swatches Panel. In the Swatches Menu, drop down to Open Swatch Library. Select "Other Library" to open an ASE File saved on your computer. BEGINNER GUIDE 4 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 10
OPENING HALFTONES: Opening Halftones in Adobe Illustrator is as easy as Copying + Pasting them into your Working Artboard. Halftones will automatically populate into the Swatches Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6 / BEGINNER GUIDE 8
RESIZING PATTERNS: Depending on your artboard size, you might need to Resize Pattern Fills the Halftones in Adobe Illustrator. Simply use the Scale Tool to "Transform Patterns." BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6 / BEGINNER GUIDE 8
APPLYING HALFTONES: Halftones will behave just like any Color Swatch in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, use the Blob Brush to paint in Comic Halftone Patterns. BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6 / BEGINNER GUIDE 8
FINDING FONTS: For those of you using Adobe Fonts, I recommend starting from the Browse All, Trending, and Recommendations. I do recommend testing out the new Variable Fonts. FREE RESOURCES GUIDE / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
SAVING FONTS: When you find a Font or Family you like, you can simply click the Add Family to your Account. The Fonts will be available across your Adobe Programs. FREE RESOURCES GUIDE / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
SORTING FONTS: Have an idea of what you are looking for before looking for Fonts. Use the Categories and Tabs to sort through the Font Families. FREE RESOURCES GUIDE / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
PLACING TEXTURES: To use BMP in Adobe Illustrator, go to File- Place. Select any of the BMP Textures to bring in to your working artboard. Most adjustments will be in the Transparency Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
OPACITY MASKS: Using Opacity Masks in Adobe Illustrator is extremely fun. Click on "Make Mask" in the Transparency Panel. This will be for your own original artwork for T-shirt Distressing. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
CLIPPING MASKS: Using the "Draw Inside" feature is an easy way to use Clipping Masks in Adobe Illustrator. Simply File - Place in the BMP Texture into the selected "Draw Inside" Shape. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
TEMPLATES: File -Place in your own Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Stock Photo. Select your Resource Layer. (It will usually be your only layer) In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start "Building". BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
ARTBOARDS: File-New. Use a size or ratio that you can use for all of your own artwork. I recommend a 1080px by 1080px artboard for websites and social postings. Many of you will be looking to export your own artwork to Instagram. You can modify the size of the artwork or artboard with the Artboard Tool or Properties Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
SKETCH OR TRACED PHOTO: I recommend starting from a Clean Line Drawing or a simple Traced Stock Photo for your artwork and designs. Create a "Traceable Path" to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator. You can speed up your workflow by using a Quick Sketch when you become more advanced. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
DRAWING TEMPLATE: File - New. Create a Adobe Photoshop Document 2160px by 1080px. You can adjust the size to match your Export Size (1080px by 1080px). Select the Frame Tool. Create a Frame half of the size of the Document. File - Place Embedded to insert Photo. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
ADJUSTMENT LAYERS: Once you have placed in your Photo Reference, you can add Adjustment Layers. This will assist you in looking at the Photo Reference. This is not required. I recommend adding Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves, and Black & White. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
EXPORTING FROM LAYERS: When you are all done with your Sketches, Drawings, or Traced Stock Photos, I recommend Exporting from the Layers Panel. Select All of your Drawing Layers. Click on Export As from the Layers Panel Menu. This will Export All of your Drawing Layers. BEGINNER GUIDE / BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
SAVING LIBRARIES: After downloading and extracting the Brushes Folder, I will recommend saving Brush Libraries to your 'User Defined." This will be for Quick Access to the Brush Libraries in New Documents. BEGINNER GUIDE 8 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6
OPENING BRUSHES: Opening your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator will be through the Brushes Panel. Click on "Open Brush Library." Select "Other Library" or "User Defined." BEGINNER GUIDE 8 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6
EDITING BRUSHES: There are some different options for editing your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator. I will recommend using the Shape Builder Tool for Quick Editing of Expanded Brushes and Objects. BEGINNER GUIDE 8 / BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6
OPENING SWATCHES: Open your Swatches Panel. In the Swatches Menu, drop down to Open Swatch Library. Select "Other Library" to open an ASE File saved on your computer. BEGINNER GUIDE 10 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 4
SAVING SWATCHES: Color Swatches are free on the internet. Go to Adobe Color. Select the Color Theme you would like to save. If you have CC, you can Add to your Library. If you have an older version, download as an ASE File. BEGINNER GUIDE 10 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 4
OPENING LIBRARIES: Open your Library Panel. Select the Color Theme you would like to use. Right Click on the Color Theme to Add Theme to your Swatches Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 10 / BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / BEGINNER GUIDE 4
OPENING HALFTONES: Opening Halftones in Adobe Illustrator is as easy as Copying + Pasting them into your Working Artboard. Halftones will automatically populate into the Swatches Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6 / BEGINNER GUIDE 8
RESIZING PATTERNS: Depending on your artboard size, you might need to Resize Pattern Fills the Halftones in Adobe Illustrator. Simply use the Scale Tool to "Transform Patterns." BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6 / BEGINNER GUIDE 8
APPLYING HALFTONES: Halftones will behave just like any Color Swatch in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, use the Blob Brush to paint in Comic Halftone Patterns. BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / BEGINNER GUIDE 6 / BEGINNER GUIDE 8
FINDING FONTS: For those of you using Adobe Fonts, I recommend starting from the Browse All, Trending, and Recommendations. I do recommend testing out the new Variable Fonts. BEGINNER GUIDE
SAVING FONTS: When you find a Font or Family you like, you can simply click the Add Family to your Account. The Fonts will be available across your Adobe Programs. BEGINNER GUIDE
SORTING FONTS: Have an idea of what you are looking for before looking for Fonts. Use the Categories and Tabs to sort through the Font Families. BEGINNER GUIDE
PLACING TEXTURES: To use BMP in Adobe Illustrator, go to File- Place. Select any of the BMP Textures to bring in to your working artboard. Most adjustments will be in the Transparency Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
OPACITY MASKS: Using Opacity Masks in Adobe Illustrator is extremely fun. Click on "Make Mask" in the Transparency Panel. This will be for your own original artwork for T-shirt Distressing. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
CLIPPING MASKS: Using the "Draw Inside" feature is an easy way to use Clipping Masks in Adobe Illustrator. Simply File - Place in the BMP Texture into the selected "Draw Inside" Shape. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / BEGINNER GUIDE 9
DRAWING TEMPLATE: File - New. Create a Adobe Photoshop Document 2160px by 1080px. You can adjust the size to match your Export Size (1080px by 1080px). Select the Frame Tool. Create a Frame half of the size of the Document. File - Place Embedded to insert Photo. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
ADJUSTMENT LAYERS: Once you have placed in your Photo Reference, you can add Adjustment Layers. This will assist you in looking at the Photo Reference. This is not required. I recommend adding Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves, and Black & White. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
EXPORTING FROM LAYERS: When you are all done with your Sketches, Drawings, or Traced Stock Photos, I recommend Exporting from the Layers Panel. Select All of your Drawing Layers. Click on Export As from the Layers Panel Menu. This will Export All of your Drawing Layers. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
ARTBOARDS: File-New. Use a size or ratio that you can use for all of your own artwork. I recommend a 1080px by 1080px artboard for websites and social postings. Many of you will be looking to export your own artwork to Instagram. You can modify the size of the artwork or artboard with the Artboard Tool or Properties Panel. VIEW GETTING STARTED GUIDE
SKETCH OR TRACED PHOTO: I recommend starting from a Clean Line Drawing or a simple Traced Stock Photo for your artwork and designs. Create a "Traceable Path" to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator. You can speed up your workflow by using a Quick Sketch when you become more advanced. VIEW GETTING STARTED GUIDE
TEMPLATES: File -Place in your own Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Stock Photo. Select your Resource Layer. (It will usually be your only layer) In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start "Building". VIEW GETTING STARTED GUIDE
SAVING LIBRARIES: After downloading and extracting the Brushes Folder, I will recommend saving Brush Libraries to your 'User Defined." This will be for Quick Access to the Brush Libraries in New Documents. VIEW BRUSHES GUIDE
OPENING BRUSHES: Opening your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator will be through the Brushes Panel. Click on "Open Brush Library." Select "Other Library" or "User Defined." VIEW BRUSHES GUIDE
EDITING BRUSHES: There are some different options for editing your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator. I will recommend using the Shape Builder Tool for Quick Editing of Expanded Brushes and Objects. VIEW BRUSHES GUIDE
SAVING SWATCHES: Color Swatches are free on the internet. Go to Adobe Color. Select the Color Theme you would like to save. If you have CC, you can Add to your Library. If you have an older version, download as an ASE File. VIEW COLORING GUIDE
OPENING LIBRARIES: Open your Library Panel. Select the Color Theme you would like to use. Right Click on the Color Theme to Add Theme to your Swatches Panel. VIEW COLORING GUIDE
OPENING SWATCHES: Open your Swatches Panel. In the Swatches Menu, drop down to Open Swatch Library. Select "Other Library" to open an ASE File saved on your computer. VIEW COLORING GUIDE
OPENING HALFTONES: Opening Halftones in Adobe Illustrator is as easy as Copying + Pasting them into your Working Artboard. Halftones will automatically populate into the Swatches Panel. VIEW HALFTONES GUIDE
RESIZING PATTERNS: Depending on your artboard size, you might need to Resize Pattern Fills the Halftones in Adobe Illustrator. Simply use the Scale Tool to "Transform Patterns." VIEW HALFTONES GUIDE
APPLYING HALFTONES: Halftones will behave just like any Color Swatch in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, use the Blob Brush to paint in Comic Halftone Patterns. VIEW HALFTONES GUIDE
PLACING TEXTURES: To use BMP in Adobe Illustrator, go to File- Place. Select any of the BMP Textures to bring in to your working artboard. Most adjustments will be in the Transparency Panel. VIEW TEXTURES GUIDE
OPACITY MASKS: Using Opacity Masks in Adobe Illustrator is extremely fun. Click on "Make Mask" in the Transparency Panel. This will be for your own original artwork for T-shirt Distressing. VIEW TEXTURES GUIDE
CLIPPING MASKS: Using the "Draw Inside" feature is an easy way to use Clipping Masks in Adobe Illustrator. Simply File - Place in the BMP Texture into the selected "Draw Inside" Shape. VIEW TEXTURES GUIDE
ARTBOARDS: File-New. Use a size or ratio that you can use for all of your own artwork. I recommend a 1080px by 1080px artboard for websites and social postings. Many of you will be looking to export your own artwork to Instagram. You can modify the size of the artwork or artboard with the Artboard Tool or Properties Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
SKETCH OR TRACED PHOTO: I recommend starting from a Clean Line Drawing or a simple Traced Stock Photo for your artwork and designs. Create a "Traceable Path" to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator. You can speed up your workflow by using a Quick Sketch when you become more advanced. BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
TEMPLATES: File -Place in your own Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Stock Photo. Select your Resource Layer. (It will usually be your only layer) In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start "Building". BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
ADJUSTMENT LAYERS: Once you have placed in your Photo Reference, you can add Adjustment Layers. This will assist you in looking at the Photo Reference. This is not required. I recommend adding Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves, and Black & White. BEGINNER GUIDE 3 / DRAWING GUIDE
EXPORTING FROM LAYERS: When you are all done with your Sketches, Drawings, or Traced Stock Photos, I recommend Exporting from the Layers Panel. Select All of your Drawing Layers. Click on Export As from the Layers Panel Menu. This will Export All of your Drawing Layers. BEGINNER GUIDE 4 / DRAWING GUIDE
DRAWING TEMPLATE: File - New. Create a Adobe Photoshop Document 2160px by 1080px. You can adjust the size to match your Export Size (1080px by 1080px). Select the Frame Tool. Create a Frame half of the size of the Document. File - Place Embedded to insert Photo. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / DRAWING GUIDE
SAVING LIBRARIES: After downloading and extracting the Brushes Folder, I will recommend saving Brush Libraries to your 'User Defined." This will be for Quick Access to the Brush Libraries in New Documents. BEGINNER GUIDE / BRUSHES GUIDE
OPENING BRUSHES: Opening your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator will be through the Brushes Panel. Click on "Open Brush Library." Select "Other Library" or "User Defined." BEGINNER GUIDE 1 / BRUSHES GUIDE
EDITING BRUSHES: There are some different options for editing your Brushes in Adobe Illustrator. I will recommend using the Shape Builder Tool for Quick Editing of Expanded Brushes and Objects. BEGINNER GUIDE 3 / BRUSHES GUIDE
SAVING SWATCHES: Color Swatches are free on the internet. Go to Adobe Color. Select the Color Theme you would like to save. If you have CC, you can Add to your Library. If you have an older version, download as an ASE File. BEGINNER GUIDE 7 / COLORING GUIDE
OPENING LIBRARIES: Open your Library Panel. Select the Color Theme you would like to use. Right Click on the Color Theme to Add Theme to your Swatches Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 10 / COLORING GUIDE
OPENING SWATCHES: Open your Swatches Panel. In the Swatches Menu, drop down to Open Swatch Library. Select "Other Library" to open an ASE File saved on your computer. BEGINNER GUIDE 11 / COLORING GUIDE
OPENING HALFTONES: Opening Halftones in Adobe Illustrator is as easy as Copying + Pasting them into your Working Artboard. Halftones will automatically populate into the Swatches Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 2 / HALFTONES GUIDE
RESIZING PATTERNS: Depending on your artboard size, you might need to Resize Pattern Fills the Halftones in Adobe Illustrator. Simply use the Scale Tool to "Transform Patterns." BEGINNER GUIDE 6 / HALFTONES GUIDE
APPLYING HALFTONES: Halftones will behave just like any Color Swatch in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, use the Blob Brush to paint in Comic Halftone Patterns. BEGINNER GUIDE 8 / HALFTONES GUIDE
FINDING FONTS: For those of you using Adobe Fonts, I recommend starting from the Browse All, Trending, and Recommendations. I do recommend testing out the new Variable Fonts. FREE RESOURCES GUIDE / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
SAVING FONTS: When you find a Font or Family you like, you can simply click the Add Family to your Account. The Fonts will be available across your Adobe Programs. FREE RESOURCES GUIDE / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
SORTING FONTS: Have an idea of what you are looking for before looking for Fonts. Use the Categories and Tabs to sort through the Font Families. FREE RESOURCES GUIDE / GETTING STARTED GUIDE
PLACING TEXTURES: To use BMP in Adobe Illustrator, go to File- Place. Select any of the BMP Textures to bring in to your working artboard. Most adjustments will be in the Transparency Panel. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / TEXTURES GUIDE
OPACITY MASKS: Using Opacity Masks in Adobe Illustrator is extremely fun. Click on "Make Mask" in the Transparency Panel. This will be for your own original artwork for T-shirt Distressing. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / TEXTURES GUIDE
CLIPPING MASKS: Using the "Draw Inside" feature is an easy way to use Clipping Masks in Adobe Illustrator. Simply File - Place in the BMP Texture into the selected "Draw Inside" Shape. BEGINNER GUIDE 5 / TEXTURES GUIDE
I appreciate your videos. I have been an illustrator user for years and have my own ways of doing things. It's great to see other ways of using tools and learning tricks I didn't know were available! It's also good to see you doing the same thing as me in other instances, confirming I'm on the right track!Andy Zenz
Awesome tutorial! I don't think I've picked up something so easily from someone who knows what they are doing. I managed to draw my first vector art and it was a joy! Great work keep it up!blitz145
Thank you loads! Compared to other tutorials, yours are just really well-explained and easy-to-follow. Can totally see that you've got a passion for what you're doing and that's just wonderful! 🙂 Keep it up, you're doing an amazing job. Yulia Kachurova
Love your video thanks so much. you blow Lynda.com out of the water!!!!Steve Yensel
Brilliant video. So much great info packed in here. I'm just getting started drawing cartoons with my Wacom tablet, and this was a huge help. Thumbs up and thanks!Dorian Staten
Wow Thanks Jason...was really struggling with making images with basic shapes. Your tutorial is helping me out!!Kishor Rajani
thanks a lot you are really one of my favorites, I like the steps you give us, and I'm so thankful for that effort you do for helping us :)Wessam Lotfi
Keep up the good work Jason. I’ve been doing Lynda.com tutorials for a few months now and I got more out of your videos than what I’ve received at Lynda. Keep it up and Thank You!!bobby jacobs • 1 year ago
These tutorials are amazing. Just started using illustrator and really glad I found your channel. The only videos that explain everything step by stepAida Stan
You are definitely one of the best teachers I've found dealing with start to finish creative process. Great work!!!Jasen Fisher
Thank you so much man, I loved the way you explain this, I spent days looking for a good tutorial vid, thanks a lot, gonna keep watching your videos!!!Karel Marccenaro
Awesome tutorial! I don't think I've picked up something so easily from someone who knows what they are doing. I managed to draw my first vector art and it was a joy! Great work keep it up!blitz145
Thank you loads! Compared to other tutorials, yours are just really well-explained and easy-to-follow. Can totally see that you've got a passion for what you're doing and that's just wonderful! 🙂 Keep it up, you're doing an amazing job. Yulia Kachurova
Love your video thanks so much. you blow Lynda.com out of the water!!!!Steve Yensel
Brilliant video. So much great info packed in here. I'm just getting started drawing cartoons with my Wacom tablet, and this was a huge help. Thumbs up and thanks!Dorian Staten
Keep up the good work Jason. I’ve been doing Lynda.com tutorials for a few months now and I got more out of your videos than what I’ve received at Lynda. Keep it up and Thank You!!bobby jacobs • 1 year ago
These tutorials are amazing. Just started using illustrator and really glad I found your channel. The only videos that explain everything step by stepAida Stan
You are definitely one of the best teachers I've found dealing with start to finish creative process. Great work!!!Jasen Fisher