BEGINNER GUIDE

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

Download our ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES + RESOURCES to Follow Along with our Tutorials or use them with Your Own Vector Artwork.

TUTORIALS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will focus on the 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.
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.
DOWNLOAD RESOURCES: 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 Resource Images, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Tutorials and Playlists will focus on Building Tools, Applying Brushes, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. Learning Target: Apply the Building, Editing, and Coloring Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
DOWNLOAD BRUSHES. Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Brush Libraries. 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.
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 Adobe Illustrator Brush Libraries, T-Shirt Textures, or Resource Bundles.
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.
BEGINNER: 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.
ADVANCED: 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.
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ARTBOARDS: I will recommend a (1080px by 1080px, 300PPI, RGB) as your Initial or Base Artboard Size. The Initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Use the Properties Panel to Scale Artwork and Artboards. LEARNING TARGET (1): Create a "Building Template" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Images, and Template Layers. LEARNING TARGET (2): Pick a "Building" Artboard Size you can use for your own Artwork and Social Media Postings. Example: Instagram uses 1080px as its base size to modify for Landscape, Square, or Portrait.
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GENERAL PREFERENCES: All of our initial preferences are designed to gain more control over what you are clicking on. The more you can zoom in and see your anchors and handles the better. You can adjust the size of your Anchors and Handles under Selection and Anchor Display. Under your General Settings, make sure that Disable Auto Add/Delete is Selected.
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SELECTION TOOLS: The Direct Selection Tool can grab and adjust the Anchors, Handles, and Paths. It is worth having your Smart Guides Path Labels Turned On so you know what the tool is selecting before dragging. The Selection Tool will move and select objects. I like using the Bounding Box for my Transform Tools, Turn On under View. I recommend this for Quick Scaling.
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STOCK PHOTOS: Bookmark these Websites for Free Stock Photos. For your artwork, Type your Subject Matter into the search bar to find a Photo, Drawing, or Color Reference. LEARNING TARGET: Download Free Stock Photos for your Designs, Drawings, and Sketches. UNSPLASH / PEXELS / PIXABAY
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PHOTO REFERENCES: For your own artwork, look for photos to use as drawing, design, or color references. I recommend gathering and organizing images based on the same subject matter for your character or logo designs. LEARNING TARGET (1): For your own artwork, start from a Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Stock Photo. 
WELCOME. 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+) Tutorials, Challenges, and Guides for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Mascot Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Learning Target: Download and Extract Brush Libraries and save to your "User Defined" for quick access.
GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of creating templates and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
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 Tutorials or Primary Building Tools.  LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
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SKETCH: For those of you looking to use a Sketch or Drawing, I will recommend a Clean Line Drawing. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, align your Basic Design Elements (Shapes + Lines) with the Primary Building Tools. 
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PHOTO: For those of you using a Photo Reference, it's important to make sure the details are still visible after creating a template layer or adjusting the opacity. Find a Template Layer Setting where you can still see the Photo and Paths.
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TRACE: For those of you looking to use a Photo Reference, I will still recommend doing a simple Trace. A Clean Line Drawing will give you a “Traceable Path” to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
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New Artboards: I recommend establishing a "Building Artboard" that you can use for your own artwork. A habit that I would like you to break is treating Adobe Illustrator like Photoshop. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Pick the size you will use most frequently to establish a routine while learning. Example: 1080px by 1080px - RGB - 300 PPI. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a "Standardized Approach" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Type, and Template Layers that will relate to your own artwork.
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Template Layer: Have your Resource Layer Selected. (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 working in Adobe Illustrator. It will give you an error message (no sign) if you try to draw on the Template Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a Template Layer Setting so that you can see the Reference Image while not becoming too distracting when building in Adobe Illustrator.
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DRAWING TEMPLATE: I have created a Drawing Template of 2160px by 1080px in Adobe Photoshop. This will allow me to Export my Drawing or Sketch from Layers at 1080px by 1080px. I have created a Frame of 1080px by 1080px. File - Place in your Photo Reference. You can add Adjustment Layers to assist your drawings and sketches. LEARNING TARGET (1): Create a New Document 2160px by 1080px. LEARNING TARGET (2): Add Adjustment Layers to your Photo Layer. 
WELCOME. 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+) Tutorials, Challenges, and Guides for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Mascot Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Learning Target: Download and Extract Brush Libraries and save to your "User Defined" for quick access.
GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of creating templates and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
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 Tutorials or Primary Building Tools.  LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
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SKETCH: For those of you looking to use a Sketch or Drawing, I will recommend a Clean Line Drawing. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, align your Basic Design Elements (Shapes + Lines) with the Primary Building Tools. 
Image
PHOTO: For those of you using a Photo Reference, it's important to make sure the details are still visible after creating a template layer or adjusting the opacity. Find a Template Layer Setting where you can still see the Photo and Paths.
Image
TRACE: For those of you looking to use a Photo Reference, I will still recommend doing a simple Trace. A Clean Line Drawing will give you a “Traceable Path” to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
Image
New Artboards: I recommend establishing a "Building Artboard" that you can use for your own artwork. A habit that I would like you to break is treating Adobe Illustrator like Photoshop. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Pick the size you will use most frequently to establish a routine while learning. Example: 1080px by 1080px - RGB - 300 PPI. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a "Standardized Approach" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Type, and Template Layers that will relate to your own artwork.
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Template Layer: Have your Resource Layer Selected. (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 working in Adobe Illustrator. It will give you an error message (no sign) if you try to draw on the Template Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a Template Layer Setting so that you can see the Reference Image while not becoming too distracting when building in Adobe Illustrator.
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DRAWING OR TRACED PHOTO: The easiest starting point for Adobe Illustrator is a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Stock Photo. LEARNING TARGET (1): For your artwork, create a "Traceable Path" to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET (2): As you become more advanced, prepare your drawings for Specific Tools or Steps in your Workflow (ex. Pen Tool, Blend Tool, Repeat-Mirror, or Values).
WELCOME. 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+) Tutorials, Challenges, and Guides for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Mascot Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Learning Target: Download and Extract Brush Libraries and save to your "User Defined" for quick access.
GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of creating templates and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
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 Tutorials or Primary Building Tools.  LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
Image
SKETCH: For those of you looking to use a Sketch or Drawing, I will recommend a Clean Line Drawing. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, align your Basic Design Elements (Shapes + Lines) with the Primary Building Tools. 
Image
PHOTO: For those of you using a Photo Reference, it's important to make sure the details are still visible after creating a template layer or adjusting the opacity. Find a Template Layer Setting where you can still see the Photo and Paths.
Image
TRACE: For those of you looking to use a Photo Reference, I will still recommend doing a simple Trace. A Clean Line Drawing will give you a “Traceable Path” to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
Image
New Artboards: I recommend establishing a "Building Artboard" that you can use for your own artwork. A habit that I would like you to break is treating Adobe Illustrator like Photoshop. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Pick the size you will use most frequently to establish a routine while learning. Example: 1080px by 1080px - RGB - 300 PPI. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a "Standardized Approach" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Type, and Template Layers that will relate to your own artwork.
Image
Template Layer: Have your Resource Layer Selected. (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 working in Adobe Illustrator. It will give you an error message (no sign) if you try to draw on the Template Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a Template Layer Setting so that you can see the Reference Image while not becoming too distracting when building in Adobe Illustrator.
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TEMPLATE LAYER: File-Place in your Resource Image (Traced Stock Photo, Drawing, or Sketch). Scale to Fit Artboard Size. 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 working in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET (1): Create a Template Layer. Add a new Layer above for "Building." 
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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. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2, TUTORIAL 3

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    PENCIL TOOL: 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

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      PEN TOOL: 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

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        (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. 

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          (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. 

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            (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. 

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              PRIMARY BUILDING: As I am creating my artwork, notice I am aligning the Tools to the Shapes and Lines within my Sketch or Drawing. Many of you will be using Shape, Pencil, and Pen Tools as your Primary Building Tools. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand the Building Tool and Options in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET (2): Align the Building Tools (Ellipse, Pen, and Curvature Tools) to the Design Elements (Shapes, Lines, and Curves) in your artwork.
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              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. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2, TUTORIAL 3

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                PENCIL TOOL: 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

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                  PEN TOOL: 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

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                    (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. 

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                      (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. 

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                        (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. 

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                          VARIATION + EDITING. Many of you will be applying and editing our Brush Libraries. Once you have downloaded and extracted the Brushes Folders, I recommend Saving Brush Libraries to your "User Defined" by clicking Save Brush Library in the Brushes Menu.  LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools.
                          FOCUS: Many of our tutorials follow a beginner process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our Website Tutorials based on Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand and Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
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                          LIVE EDITING: While you are building in Adobe Illustrator, you can use the “Live” Editing Tools to Cut and Edit Paths. Some of the basic tools will be the Scissor Tool, Path Eraser, or Shape Builder. I do recommend going long with your initial Paths.
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                          VARIATION: Many of you will be applying our Brush Libraries. To Open Brushes, open the Brushes Panel. Click on Open Brush Library. Scroll down to “Other Library.” Select one of the Brush Libraries to apply. If you saved Brushes, you can Open from “User Defined.”
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                          EXPANDED EDITING: After completing the Line Variation, I will recommend keeping the “Live” Layer from future Editing. Duplicate and Lock Out. We will be Expanding this New Layer to use with Shape Builder for Fast Editing. Hold down Alt/Option while Editing.
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                          COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                          COLOR SWATCHES: Bookmark these Websites for Free Color Swatches. Adobe Color has a beautiful website that is full of Free Color Swatches and Themes. I recommend starting by typing in the Subject Matter using the Explore Tab. You can also use the Extract Theme feature on Adobe Color or Canva to create a Color Theme based on your Photo Reference. LEARNING TARGET: Add the Color Theme to your Library (CC) or download them as ASE files for your artwork and designs. ADOBE COLOR / COLORKIT / CANVA
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                          PRIMARY BUILDING: Understand and Apply the different Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.  VIEW BUILDING TUTORIALS

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                            VARIATION + EDITING: Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW EDITING TUTORIALS

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                              ADVANCED COLORING: Understand and Apply Live Paint and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW COLOR TUTORIALS

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                                (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. 

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                                  (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. 

                                    Image

                                    (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. 

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                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      EXTRACT THEME: When looking for Stock Photos for your artwork, look for Images you can use as Color References. You can upload your Photo to create a New Theme by using the Extract Theme Tab. Save to your Library or download it as an ASE File. Add the Color Themes to your Library (CC) or download them as ASE files.
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                                      PRIMARY BUILDING: Understand and Apply the different Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.  VIEW BUILDING TUTORIALS

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                                        VARIATION + EDITING: Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW EDITING TUTORIALS

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                                          ADVANCED COLORING: Understand and Apply Live Paint and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW COLOR TUTORIALS

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                                            (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. 

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                                              (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. 

                                                Image

                                                (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. 

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                                                  COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                                  SAVING + OPENING: If you have a CC Account, simply click Add to Library from Adobe Color. If you don't have a CC Account, download Color Swatches from Adobe Color as an ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. If you added to your Library (CC). Open from the Library Panel.  LEARNING TARGET (1): Save or Download Free Color Swatches for your own artwork and designs. LEARNING TARGET (2): Open through the Swatches Panel or Library. 
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                                                  PRIMARY BUILDING: Understand and Apply the different Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.  VIEW BUILDING TUTORIALS

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                                                    VARIATION + EDITING: Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW EDITING TUTORIALS

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                                                      ADVANCED COLORING: Understand and Apply Live Paint and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW COLOR TUTORIALS

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                                                        (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. 

                                                          Image

                                                          (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. 

                                                            Image

                                                            (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. 

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                                                              COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                                              ADVANCED COLORING: In our Advanced Coloring Tutorials, we will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer before moving on to Values and Gradients. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques to your own artwork or designs.
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                                                              PRIMARY BUILDING: Understand and Apply the different Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.  VIEW BUILDING TUTORIALS

                                                                Image

                                                                VARIATION + EDITING: Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW EDITING TUTORIALS

                                                                  Image

                                                                  ADVANCED COLORING: Understand and Apply Live Paint and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW COLOR TUTORIALS

                                                                    Image

                                                                    (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. 

                                                                      Image

                                                                      (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. 

                                                                        Image

                                                                        (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. 

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                                                                          COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                                                          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. After downloading Resource Folders, start with our Resource Guides or Illustrator Tutorials to learn how to Apply Brushes + Halftones + Textures. BRUSHES GUIDE / HALFTONES GUIDE / TEXTURES GUIDE
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                                                                          PRIMARY BUILDING: Understand and Apply the different Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.  VIEW BUILDING TUTORIALS

                                                                            Image

                                                                            VARIATION + EDITING: Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW EDITING TUTORIALS

                                                                              Image

                                                                              ADVANCED COLORING: Understand and Apply Live Paint and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW COLOR TUTORIALS

                                                                                Image

                                                                                (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. 

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                                                                                  (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. 

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                                                                                    (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. 

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                                                                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                                                                      FONTS: Bookmark these Websites for Free Fonts. If you have CC, Fonts can be easily downloaded or installed from Adobe Fonts. I recommend installing some of the new Variable Fonts. Here are some Font Sites that I have used in the past. Check the Free Fonts Sites for Personal Use or Commercial Use Restrictions. LEARNING TARGET: Download or Save Fonts for your own artwork and designs. ADOBE FONTS / DAFONT FREE FONTS / FONT SQUIRREL FREE FONTS / GOOGLE FREE FONTS
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                                                                                      PRIMARY BUILDING: Understand and Apply the different Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.  VIEW BUILDING TUTORIALS

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                                                                                        VARIATION + EDITING: Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW EDITING TUTORIALS

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                                                                                          ADVANCED COLORING: Understand and Apply Live Paint and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW COLOR TUTORIALS

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                                                                                            (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. 

                                                                                              Image

                                                                                              (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. 

                                                                                                Image

                                                                                                (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 TUTORIALS

                                                                                                  ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Tutorials and Playlists will focus on Building Tools, Applying Brushes, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. Learning Target (1): Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator. Learning Target (2): Apply the Building, Editing, and Coloring Tools using your own artwork.
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial posicle
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE 
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial duck
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building and Coloring Methods using Shapes. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods using Shapes. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial duck
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building and Coloring Methods using Shapes. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand Building, Variation, Editing, and Basic Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial duck
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand Building, Variation, Editing, and Basic Coloring Methods. VIEW DUCK TUTORIAL
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial snail
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand Building, Variation, and Expanded Editing Methods. VIEW SNAIL TUTORIAL
                                                                                                  beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                                                                                  BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW CAT TUTORIAL
                                                                                                  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