ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

RESOURCE GUIDES

RESOURCE GUIDES: As I create my artwork, pay attention to the resources being used throughout the Workflows, Tutorials, and YouTube Playlists. LEARNING TARGET (1): Download Brushes and Resource Folders to use with your own artwork and designs. LEARNING TARGET (2): Start with our Resource Guides to understand how to download, save, and apply Brush Libraries, Comic Halftones, and T-Shirt Textures in Adobe Illustrator.

TUTORIALS: 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): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.

GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of downloading, saving, and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET (1): Download Stock Photos to use as a Resource Images. LEARNING TARGET (2): Download and Save Brush Libraries. LEARNING TARGET (3): Download or Save Color Swatches.

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.

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.

ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Tutorials and Playlists 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.

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 Brush Libraries, Comic Halftones, T-Shirt Textures, or Resource Bundles.

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: In our Beginner Guides and Tutorials, you will see me give Prompts and Learning Targets. These directions will simplify the process of learning Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.

ADVANCED: As I am creating my artwork, pay attention to the Sequence of Events, Resources, and Tool Options as it relates to building a "Workflow." LEARNING TARGET: Apply Building, Variation, Editing, and Advanced Color Techniques to your own Artwork.

FOCUS: 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): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.

"BUILDING" ARTBOARD: I recommend establishing a "Standardized Approach" that you can use for your own 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, Resources, and Template Layers.

DOWNLOAD RESOURCES: 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.

RESOURCE IMAGES: 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 Stock Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Download Resource Images to use for your artwork and designs.

COLOR SWATCHES: I highly recommend using Adobe Color for your Themes to add to your Library or download .ASE Files to Open. 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.

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.

beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale

BRUSH LIBRARIES: Once you have downloaded and extracted the folders, Brushes are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Download our Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Vintage Mascot Brushes. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES / RESOURCE BUNDLE

SAVE LIBRARIES. I recommend Saving Brush Libraries to your "User Defined" for Quick Access in Adobe Illustrator. Save Brush Libraries to your "User Defined" by clicking "Save Brush Library" from the dropdown in the Brushes Menu.

PRIMARY BUILDING: Many of you will use Shape, Pencil, and Pen Tools as your Primary Building Tools. Understand the Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator. Align the Building Tools (Ellipse, Pen, and Curvature Tools) to the Design Elements (Shapes, Lines, and Curves) in your own drawing or sketch.

APPLYING BRUSHES: Match the Brushes to the Line Variation. Select the Brushes and Line Weight. The easiest method is to find the ends and visually find the other end to see if it will be floating or hitting another line. If it hits another line that signals a darker value to the end should reflect the change in value. (Thicker End).

EXPANDED EDITING: To use Shape Builder, you must Duplicate and Expand the Brush Layer. Select All - Expand (Expand Appearance). I recommend duplicating the Brushes Layer to preserve a Live Brush Layer for future edits. Go long with your initial paths to create a larger target for editing with Shape Builder.

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COMIC HALFTONES: Once you have downloaded and extracted the folder, Halftones are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Download our Comic Strip Halftone and Pattern Fills. DOWNLOAD HALFTONES / RESOURCE BUNDLE

OPEN HALFTONES: Pattern Fills and Halftones are Adobe Illustrator Files. The goal is to Open + Copy + Paste the Swatches into the Working Artboard. The Pattern Fills (Swatches) will automatically populate into your Swatches once you Copy - Paste.

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."

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.

KNIFE TOOL: We will use the Knife Tool to cut the Basic Shape we created, creating values with our Halftones. Troubleshooting: 1. Select the Shape before Cutting. 2. Make sure you cut all the way through the shape (go long with cuts).

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T-SHIRT TEXTURES: Once you have downloaded and extracted the folders, Textures are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Download Crack, Grunge Distressing, Paper, and Paint Splatter BMP Textures. DOWNLOAD TEXTURES / RESOURCE BUNDLE

RESIZE ARTWORK: I recommend duplicating the layer or copying and pasting to a new artboard. Select All - Group. Use the Properties Panel to transform your original Artwork or Design to fit Printer Requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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ARTBOARDS + TEMPLATES: Create Templates or use Program Presets for your own artwork and designs. I recommend creating a Drawing Template based on your frequently used sizes. (Size / Color Mode / Resolution)

RESOURCE GUIDES: As I create my artwork, pay attention to the resources being used throughout the Workflows, Tutorials, and YouTube Playlists.

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.

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.

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.

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

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RESOURCES + STOCK PHOTOS: Download Stock Photos or Reference Images for your own artwork and designs. I recommend gathering and organizing resources within the same project folder (Stock Photos / Sketches / Thumbnails / Color Swatches).

RESOURCE GUIDES: As I create my artwork, pay attention to the resources being used throughout the Workflows, Tutorials, and 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.

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.

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".

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COLOR SWATCHES + THEMES: Download or Save Color Swatches for your own artwork and designs. I recommend gathering and organizing resources within the same project folder (Stock Photos / Sketches / Thumbnails / Color Swatches).

RESOURCE GUIDES: As I create my artwork, pay attention to the resources being used throughout the Workflows, Tutorials, and YouTube Playlists.

SAVING SWATCHES: For those of you using Adobe Color, I recommend starting from the Explore Tab. If you have CC, you can Add to your Library. If you have an older version, download as an ASE File.

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.

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.

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FONTS + FAMILIES: Download or Install Font Families (Adobe Fonts / Dafont / Font Squirrel / Google Fonts) for your own artwork and designs. I recommend gathering and organizing resources within the same project folder (Stock Photos / Sketches / Thumbnails / Color Swatches).

BEGINNER GUIDES: As I create my artwork, pay attention to the resources being used throughout the Workflows, Tutorials, and YouTube Playlists. BEGINNER GUIDE 9 / BEGINNER GUIDE 10 / BEGINNER GUIDE 11

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.

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.

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.

RESOURCE BUNDLE

600 ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR RESOURCES: (SALE 35% OFF) Our Comic Halftones, Brush Libraries, and BMP Textures will come to you as a Zipped Folder on Teachable. Once you have downloaded and Extracted the Folder, the Resources are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Resource Bundle includes our 70 Comic Halftones, 200 Illustrator Brushes, and 400 BMP Textures.

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES. Our (Updated) Adobe Illustrator Brush Libraries are specifically designed for Illustrators and Cartoonists to speed up their workflow. Brush Libraries are compatible with Adobe Illustrator CC through CS. Mac or PC. Brush Libraries: 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES / BRUSHES GUIDE

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. DOWNLOAD HALFTONES / HALFTONES GUIDE

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR BMP TEXTURES. Our BMP Textures are extremely easy to use even if you are a beginner to Adobe Illustrator. Use BMP Textures along with Opacity Masks in the Transparency Panel for T-Shirt Distressing. BMP Textures: 145 Cracks, 120 Grunge Distressing, 75 Paper, and 77 Paint Splatter Textures. DOWNLOAD TEXTURES / TEXTURES GUIDE

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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